Why dosn't everyone collect MS-64's

mbbiker

I was just looking on e-bay at franklin halfs a MS-64 FBL coin goes for $100 and the same coin only graded MS-65 FBL is getting bids of over a grand why the heck would anyone pay that much for one little number on a slab (which is just someones opinion isn't it)

Russ

I do in my Walker short set.

Russ, NCNE

dan1ecu

The only thing that I can think of is that there’s usually a noticeable difference in eye appeal between an MS64 and an MS65. Also, the “gem BU” designation goes with the MS65.

Dan

Geoman

I collect MS64's.

As a newer collector, I do not have funds to play with the "big boys" yet. Maybe someday I'll upgrade. But I looked at prices and noticed a big jump in the prices between the Franklins in MS64FBL's and MS65FBL's. Similarly, there is a pretty good jump between the MS64 and MS65 in Walker Liberty Halves. Since I am interested in half dollars, I decided to start a Registry Set of Franklin's in MS64FBL and the short set for Walkers in MS64. I have purchased 4 Franklin's, all MS64FBL's, and have yet to pay over $20. For that price, I can't go wrong.

LucyBop

MS64 FBL's Franklins are a great buy, but don't buy em, cause Lucy is! A typical MS64 has bagmarks but can be very brilliant, in MS65 these marks are harder to find on the coin. The MS65 I have is as clean as some of my MS66's....

wingedliberty

MS64 is my favorite grade for many series, including Morgans, Peace, Walkers, Mercs, Commems.,etc


Brian.

FC57Coins

Ah my dear uniformed friend (just kidding )

I've asked myself the same question - because in a sense, the coins look very similar...HOWEVER, there is something very gemlike about a superbly preserved MS65FBL or MS66FBL. Because of the fact that the design of these coins is so simple and sparse, they are prone to many hits and dings, particularly in sensitive areas. As such, these gems ARE very scarce. Now, are they for everyone? I guess it's like some fine wines, you have to learn to appreciate them. I guess for me it's a combination of their simple beauty and the fact that they're are very hard to come by that makes them special for me.

Regards,

Frank

coppercoins

I thought MS64 was the lowest grade that the GEM designation went with. Am I incorrect?

CLASSICS

it all comes down to eye appeal, nicks, rub, dings, luster, and strike. in general, the nicer the coin, the higher the price. in general people want the better no problem coins. but keep in mind, the 100.00 ms 64 coins as time goes on might stay close to that price, where as the ms65 coins, appear to increase at a much faster rate. something to think about when it comes time to sell. here is what i did. i had my choice between two franklin half dollars, one was full bell lines ms 65, all white, nice luster, the other one was ms 64 full bell lines, but had beautiful mint set tone, with great eye appeal, and was cheaper than the white ms 65 fbl, what did i do ? you guessed it, i bought the ms 64 with the mint set tone. why? because i like it better. not because it was cheaper, with all that said, if it looks nice, and you like it. buy it. but do remember, dont get carried away and over pay.

FC57Coins

"Gem" I think is in the eye of the beholder - take a look and make your own mind up

Frank

KAJ1

I collect 64 fbl.

I try to find 64's that should be in 65 holders.
Some 64's are really banged up.

Kevin

coynclecter

MS 64 is my favorite grade. It usually means its a GEM with a nick or two somewhere that you need an eyeglass to see. The reason people collect higher grades is because they can afford to not because they are a better value.

Gilbert

I also collect Franklins in the grade of 64FBL, with an eye for the just missed 65.

Why?

The difference in appearance (strike and bagginess) for many of the, ahem, MS65 coins IS NOT commensurate with the difference in price, to my mind anyway. Yes, they are coins I would like to upgrade. Yes there are SOME coins with better grades that merit higher prices. When you consider that 66 is about the max grade for a Franklin half dollar (generally speaking) then, for my money, the coin really has to show an obvious and significant improvement over the 64.

MAULUMALL

I collect Morgans in 64.ANACS is tough on Morgans in 65.Their 64's are very inexpensive compared to PCGS but PLEASE,Don't tell anyone. (I'm cheap)

jom

Buying in the grade just BELOW the big jump in price (the particular grade depends on the series and/or date) is a great way to buy. Do what David Bowers has always said: Take your time and cherry-pick the highest QUALITY coin you can find. Quality and grade do not necessarily go hand and hand. Learn to grade, know your series and be patient.

jom

09sVDB

For reasons already stated I to prefer MS64 for the value the grade offers. I also like AU58 if I can't afford the MS grade.