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What are your thoughts on the Franklin Half Dollar in general? ...

cmeisenzahlcmeisenzahl Posts: 12
in U.S. Coin Forum

From what very little I know about it, it seems like an interesting coin. Can anyone tell me more about it? Is there a good resource on the web for learning more about it?



Thanks very much in advance,

Christopher
«1

Comments

  • BaleyBaley Posts: 22,660 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I like 'em, got a complete set in MS and most of the proofs (still missing the expensive 50-53 coins) Also have a "bugs bunny" one! image

    Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry

  • Purple73Purple73 Posts: 2,016 ✭
    OH YEAH! get this Book: The Complete Guide to Franklin Half Dollars by Rick Tomaska---excellent read.

    Also do a search on FC57coins and see if his tutorials are also available. These are packed wih information.

    On grading a MS Franklins what ya wanna watch out for is

    dings in the feilds

    weak strikes- you' find out that alot of the franklins are plaugued by this. It's real noticable on the bell where it reads Pass and Stow, Top of Bens head-- the hair detail will be non-existant. Three curls of hair in FRONT on bens ear(sideburns) will look mushy or not be there. The small eagles feathers will show weakness also. Not to mention the 2 bottom bell lines of the bell.

    Luster- Make sure its got real good luster. It will have a cartwheel look to it. Maybe like a yin yang???

    when they are cleaned they will have a white film look to them. Massive nasty.

    toning can vary depending on where it has been. Heres a great shot of Mint Set toning(thank you Lucy).

    image

    image

    Notice the "Pass and Stow" in the middle of the bell?

    Also take note of the bell lines. Nice and Full.

    Ole ben looks great in this photo.

    When ya start getting into the 52-53 on up into 58-59 you'll start noticeing the weaknesses in the coin. You start getting back into stronger strikes again in the 60's after they refurbished the dies. Just view lots of coins and try to do a side by side comparison to get the feel for the strike of the coin.


    Thanks Lucy!
    Hope this helps ya dude!
    PURPLE!
    Founder of The Circle of Crust™
    imageimage
  • granddadgranddad Posts: 966 ✭
    I good short set. Excellent choice for a newbie. I would put together a circ. set to start with and as you learn about them decide if you want to upgrade or not. Circ. franklins can be picked up for scrap silver prices or just slightly more, so there is no real downside. ( i.e. you can't take a loss.)

    Good luck,
    Louis
  • TassaTassa Posts: 2,373 ✭✭
    Link to links to Frank's (FC57coins) tutorials
    Jade Rare Coin
    Jade Rare Coin eBay Listings
  • Purple73Purple73 Posts: 2,016 ✭
    There ya go. Those tutorials there is what to read.

    PURPLE!
    Founder of The Circle of Crust™
    imageimage
  • BASEagleBASEagle Posts: 383
    It would make a nice addition to any collection.

    Mike


  • GoYankeesGoYankees Posts: 1,025
    I like them. A short series making it easy to collect all dates. I don't have all of them but here's my best Frankie...



    << <i>imageimage

    Ex-modern Collector.

    Photos of the 2006 Boston Massacre
  • bushmaster8bushmaster8 Posts: 5,616 ✭
    Try putting together a white untoned set in PCGS MS65 or better. It's far more challenging than the toned set.
    "Wars are really ugly! They're dirty
    and they're cold.
    I don't want nobody to shoot me in the foxhole."
    Mary






    Best Franklin Website
  • slideridersliderider Posts: 1,834
    I like them. It's the first set I ever contemplated having more than just a type piece of. I still have a half full Whitman binder that I started in high school, but never got around to finishing. All VF-AU, though. No high grades or FBLs.

    Oh and posting a thread saying you like Frankies, gets you an instant friend when LucyBop signs on.
    image
    image
  • FairlanemanFairlaneman Posts: 10,423 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thoughts.......Blah, Lifeless and just Boring. They fit in very well with the other stuff from 1945 thru the present.

    You asked the question....image

    Ken
  • mrearlygoldmrearlygold Posts: 17,858 ✭✭✭
    Real coin people like Franklin halves!


    Tomimage

    Coin's for sale/trade.


