Grade the Franklin, 1953 unc with some toning..

Baley

One of those coins, saw it in the dealer's case and said, "I must have it!"

To my knowledge, never submitted to TPG for opinion, what's your thoughts on the grade?







thanks

robertpr

I think you suck!

I'd say 64FBL but the FBL is iffy, there is some minor bridging in the left half of the bell lines.

NGC would not FBL this piece, the upper bell lines are not complete.

robertpr

p.s. if you want to sell it drop me a PM

LindeDad

I don't think it would make the 64 a few too many hits on Ben, and the break in the bell lines kill FBL. Nice tone on it though.

wingedliberty

65FBL . Superb strike, excellent coin. Super GEM!

pmh1nic

I'd go 65 but not FBL. It looks like it has great luster and color. It's difficult to tell how distracting the hits are so I didn't downgrade too much for the hits.

nederveit

My guess is MS65 (no FBL).

CoinAddict

I would say MS-65. Gorgeous Frankie. I love the toning.)

Purple73

I'll go 65. What a beauty.

The bell lines is really iffy but I would have to so no on this one.

a quote from the PCGS 2nd edition book.

"If these lines are obscured by marks ,strike, planchet defect or other sources, the coin will not receive the FBL designation. A few marks across the lines will not prevent the coin from receiving the FBL Designation as long as the continuity is not disturbed.

Chris

Excellent looking coin Baley

darktone

MS64FBL

Baley

Thanks guys, your opinions ranged from 63 to 65FBL, here's how I see this coin:

Let's start with the issue of FBL and say "no" it doesn't have FBL. 80-90% maybe, but not 100%. Now, that said, it does have pretty nice bell lines and a nice strike in general, in fact if you deny the FBL you might just add half a point for the "almost" full strike and another half point for the nice reverse color and eye appeal, also great luster for the year as well as well below the average reverse bagmarks for the year, I think I could justify grading the reverse MS66 (but no FBL)

The obverse has a few bagmarks, notably three reedmarks in Ben's hair and scattered light tics in the face, lapel, and fields. These limit the obverse to the MS63-MS64 range on a technical basis for just marks, however again the luster is strong and the toning, while not as attractive as on the reverse, is still well above average in appearance for the year, which is prone to weak strike and lots of bagmarks. Anyway, given the overall eye appeal I feel comfortable grading the obverse MS64+ and the whole coin as an MS65. If it just wouldn't reach 65 I would hope for the 64FBL or 64* or some kind of bone, I think a coin like this would be undergraded in a plain old 64 (no FBL) holder.

also, lowest business strike mintage for the series!