Post a nice MS coin from your RAW Franklin collection
isaiah58
Posts: 385 ✭✭✭
Since I plan to start collecting Franklin's, I would like to see some examples of Raw MS Franklin Halves. Please note the assessed grade as well as the key factors that make the coin appeal to you. I understand that the grade noted is subjective, the other factors are probably more important seeing it is raw.
Eventually I will decide on raw or slabbed. What I am having trouble with is how important, to me, is finding white coins as well as minimal nicks. Most toning I see is like looking at rust spots. The premium difference from MS60 thru MS64 is minimal on most years. The difference in nicks from MS64 to MS65 is not something I see enough value in to pay the premium jump involved. FBL does not seem to matter to me, thus considering raw. Most MS65 FBL I see listed still have cuts in the lines. Without magnification it seems I can find MS64 and below raw that will appeal to me without magnification.
Comments
Only have this one pic to share at the moment. I put together this set in the late 80's/early 90's and it mainly consists of gems cracked from our hosts and plastic from across the street.
Will have to snap some pictures of some that I have
Collector, occasional seller
@jrocco why did you decide to break the coins out of the slabs? What was it about these coins that attracted you to them?
.> @isaiah58 said:
Slabs were not as cherished back in those earlier days as they are today. I assembled albums of all the modern issues, cents, nickels dimes etc and love the look of a nice album set. These albums are long term holds and most, especially the Washies and Frankies have toned beautifully. I may dig them out and re-image one of these days. As for why these coins....I have always looked at luster as a major factor and purchased most of these coins for their luster.
Edited to add - I included proofs for their beauty and tried to purchase CAM and DCAM examples back in the day.
I find Franklins extremely difficult to grade. Usually it comes down to luster since the flat details of the coin don’t show wear as easily as other types. I’m four coins away from finishing a Whitman album of franklin halves and there’s a really nice 1959 in there I will photograph tomorrow.
Frankies are really interesting because they look so different depending on what you are looking for.
Proofs can be blast white or frosty CAMS
MS coins can vary also by toning or brilliant white. Here is what I consider a real collectors coin. This one is very lustrous but its also as natural as you will see. Not blast or heavily toned but just real natural. I like this coin a lot.
Oops, sorry it is a Proof. Oh well...
I’m afraid I only have a few slabbed. None raw. I agree with you about FBL not being important to me. A rather useless designation I feel. To each their own, but not to me. You’ll have a blast putting the set together.
About two decades ago I put a nice BU set in a Dansco. I never had a problem finding nice, raw, blast white coins at the local shows. I was guaranteed to find at least two or three a month, easy minimum. Sadly I sold the set. A HUGE regret! Fortunately they are about the same money now as then.
Lately I’ve started putting together a toned gem PCGS set. Only three in but I’m seeking a specific look. Many would call Franklins “widgets” and I think that’s extremely disparaging, especially if you’re looking for a type of toning type or color. Even white coins can vary greatly due to the presence of dings here and there and I’ve seen 63 and 64’s that are wildly different from each other.
If ones collecting a holder, yeah sure, they’re readily available, but if you collect the coin it can be truly challenging.
I’m damn excited for you. Franklins are great fun. Big, almost solid silver chunky little suckers that almost any person can reasonably afford in BU. Dang dude, HAVE FUN!!!!!!
"Today the crumbs, tomorrow the
loaf. Perhaps someday the whole damn boulangerie." - fictional Jack Rackham