    Tom Pilitowski
    US Rare Coin Investments
    800-624-1870

  • BillJonesBillJones Posts: 33,964 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Aside from the very high grade coins, that attractive a cerain class of the collector, many dealers will privately tell you that Franklin half dollars are overpriced. These things were saved by the roll and the bag in the 1950s and '60s. Yes a lot of piece may have gone to coin heaven during the coin melts of the 1980s, but a lot of average mint state pieces have survived.

    Don't put a lot of eggs in the run of the mill Frankie basket unless you really just like to collect these coins.
    Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
  • ziggy29ziggy29 Posts: 18,668 ✭✭✭
    mmm...satiny....

    imageimage
  • IrishMikeIrishMike Posts: 7,737 ✭✭✭
    Large coins, they have silver content, they tone in remarkable patterns and they were minted in celebration of one of my ancestors. There coins I grew up with and therefore hold a special affinity for me.
  • greghansengreghansen Posts: 4,301 ✭✭✭
    The series has the distinction of having some of the fugliest coins and some of most absolutely stunning coins around. Unfortunately, circulation wear was not kind to Franklins. The VF-XF coins aren't particulary nice looking IMO. Morgans & Walkers on the other hand, I think are remarkebly attractive in the VF-XF grades.

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

  • foodudefoodude Posts: 3,568 ✭✭✭
    The series has the distinction of having some of the fugliest coins and some of most absolutely stunning coins around

    Try putting together a white untoned set in PCGS MS65 or better. It's far more challenging than the toned set.

    A 65 and up, and particuarly a 65FBL and up set with great eye appeal can be quite a challange.
    Greg Allen Coins, LLC Show Schedule: https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/573044/our-show-schedule-updated-10-2-16 Authorized dealer for NGC, PCGS, CAC, and QA. Member of PNG, RTT (Founding Platinum Member), FUN, MSNS, and NCBA (formerly ICTA); Life Member of ANA and CSNS. NCBA Board member. "GA3" on CCE.
  • LucyBopLucyBop Posts: 14,001 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Thoughts.......Blah, Lifeless and just Boring. They fit in very well with the other stuff from 1945 thru the present.

    You asked the question....image

    Ken >>




    slap!!!!!!
    imageBe Bop A Lula!!
    "Senorita HepKitty"
    "I want a real cool Kitty from Hepcat City, to stay in step with me" - Bill Carter
  • ERER Posts: 7,345 ✭
    What took you so long, Lucy?image
  • LucyBopLucyBop Posts: 14,001 ✭✭✭
    I was at anger management counseling....
    imageBe Bop A Lula!!
    "Senorita HepKitty"
    "I want a real cool Kitty from Hepcat City, to stay in step with me" - Bill Carter
  • CratylusCratylus Posts: 871 ✭
    I struggle with this one. I have mixed thoughts on this coin. Part of me thinks that it is just a damn boring coin to look at. More often than not, they are poorly struck. A lot of the toning I've seen on MS coins has looked downright nasty (although LucyBop and FC57 have some beauts!). And they are a relatively recent mint product, which (to me anyway) places them on the side of disfavor.

    Then there is that part of me that sees coins like the ones Lucy and Frank have displayed here, and I can easily see why they have such a loyal, large, and enthusiastic following. Finding good quality, good eye appeal, and good strike specimens appears to be a challenge... and I'm one who appreciates a good numismatic challenge that can be pursued on my limited budget.

    Let's put it this way... I bought a Dansco album for this series over 4 years ago with the intention of eventually putting together a nice raw MS set of them. And although I currently pursue other numismatic endeavors, the fact that I would buy the album with my future intentions in mind says something about the series.

    Ultimately, I give the series a image
  • FairlanemanFairlaneman Posts: 10,423 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thank You.

    Man it takes a long time to get a rise out of people lately. Toooooo Muccccccchhhh Tension. Maybe a good Bash the coin thread would be in order. And Frankies or Bald Guys or whatever these Slugs are called would be a Fantastic starting point.

















    imageimageimageimageimage
  • LucyBopLucyBop Posts: 14,001 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Thank You.

