Franklin Half Instructional Series #5: 1949S Half Dollar
FC57Coins
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Franklin Half Instructional Series #5: 1949S Half Dollar.
After a brief hiatus from my Frankies for various and sundry reasons, here we are again, and this time with my favorite coin of the series!
This is the fifth installment of my instructional series on Franklin Halves. Each week (hopefully) I will add an excerpt on one of the coins of the series, and hopefully those of you who are interested in Franklins will add your own observations and pictures. By the end of the series we should wind up with a pretty comprehensive study of the Franklin series, along with some nice pictures as well. And who knows, maybe some other folks will do the same for other series!
Sources for this series generally include “An Analysis of Gem Franklins” by Jack Ehrmantraut and “The Complete Guide for Franklin Halves” by Rick Tomaska – two books which I feel every serious Franklin collector should read
1949S
With a mintage of 3,744,000 the “S” mint Franklins made their debut in 1949, just in time for the California centennial and the ANA Convention, which was held that year in San Francisco. Long considered the key date in the Franklin series, it is actually a very interesting and desirable coin, though it has been surpassed as a key by various dates and mints, most noticeably the 1953-S. Of all the “S” mints, the 1949 is the best struck, and easiest to find in MS65FBL of the “S” mint grouping from 1949-54. Of the early mint offerings in the Franklin series, the 1949S is one of the first ones, which are known to have outstanding toned examples, although the great majority will sport typical mintset toning of the gold/brown/grey/speckled violet variety.. Luster on the coin is generally good, although the strike is generally considered below average for the series.
Current population numbers from PCGS read as follows:
MS63 and lower - 352 in non FBL and 22 in FBL
MS64 - 1029 in non FBL and 194 in FBL
MS65 - 868 in non FBL and 301 in FBL
MS66 - 117 in non FBL and 73 in FBL
MS67 – 2 in non FBL and 2 in FBL
An unusually high number of MS64 and MS65 coins in non-FBL points to the fact that even though this is the easiest “S” mint to obtain in FBL, it is not common y any stretch of the imagination. Even though the number of MS66FBL coins is 73, it is in the midrange price wise, landing somewhere between the 1950P (97 pieces graded in 66FBL) and the 51P (65 pieces graded in 66FBL)
Another unusual aspect of this date is the existence of prooflike specimens. Resulting from highly polished dies, these pieces sport a highly reflective field and sometimes even slightly frosted devices. No one has documented exactly why these pieces exist, but theories abound. One theory has it that then Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross, requisitioned between 20-200 pieces from the mint to celebrate the inauguration of mintage of the Franklin at a gala event hosted by her. Another theory has it that mint employees had been experimenting with ways to make proof mintage process and the result of these experiments were these pieces.
Having the good fortune of owning probably one of the highest graded prooflike pieces, I can say that these coins have a remarkable appearance. The fields are highly die polished, but turning the coin into the light, they become highly reflective. In addition, the piece I own, which was formerly owned by fellow board member Oldcameoproofsguy, has slightly frosted devices as well. This coin is all but devoid of significant hits, making it all the more impressive, as it is well known that flaws are amplified against a prooflike field. Although theses coins are well documented by respected Franklin researchers, at least one of the major grading services has refused to officially issue the prooflike designation for the coin, because in their words, “coins which attain their prooflike qualities by way of die polish are not viewed as true prooflikes”. Well, be that as it may, I still feel that this is a highly prized coin and very rare in high grade.
Prices for MS64FBL coins will range in the $200-250 range depending on eye appeal. MS65FBL’s oddly enough for the series, range from $400 to perhaps $600 and up, again depending on whether you are talking about a typically toned piece, an outstanding toner, or a blast white specimen. MS66FBL have a population of only 73 coins and command anywhere from $900 and up. I found an interesting site which provides not only mintage information on each date/mint mark, but also significant sales appearances over the past few years. This information can be found HERE. I will continue to post the COINFACTS site for reference, but I am in no way promoting their products or services.
According to Jack Ehrmantraut’s book, two of the finest specimens of date/mint were sold in 1982 for $1,000 and $3,500 respectively. Both of these examples were thought to be fully struck MS67 coins (before the advent of certified grading or the FBL designation). Also according to Ehrmantraut, the two of the finest prooflike pieces, changed hands around the same time. One sold for $3,500, and the other, which Ehrmantraut considered the finest specimen he had ever seen, sold for $1,500. This particular piece was described as “deeply prooflike, virtually mark free, toned a magnificent red and blue, and had a superior strike”. That would be one heckuva coin to drool over I think!
Once considered the king of the Franklin series, the 1949S has been surpassed in price and rarity by other coins in the series, yet it still holds its own special place as being one of the few “S” mint coins in the series. In addition, because of the existence of prooflike specimens, this particular date adds a dash of mystery and intrigue to this very interesting series.
Below are a few of examples of 1949S Frankies in pristine condition including your humble servant’s prooflike piece.
