Franklin Half Instructional Series #18: 1954D Half Dollar
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Franklin Half Instructional Series #18: 1954D Half Dollar.
Well – after a long hiatus, here is the 18th installment of the Franklin Half Instructional Series. 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
1954D
The year 1954 marks something of a last hoorah for Franklin collectors. After the previous poor quality year, it appears that the mint cleaned up it’s act for 1954 and offered one final year of P, D, and S minted coins. Although the Denver issue has been maligned because of water spots and handling marks, it is still one of the most beautifully struck issues of the entire series. Having the third highest mintage in the series at 25,445,580, this last of the D mint short set series (1951-54) is, as previously mentioned the collector will encounter water spots, handling marks, and unattractive toning in many of the halves from this issue. However, if one is diligent, you may also discover a pristine issue with a wonderful strike and almost prooflike fields.
Most gem pieces seem to come from mint sets, however, it tended to be of the dull gray or brown type. However, one might find a beautiful russet example if you look long and hard enough. By now most of these beautifully toned pieces have gone into hiding in some of the top collections around. A typical original roll will tend to be “baggy” and water spotted, though you will notice that the strike is far superior to any that you had seen up to this point over the past three years of issue. Most of the coins will have full bell lines, those which do not, will be because of nicks and dings on the bell lines themselves.. Brilliant coins can be found occasionally as well, though water spots can be a problem with some of the issue. Semi-prooflike examples of this date have been known to appear now and again.
Current population numbers from PCGS read as follows:
MS63 and lower 213 in non FBL and 115 in FBL
MS64 - 680 in non FBL and 2057 in FBL
MS65 - 154 in non FBL and 926 in FBL
MS66 - 59 in non FBL and 2 in FBL
MS67 – 2 in FBL
As you will note, the population of FBL coins, particularly in MS64 and MS65 far exceed the non-FBL population counts. This is a tribute to the striking characteristics of this issue. MS64FBL coins can generally be found at very reasonable prices, usually below $50 per coin. Similarly, MS65FBLs are plentiful and can fetch anywhere from $100 - $150, depending on the strike characteristics. A premium will be placed on pristine white or beautifully toned specimens of this issue. MS66 coins although less available than other grades for obvious reasons, may be had, when found, for around the $1000 range. This grade as most other gem grade Franklins, has seen a settling of prices due to increased quantities being graded. The two MS67FBL pieces will still bring a healthy 4 figures when and if they come up for sale.
For more information on this date you can look the coin up in the Coinfacts page, which also sites 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.
The 1954D is the quintessential type piece for the collector. When found in pristine condition it will have probably one of the most detailed strikes in the series, and very pleasing surfaces. Don’t settle for less than MS64FBL in this issue, as they can be had relatively easily. Have fun collecting Frankies!
Here is an example of an MS65FBL with some typical Water spots:
And an MS66FBL with typical toning:
Well – after a long hiatus, here is the 18th installment of the Franklin Half Instructional Series. 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
1954D
The year 1954 marks something of a last hoorah for Franklin collectors. After the previous poor quality year, it appears that the mint cleaned up it’s act for 1954 and offered one final year of P, D, and S minted coins. Although the Denver issue has been maligned because of water spots and handling marks, it is still one of the most beautifully struck issues of the entire series. Having the third highest mintage in the series at 25,445,580, this last of the D mint short set series (1951-54) is, as previously mentioned the collector will encounter water spots, handling marks, and unattractive toning in many of the halves from this issue. However, if one is diligent, you may also discover a pristine issue with a wonderful strike and almost prooflike fields.
Most gem pieces seem to come from mint sets, however, it tended to be of the dull gray or brown type. However, one might find a beautiful russet example if you look long and hard enough. By now most of these beautifully toned pieces have gone into hiding in some of the top collections around. A typical original roll will tend to be “baggy” and water spotted, though you will notice that the strike is far superior to any that you had seen up to this point over the past three years of issue. Most of the coins will have full bell lines, those which do not, will be because of nicks and dings on the bell lines themselves.. Brilliant coins can be found occasionally as well, though water spots can be a problem with some of the issue. Semi-prooflike examples of this date have been known to appear now and again.
Current population numbers from PCGS read as follows:
MS63 and lower 213 in non FBL and 115 in FBL
MS64 - 680 in non FBL and 2057 in FBL
MS65 - 154 in non FBL and 926 in FBL
MS66 - 59 in non FBL and 2 in FBL
MS67 – 2 in FBL
As you will note, the population of FBL coins, particularly in MS64 and MS65 far exceed the non-FBL population counts. This is a tribute to the striking characteristics of this issue. MS64FBL coins can generally be found at very reasonable prices, usually below $50 per coin. Similarly, MS65FBLs are plentiful and can fetch anywhere from $100 - $150, depending on the strike characteristics. A premium will be placed on pristine white or beautifully toned specimens of this issue. MS66 coins although less available than other grades for obvious reasons, may be had, when found, for around the $1000 range. This grade as most other gem grade Franklins, has seen a settling of prices due to increased quantities being graded. The two MS67FBL pieces will still bring a healthy 4 figures when and if they come up for sale.
For more information on this date you can look the coin up in the Coinfacts page, which also sites 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.
The 1954D is the quintessential type piece for the collector. When found in pristine condition it will have probably one of the most detailed strikes in the series, and very pleasing surfaces. Don’t settle for less than MS64FBL in this issue, as they can be had relatively easily. Have fun collecting Frankies!
Here is an example of an MS65FBL with some typical Water spots:
And an MS66FBL with typical toning:
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Comments
I have 2 or 3 in 65fbl, and would still like a better example.
Great to see you back Frank! Keep up the great analysis!
Cameron Kiefer
AWESOME!
Very informative to say the least.
Dave
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