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Franklin Half question

I just purchased a batch of 1960-1963 "unopened" proof sets and am hoping someone (Lucy?) can tell me where to look on the obverse for superior strikes? I think I have the "bell lines" figured out but need a "landmark" on the obverse like some fine detail to look for. TIA
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Comments

  • LucyBopLucyBop Posts: 14,001 ✭✭✭
    If they are Proofs you should have a Superior strike on both the Obverse and Reverse. Proof coins do not get the FBL Designation. A sharply struck obverse will have all the details present in Frankies head, such as many lines of hair, the three wisps of hair to the right of Frankies ear...... What you want to look for is halfs that have Frost in the devices and deep mirrors in the fields. You want to find white frost in both the obverse and reverse...
    imageBe Bop A Lula!!
    "Senorita HepKitty"
    "I want a real cool Kitty from Hepcat City, to stay in step with me" - Bill Carter
  • sinin1sinin1 Posts: 7,500
    How much importance is luster in uncirculated coins?

    I have one that is really nice but the bottom of the bell looks like it has 7 nicks in it - although I think it has 3 full bell lines.

    I realize cameo and deep cameo are rarer - but what about toning on a half? Does a mottled brown/gold add or subtract from value?
  • LucyBopLucyBop Posts: 14,001 ✭✭✭
    Its really hard to say, in Mint State coins any Frankie that has the beautiful Rainbow type toning should and will command a nice price. The rather drab black dark toned Frankies will command a nice price as well if the are FBL and in a 6 holder. And the ms66fbl's that are brilliant will also command a premium as these are very tough to locate since most have come from the double mint set cardboard holders..... Confused? I know I am........ It all comes down to eye appeal, as many Toned Gems still have luster shinning thru!
    imageBe Bop A Lula!!
    "Senorita HepKitty"
    "I want a real cool Kitty from Hepcat City, to stay in step with me" - Bill Carter
  • The grading gods love luster!!!!! Many with all other aspects being equal, the one with the real good luster seems to get the 66
    Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
  • LucyBopLucyBop Posts: 14,001 ✭✭✭
    depends, I am struggling to find a 55 in a 6 with strong luster, for some reason this year seems to suffer the most from the ugliest blackest drab'est toning I have seen.... My search has shifted to Raw ones to submit and I think I may have a winner....but I need more...
    imageBe Bop A Lula!!
    "Senorita HepKitty"
    "I want a real cool Kitty from Hepcat City, to stay in step with me" - Bill Carter
  • greghansengreghansen Posts: 4,301 ✭✭✭
    I have one that is really nice but the bottom of the bell looks like it has 7 nicks in it - although I think it has 3 full bell lines.

    I suspect you may be looking at a normal part of the design. If the nicks your referencing are on the very lower edge of the bell, lower than the lowest bell line even, its a design feature, not hits.

    Luster can affect a MS coin grade from 1/2 to 1 point either way IMO after taking into account, strike, contact marks and eye appeal.

    Greg Hansen, Melbourne, FL Click here for any current EBAY auctions Multiple "Circle of Trust" transactions over 14 years on forum

  • MercMerc Posts: 1,646 ✭✭
    Hey Lucy, I agree with you. The 1955 is a hard one to find even in MS65 FBL brilliant. Most I've seen are very dark too. It took me about 3 years before I found one for a good price (PCGS graded) then quickly I found another in an ICG holder. I know sometimes they overgrade the moderns, but the ICG one is slightly nicer. The PCGS one is the bugs bunny variety while the other is normal. I have not seen a 1955 in MS66 FBl brilliant.
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