Would you look at this FBL Franklin?

dan1ecu

1960 MS65 FBL

There is a contact mark on the left side, which goes right through the lower bell lines. Are marks like this not considered to preclude FBL status?

Thanks,

Dan

LucyBop

Well, as per an earlier definition, that does break the full line....Maybe with some luck, there is some hope for my 53s....I was told PCGs is not as strick as NGC which grades the full 7 bell lines....Experts chip in as Lucy wants to learn..

supercoin

Debatable, I don't think the services are terribly consistent regarding marks on bell lines, and it's clear the lines continue on both sides.

But that big honker right below the bell should preclude MS65 status! A lot of other scuffs too. Overall a rough looking MS65.

I like Bop's better!

TWODOGS

I have seen quite a few slabbed FBL's that have contact marks on the bell lines. I believe that if the coin is minted with full bell lines, a contact mark after the fact, doesn't affect the designation. Just the grade. Hard to believe that coin was given a 65.

Dog97

Don't look FBL to me but it may just be the scan.

FC57Coins

I agree with supercoins and our canine friends. This is a marginal 65 at best by virtue of the contact marks and the hit on the bell lines. Now, in defense of the graders, one thing that I've noticed in taking pictures of Franklins is that the contact marks jump out at you a lot more than to the naked eye sometimes, therefore, it might be that the marks that we're seeing, particularly on the obverse might be exhagerated. However, I've seen 64's with less contact on the cheek area than this particular piece. Probably the reason that it went for $149. PQ pieces of this date usually go for about $200.

Regards,

Frank

PS - as for the hit on the bell line - well - in my book it is a full bell line coin, because the coin was damaged after minting. However, it was damaged after minting, therefore I would not give PQ money for this piece. Again, I think the fact that it went for $149 reflects some of these flaws.