Happy collecting!
1949S MS65FBL - Mintset Toning
1949S MS65FBL - Mintset Toning - but more colorful
1949S MS66FBL - Typical Mintset Toning
1949S MS66FBL (Prooflike) From The Birmingham Collection
After a brief hiatus from my Frankies for various and sundry reasons, here we are again, and this time with my favorite coin of the series!
This is the fifth installment of my instructional series on Franklin Halves. Each week (hopefully) I will add an excerpt on one of the coins of the series, and hopefully those of you who are interested in Franklins will add your own observations and pictures. By the end of the series we should wind up with a pretty comprehensive study of the Franklin series, along with some nice pictures as well. And who knows, maybe some other folks will do the same for other series!
Sources for this series generally include “An Analysis of Gem Franklins” by Jack Ehrmantraut and “The Complete Guide for Franklin Halves” by Rick Tomaska – two books which I feel every serious Franklin collector should read
1949S
With a mintage of 3,744,000 the “S” mint Franklins made their debut in 1949, just in time for the California centennial and the ANA Convention, which was held that year in San Francisco. Long considered the key date in the Franklin series, it is actually a very interesting and desirable coin, though it has been surpassed as a key by various dates and mints, most noticeably the 1953-S. Of all the “S” mints, the 1949 is the best struck, and easiest to find in MS65FBL of the “S” mint grouping from 1949-54. Of the early mint offerings in the Franklin series, the 1949S is one of the first ones, which are known to have outstanding toned examples, although the great majority will sport typical mintset toning of the gold/brown/grey/speckled violet variety.. Luster on the coin is generally good, although the strike is generally considered below average for the series.
Current population numbers from PCGS read as follows:
MS63 and lower - 352 in non FBL and 22 in FBL
MS64 - 1029 in non FBL and 194 in FBL
MS65 - 868 in non FBL and 301 in FBL
MS66 - 117 in non FBL and 73 in FBL
MS67 – 2 in non FBL and 2 in FBL
An unusually high number of MS64 and MS65 coins in non-FBL points to the fact that even though this is the easiest “S” mint to obtain in FBL, it is not common y any stretch of the imagination. Even though the number of MS66FBL coins is 73, it is in the midrange price wise, landing somewhere between the 1950P (97 pieces graded in 66FBL) and the 51P (65 pieces graded in 66FBL)
Another unusual aspect of this date is the existence of prooflike specimens. Resulting from highly polished dies, these pieces sport a highly reflective field and sometimes even slightly frosted devices. No one has documented exactly why these pieces exist, but theories abound. One theory has it that then Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross, requisitioned between 20-200 pieces from the mint to celebrate the inauguration of mintage of the Franklin at a gala event hosted by her. Another theory has it that mint employees had been experimenting with ways to make proof mintage process and the result of these experiments were these pieces.
Having the good fortune of owning probably one of the highest graded prooflike pieces, I can say that these coins have a remarkable appearance. The fields are highly die polished, but turning the coin into the light, they become highly reflective. In addition, the piece I own, which was formerly owned by fellow board member Oldcameoproofsguy, has slightly frosted devices as well. This coin is all but devoid of significant hits, making it all the more impressive, as it is well known that flaws are amplified against a prooflike field. Although theses coins are well documented by respected Franklin researchers, at least one of the major grading services has refused to officially issue the prooflike designation for the coin, because in their words, “coins which attain their prooflike qualities by way of die polish are not viewed as true prooflikes”. Well, be that as it may, I still feel that this is a highly prized coin and very rare in high grade.
Prices for MS64FBL coins will range in the $200-250 range depending on eye appeal. MS65FBL’s oddly enough for the series, range from $400 to perhaps $600 and up, again depending on whether you are talking about a typically toned piece, an outstanding toner, or a blast white specimen. MS66FBL have a population of only 73 coins and command anywhere from $900 and up. I found an interesting site which provides not only mintage information on each date/mint mark, but also significant sales appearances over the past few years. This information can be found HERE. I will continue to post the COINFACTS site for reference, but I am in no way promoting their products or services.
According to Jack Ehrmantraut’s book, two of the finest specimens of date/mint were sold in 1982 for $1,000 and $3,500 respectively. Both of these examples were thought to be fully struck MS67 coins (before the advent of certified grading or the FBL designation). Also according to Ehrmantraut, the two of the finest prooflike pieces, changed hands around the same time. One sold for $3,500, and the other, which Ehrmantraut considered the finest specimen he had ever seen, sold for $1,500. This particular piece was described as “deeply prooflike, virtually mark free, toned a magnificent red and blue, and had a superior strike”. That would be one heckuva coin to drool over I think!
Once considered the king of the Franklin series, the 1949S has been surpassed in price and rarity by other coins in the series, yet it still holds its own special place as being one of the few “S” mint coins in the series. In addition, because of the existence of prooflike specimens, this particular date adds a dash of mystery and intrigue to this very interesting series.
