Grade the Franklins

Baley

Couple of new purchases, what do you think?

first, a raw coin that grades.... ??





Next, a raw coin that grades.... ??

fivecents

1955-MS64(FBL?), but NCG may call it a MS65 despite the hit on the cheek.
1959-D - MS65 imo

ClausUrch

1955 - MS64 FBL
1959-D - MS66...I'm on a limb...Nice coin with the exception of the reverse scratch under the bell which very well could keep it at 65. The bell lines look choppy; tough to see without being able to tilt the coin.

RGL

Frankies aren't my thing, but, boy, that 1959-D is super clean ... how is the luster?

Tassa

1955- MS64 possible FBL (I can't tell if it's toning obscuring the bell lines to the left of the crack or if they're weaker in that area.)

1959-D-MS65

By the way, I really like that toning on the 1955.

XpipedreamR

64/65

Both appear FBL. Nice!

FC57Coins

MS64FBL - cool colors on the 55

MS65 on the 59 - nice and white from a mintset

ksteelheader

63FBL/64....Ken

Ronyahski

64FBL
65+FBL

kamehameha00

65FBL/65

wallstreetman

64FBL
65 May go Full Bell but I cant tell how bad that cut is to the left of the crack! Give a close up of the lines!

LucyBop

the 55 is nice. It appears to have clean fields on both the Obverse/Reverse. However, some big hits on the Devices, especially Frankie himself. I see hits in his hair as well as the more obvious ones... I have this one as a ms64FBL and attractive...

the 1959d is very nice. Clean fields on the Obverse but maybe someting going on above the S and T.... few small ticks on Frankie that are made to standout more on a brilliant coin and a enlarged picture.... Nice reverse with something going on in the field above the F. And some small ticks to the right of the pass and stow.... A very good strike for a 59d..... I have this as a solid GEM, ms65FBL.

Baley

thanks guys!

the 55 I see as an MS64 and a nice one at that grade, it has the crunchy luster I like and some pretty toning, a decent strike with almost full bell lines, I'm calling them 90%+ but not quite full. It's held back by the shaving cut at Ben's cheek and the noise on the bell, but not a bad coin overall.

The 59D I'm pretty excited about, I think it has a shot at MS66FBL and in no case lower than 65.
the question is, shall I give it a quick dip to remove the light yellow spots on the coin?

FC57Coins

I don't see that the spots take anything away from the coin - I'd leave it alone.

Frank

pmh1nic

Hard to judge FBL from a photograph but I'd say a 64FBL that nice luster and color that would command a nice premium ('55) and 66FBL for the '59 (I also don't think the light spots demand a major reduction).

wallstreetman

Sorry, but it wont make 66, 65 is pushing it!

fivecents

Bailey...If you dip that 1959-D all the tics and small cuts will become extremely visiable dropping the grade. That original skin is what will get you that MS65-MS66 grade. Do Not Dip the sucker.

coinkat

I am excited about the 59-D too... I would submit the 59-D. I will defer to Lucy and Frank on the grade but I like it and I see 65 as a lock and 66 as a possibility. Is 66 likely? I don't know... Franklins are tough.

FC57Coins

The reverse looks like 66 material all day long. However on the obverse I see a little chatter on the cheek and shoulder which will probably keep it in 65. Still a great coin!

Frank

FC57Coins

Here's a picture of my 59D in MS65FBL for you to compare with.

rainbowroosie

63 FBL, 65 FBL