    Man it takes a long time to get a rise out of people lately. Toooooo Muccccccchhhh Tension. Maybe a good Bash the coin thread would be in order. And Frankies or Bald Guys or whatever these Slugs are called would be a Fantastic starting point






    imageimageimageimageimage >>



    your treading dangerous water fishhead!
    imageBe Bop A Lula!!
    "Senorita HepKitty"
    "I want a real cool Kitty from Hepcat City, to stay in step with me" - Bill Carter
  • FairlanemanFairlaneman Posts: 10,423 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I omitted Junk so that alone should keep me above water.

    Hey by the way it is now Fishhead with only a Junior High Diploma since this afternoon when a member bashed me for Real...image

    Ken
  • FC57CoinsFC57Coins Posts: 9,140 ✭
    Obviously Im going to post my partiality to the Franklin because it's the coin that started me collecting seriously. It can ba a beautiful coin and an ugly coin - it can have lots of character, or be run of the mill dull. You have to look at a lot of Franklins and be mesmerized by the really great ones to be really appreciative of what the coin can offer - Others may scuff at old Ben - but I for one find the series very interesting and enjoyable.

    image
  • wjd283wjd283 Posts: 1,406
    I've always liked the design.
    They remind me of when I was a kid.My dad had a few of them.

    You can make a whole set (minus proofs) without spending an arm and leg.

    Overall a decent coin.IMO.
  • RGLRGL Posts: 3,784 ✭
    They make excellent bullion ... image
    The Ludlow Collection (DCAM/CAM)
    The Ludlow Brilliant Collection (1938-64)

    image
  • foodudefoodude Posts: 3,568 ✭✭✭
    They make excellent bullion

    Your so funnyimage
    Greg Allen Coins, LLC Show Schedule: https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/573044/our-show-schedule-updated-10-2-16 Authorized dealer for NGC, PCGS, CAC, and QA. Member of PNG, RTT (Founding Platinum Member), FUN, MSNS, and NCBA (formerly ICTA); Life Member of ANA and CSNS. NCBA Board member. "GA3" on CCE.
  • MyqqyMyqqy Posts: 9,777 ✭
    Although I don't collect MS franklins, I see that series as great because you can do a beautiful set on either a limited or sky-high budget, depending on FBL's and grade. I'm fascinated by the cameo proof franklins, and I think it's interesting and challenging set....
    image
    My style is impetuous, my defense is impregnable !
  • 100proof1957100proof1957 Posts: 6,231 ✭
    They are BUTT UGLY ! (sorry Lucy)

    This from a guy that owns a 1957 Proof 68 CAM (had to,part of my birth year set)
    image
  • slideridersliderider Posts: 1,834
    I miss my Frankies. Now I have to go dig them out and see how well they toned in the last ten years since I last looked at them.
    image
    image
  • CoinAddictCoinAddict Posts: 5,571 ✭
    I think that collecting Franklins is probably an acquired taste. For some people the design is kind of dull. At first I thought the design was at first but it eventually grew on me. The most beautiful pieces are the nicely toned coins. I tend to dislike the blast white coin because they do not have that certain look. Of course I do like the white ones if the luster is dripping off of them. The most affordable route to go is build of set of MS-64 FBL with MS-65 S mint coins. That is the route that I am going. So far none of the coins have cost me over $80 so it is a very affordable set to build. Here are my beauties.image
    image
    image
    image
    image
    image
    image
    image
    image
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    image
    image
    image
    Frank's Franklin Tutorials
    Capped Bust Half Series
    Capped Bust Half Dime Series

    image
  • mintlustermintluster Posts: 926
    I don't like how BIG "In God We Trust" reflects on the obverse of the coin personally.....I can't stand when they make that motto as big or bigger than the motto "Liberty"........if the founding fathers wanted it that way they would have done it that way back in 1795 or so....but they DIDN'T...for a reason......

    I don't really care that it is on our coins...but I don't like when it is placed as a dominant theme......
  • mintlustermintluster Posts: 926
    I like how they did it on the Morgan....on the reverse and not so big that it overshadows everything else......
  • aem4162aem4162 Posts: 421 ✭
    they're nice. i'll put some kind of set together one day
    anita...ana #r-217183...coin collecting noob
    image
  • nederveitnederveit Posts: 1,038 ✭✭✭
    imageimageimage

    CoinAddict, that picture list keeps on growing!!
  • coppercoinscoppercoins Posts: 6,084 ✭✭✭
    Firm believer of, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything."