Below are a few of examples of 1949S Frankies in pristine condition including your humble servant’s prooflike piece.
Happy collecting!
1949S MS65FBL - Mintset Toning
1949S MS65FBL - Mintset Toning - but more colorful
1949S MS66FBL - Typical Mintset Toning
1949S MS66FBL (Prooflike) From The Birmingham Collection
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Comments
"Senorita HepKitty"
"I want a real cool Kitty from Hepcat City, to stay in step with me" - Bill Carter
You know, I have to admit that I'm starting to come around to Franklins. I used to think they were BUTT UGLY. Now, however, they're beginning to grow on me. What does it mean?
Franklins are not the most artistic or beautiful pieces, but you look at nice clean problem free Frankies, and you begin to appreciate the simplicity of the coin and how hard it is to find pristine examples. When you do, they sometimes look like they were carved with a chissel from a raw piece of silver. The coin definitely has it's charms - add to that the history that these pieces have and all of the sudden you see that this is a very interesting series. In addition, it can be collected at all different price levels.
The 65 is a definite upgrade candidate. The 66 is a lock, with nice color, luster, and surfaces.
Very interesting reading, the time you spent doing this is much appreciated by those of us who are less-informed.
Guess I'll hafta search for the first four installments now
"Exactly."
I love the Buffalo nickel because 1) it's a beautiful looking design, and 2) the coin has a design that is VERY american. Now, although I'm still not convinced that the Franklin Half looks especially great, it isn't that bad either. But the design is "no question" american and it has the added advantages of being moderately priced (unlike Buffalos), made of silver, and is relatively large.
I've been thinking about which set I'd like to collect after completing my Buffalo collection and I'll admit that Franklins are certainly making a strong push.
We'll use our hands and hearts and if we must we'll use our heads.
That's one very impressive P-L 49-S Half Dollar. I'm glad you dis-
played a picture of it. I've also seen a couple of P-L 51-S halves,
though they weren't as deep or mark-free as your 49-S. I've also
seen heavily die-polished examples of 52-S, 53-S, & 54-S halves.
These coins were very well-struck (not necessarily FBL) with very
grainy surfaces. I suppose earlier strikings from these particular
dies may have yielded P-L specimens.
I think these P-L examples (along with other 'S'-mint P-L 10c &
25c coins from the 1940's & 50's) are more desirable than their
frosty BU siblings, especially in high grades. I'd like to see a
specialized market develop for such coins if one doesn't exist
already.
Thanks again for sharing. Cupronik
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." -Luke 11:9
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." -Deut. 6:4-5
"For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; He will save us." -Isaiah 33:22
Capped Bust Half Series
Capped Bust Half Dime Series
Capped Bust Half Series
Capped Bust Half Dime Series
"Senorita HepKitty"
"I want a real cool Kitty from Hepcat City, to stay in step with me" - Bill Carter
Capped Bust Half Series
Capped Bust Half Dime Series
"Senorita HepKitty"
"I want a real cool Kitty from Hepcat City, to stay in step with me" - Bill Carter
please could you do the franklin instructional series 54 s soon
michael
Capped Bust Half Series
Capped Bust Half Dime Series
I've also noticed that many sport a more crackling type of speckled toning, like little lines running through the toning - similar to the 1949 toning, but 1949 are usually a little more blotchy. When colorfully toned, which are still pretty rare, you'll see gold/orange or blue/violet pieces. Our own Supercarcoins owned a monster blue/violet, someday that coin will re-surface.
Here's a 66FBL in an old holder:
Interesting result when you hit the coin at a different light angle:
"The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD GOD Almighty."
and i must have missed this one D.H -
such a complex piece .....the kind you look at often AND long !!
REEEEEL pretty ..............but hey ;
only one ?? give us Franklins -or give us death
Grading MS Franklin Half Tutorial
1948-P Franklin Half Tutorial
1948-D Franklin Half Tutorial
1949-P Franklin Half Tutorial
1949-D Franklin Half Tutorial
1949-S Franklin Half Tutorial
1950-P Franklin Half Tutorial
1950-D Franklin Half Tutorial
1951-P Franklin Half Tutorial
1951-D Franklin Half Tutorial
1951-S Franklin Half Tutorial
1952-P Franklin Half Tutorial
1952-D Franklin Half Tutorial
1952-S Franklin Half Tutorial
1953-P Franklin Half Tutorial
1953-D Franklin Half Tutorial
1953-S Franklin Half Tutorial
1954-P Franklin Half Tutorial
1954-D Franklin Half Tutorial
1954-S Franklin Half Tutorial
1955-P Franklin Half Tutorial
1956-P Franklin Half Tutorial
1957-P Franklin Half Tutorial
1957-D Franklin Half Tutorial
1958-P Franklin Half Tutorial
1958-D Franklin Half Tutorial >>
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