A couple of questions about Franklins and Silver

ccr

First question is what is the difference between a "FBL" Franklin and one that isn`t? A visual-aid would be helpful.

Second question is with the Comstock Lode, Why was it minted into Morgan Dollars ( or currency in general ) and not into Ingots like today?

FC57Coins

Bell Line comparison for you below. According to PCGS:

Full Bell Lines (FBL) - Franklin half dollars. 1948-63, MS60 or better. Exhibit complete, uninterrupted lower lines on the Liberty bell.

Most collectors focus on both the top and bottom bell lines.

As for why the Comstock Lode was minted into coins, one reason was the Bland-Allison Act of 1878 which called for the minting of $2,000,000 in silver dollars per month.

robertpr

I personally wouldn't really consider either of those to be FBL because on the second one there's a BIG FAT SCRATCH through the bell lines about 40% of the way across on the second one. Well, it's a borderline anyway. I might buy it and upgrade it later Another thing to remember is that to be considered a FBL, many collectors require full hair detail on Franklin in the whisp of hair that goes in front of his ear, as this is a very strike sensitive area as well. PCGS doesn't consider this when designating FBL but I'm sure they look at it in consideration of the coin's overall grade.

FC57Coins

Robert:

That little piece of whatever it is doesn't impair those bell lines in the least bit - those are about as awesome a bell lines as you will ever see. As for the three wisps and the pass and stow as markers of a fully struck coin, I agree with you - up to about 1950. From there on out the master die deterioration rate was such, that very few pieces would even come close to having every one of those details. Yes - if you can find one of those pieces you have a wondercoin, but there are many wonder coins, especially in the 56-59 years that just don't have that degree of detail.

Frank