    I say nothing.
    C. D. Daughtrey, NLG
    The Lincoln cent store:
    http://www.lincolncent.com

    My numismatic art work:
    http://www.cdaughtrey.com
    USAF veteran, 1986-1996 :: support our troops - the American way.
    image
  • cmeisenzahlcmeisenzahl Posts: 12

    This turned into a great thread, thanks very much guys!!!!



    Christopher
  • bushmaster8bushmaster8 Posts: 5,616 ✭


    << <i> And Frankies or Bald Guys or whatever these Slugs are called would be a Fantastic starting point.

    << <i>

    rat-a-tat-rat-atat-rat-a-tat.......
    (sound of a man being machinegunned)

















    "Wars are really ugly! They're dirty
    and they're cold.
    I don't want nobody to shoot me in the foxhole."
    Mary






    Best Franklin Website
  • mrearlygoldmrearlygold Posts: 17,858 ✭✭✭
    Oh and they are great to use at the local soda shop!


    Tomimage

    Coin's for sale/trade.


    Tom Pilitowski
    US Rare Coin Investments
    800-624-1870

  • longtimecollectorlongtimecollector Posts: 2,368 ✭
    They remind me of Alfred Hitchkock
    Cam-Slam 2-6-04
    3 "DAMMIT BOYS"
    4 "YOU SUCKS"
    Numerous POTD (But NONE officially recognized)
    Seated Halves are my specialty !
    Seated Half set by date/mm COMPLETE !
    Seated Half set by WB# - 289 down / 31 to go !!!!!
    (1) "Smoebody smack him" from CornCobWipe !
    IN MEMORY OF THE CUOF image
  • aem4162aem4162 Posts: 421 ✭


    << <i>your treading dangerous water fishhead! >>



    you seem to be a big franklin fan...what got you into them?
    anita...ana #r-217183...coin collecting noob
    image
  • dlimb2dlimb2 Posts: 3,449
    The Franklin half dollar can be the ugliest or it can be beautiful...in mint state without all the nicks it is one beautiful coin...but when beaten with nicks and scrapes it can be the ugliest...I did not appreciate them until I started collecting them and then I began to see the beauty of the coin.
  • flaminioflaminio Posts: 5,664 ✭✭✭
    *yawn*. I got one of the buggers for my type set; don't see the need to acquire any more for the rest of my life.
  • RYKRYK Posts: 35,797 ✭✭✭✭✭
    What are your thoughts on the Franklin Half Dollar in general? ...

    I try not to think about them too much...since I completed my second (circulated) set, that is.
    My Box of 20: https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/box-20/ryks-gold-box-20/17132
  • FC57CoinsFC57Coins Posts: 9,140 ✭


    << <i>I got one of the buggers for my type set; don't see the need to acquire any more for the rest of my life >>



    Bet your "bugger" didn't look like this! image

    image
  • michaelmichael Posts: 9,524 ✭✭
    a truly fantastic undervaLUED coin in gem business strike grade if the coin comes fantastically toned from original mint sets pre 1955 in particiular the s mint coins

    michael
  • MadMonkMadMonk Posts: 3,743 ✭
    That 60-D looks very nice Frank!
    Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
  • mgoodm3mgoodm3 Posts: 17,497 ✭✭✭
    They're OK for type.
    coinimaging.com/my photography articles Check out the new macro lens testing section
  • cdan12cdan12 Posts: 364
    franklins are great, I had the #1 non fbl registry set last year and love them, my advice would be to only buy pcgs graded coins,maybe ngc,but out of 4 tries, I never got one to cross to pcgs at the same grade, Dan
  • cladkingcladking Posts: 28,636 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I collected gems in the mid-'70's but got frustrated and gave up. The problem was two-fold; mostly just
    that the gems were extremely hard to find. Even then the rolls weren't cheap and rarely contained much
    that was good quality. The other problem was that there were other collectors of these so competition
    was keen. Dealers would often put nicer coins in their inventory but others would get there before me.

    If you can afford the coins they really make an attractive set in nice choice unc or better condition. While
    typical coins tend to be common in unc, there are lots of dates which are pretty tough in attractive con-
    dition.

    The only really tough coin I found for my set was a nice gem '54-S though I don't believe it was FBL.
    Tempus fugit.

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