Pursuit of PR70 Franklin

Windycity

I have gone through literally thousands of Franklins in original proof sets trying to find one that has a shot at grading PR70. There are none in the Franklin series graded so by PCGS. Here are four of the best. I am posting three images for each coin taken with different lighting and/or angle. In each case, the photos indicated just the smallest hairline or mark which I believe precludes any from grading PR70. But, I am also not an expert on grading modern proofs and maybe there are other problems with these coins that I don't see. Welcome opinions on whether or not any of these would at least grade PR69.

Coin #1 - under the right lighting, a hairline is evident on the shoulder.







Coin #2 - under the right lighting, a small vertical mark is evident in the left (viewers left) field.





Coin #3 - under the right lighting, a small angled mark is evident on the shoulder.





Coin #4 - one photo suggest a small mark in the field in front of Franklin's nose but can't see it under a microscope.

AnkurJ

I thought it had to be toned to grade that high. Thats what I heard at least.

LindeDad

<< <i>I thought it had to be toned to grade that high. Thats what I heard at least. >>



From what I have seen toning of any type holds the grade to a max of 68. And I don't for see there will ever be a 70 given in that series.

mkman123

I don't think you will see any PCGS or NGC PR70 franks

daOnlyBG

<< <i>I thought it had to be toned to grade that high. Thats what I heard at least. >>



Why?

CoinZip

Great photos.......good luck with your pursuit.

Wabbit2313

If the PCGS graders were sitting at the end of the line when they were made, you would not find a 70. You have a couple really nice ones here. I would think you should try for a top pop DCAM if you want something unique. At least it is attainable I think.

SanctionII

I do not know if our host or NGC will ever grade a proof Franklin out at a 70. If it does happen, I would assume that any coin that shows anything less than 100% unblemished, deep, black, watery fields will not grade a 70.

All of the pictured coins show (in at least some of the photos) blemishes in the fields. Any proof Franklin you look at will have at least some blemish or defect in the fields. Just the way it is.

keyman64

Those are very nice.

keets

remarks about Franklins grading high and tone generally apply to Mint State coins due mainly to the fact that coins from Mint Sets will be the least bag-marked but will have toned due to the cardboard packaging. as a general rule any coins graded MS67FB will be toned and most of the better MS66FB coins are also toned.

looking at Proof issues for a possible "perfect" coin should be a process of elimination. I would not start with 1963 even though it might be the cheapest and most numerous of the Proof Sets available. some of the best coins struck by the Mint were from 1956. the pre-1956 coins came in the box Sets with cello or polybag packaging and can be ruled out almost exclusively. coins from 1958-1963 were in the standard packaging inside an envelope while 1956-57 many of the Sets had thin cardboard protecting the cello packaging. on the downside, and there's always a downside, 1956 gets checked due to the Type One Half-Dollar.

perhaps the best rout is to locate the best quality 1956 Type Two coins in PCGS/NGC holders you can find and submit them for regrade via the Secure+ submission route. FWIW, the coins you have pictured above look no better than PR67-68 and that's my assessment without even seeing the reverses and the third coin looks the best to me.

good luck, having a Franklin graded PR70 would be a feat for sure.

BAJJERFAN

Twinkle twinkle little star.
A PR70 is not what you are.

Starkle Starkle little twink.
You will not be PR70 I think.

ambro51

Keets speaks wise. Regardless of grade, they are nice coins.

sniocsu

Incredible coins! I am not sure if PCGS will give a Franklin a PF70 though. You definitely have some stunners there that will grade very will, IMO

ebaytrader

At this point having neither service grading any, a single piece would command a substantial market premium that I'm sure both companies would not want the liability exposure should it ever turn.

sawyerjosh

A PR70 coin has to be perfect (under magnification too), there's no way those Franklin's have a shot!

DeliaBug

I think it's a worthwhile pursuit and hope you do make one. There wasn't a CAM Buffalo graded until after someone did *alot* of searching either.

Keets' post is gold.

jimbux61

A PF-70 Franklin would be a "holy grail" coin. A PF-69* is the highest grade one can ever expect.

jimbux61

Here's what a 1963 PF-69* looks like in CAM. A couple from my collection. The one in the fatty holder was probably before NGC designated *.

TwoSides2aCoin

As soon as I catch Sasquatch, a Unicorn, and one Leprechaun, I'll help you.

ambro51

Whats all the white stuff above the date area?

joeykoins

WoW! Your Frankies are awesome! I would definitely say that at least one of your gems are a 70! C'mon,PCGS or NGC.You guys graded coins that are in far worst condition in a elite 70,than our OP's coins. I would place a 70 grade Silver Eagle,next to one of your Frankies. Let the photo tell the truth. If you don't ever receive that 70,something is certainly,absolutely wrong here. "Give credit where credit is due." Good Luck dude. If your pocketbook would allow,I would keep on trying.If worse comes to worse,you'll have a very prestige set of highly graded Franklins.

jimbux61

<< <i>Whats all the white stuff above the date area? >>



You must be new to collecting coins. We all eat donuts with powdered sugar.