Franklin halves; what's the fascination???

Shamika · August 21, 2003 11:51AM

Don't start throwing tomatoes at me, but I've never liked these coin.

And yet so many people (on this forum at least) love them.

I'm willing to be enlightened?

Placid · August 21, 2003 11:52AM

Some people like them some don't. To each their own.

wingedliberty · August 21, 2003 11:53AM

Easy:

1. One of the finest statesmen in mankind's history.
2. A brilliant scientist.
3. Short series with lots of opportunity for enjoyment.
4. Nice run of proofs with a variety of quality variance.

Enough said.

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 11:54AM

<< Don't start throwing tomatoes at me >>

fcloud · August 21, 2003 11:56AM

Ditto what Placid said.

I think they are a nice design--others don't like them... I had put together a real nice set back in the late 1970s, it was fun... I sold it off in the late 1980s... I wouldn't mind putting together another set...

Shamika · August 21, 2003 11:57AM

Okay, don't throw pies at me either.

ccr · August 21, 2003 11:59AM

The design is a classic design of simplicity. It`s a history lesson on a coin associating Franklin with the Liberty Bell.

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 11:59AM

oppsss... sorry...

rd5425 · August 21, 2003 11:59AM

fascination, I don't know how anybody could be fascinated by frankies, they gotta be the ugliest coin ever made

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 12:00PM

<< they gotta be the ugliest coin ever made >>

go soak your pennies in copper cleaner!

FC57Coins · August 21, 2003 12:02PM

It is a simple coin - devoid of a lot of detail - which can make gem pieces not only challenging, but very pleasing to the eye

It is challenging in high grades, yet attainable by just about anyone - pick your expense level and pick your grade

It still offers opportunities for great finds now and again, and yet it is an established set that has a great following

Coins can range from blast white cartwheels to the most astounding toned gems

It represents a time in the life of many of us that was just at the end of innocense - personally and for the country

It is a short series that still can have ample variety in both business strikes and proofs

It was the last full silver set of coins made by the US mint

Need I go on?

darktone · August 21, 2003 12:02PM

I don't collect them either but I think they are nice coins. They are very affordable, many to choose from proofs and uncirculated, many treasures waiting to be discovered and they are big and silver. I would collect them if I was not stuck on gold. By the way I don't think they are nearly as popular in the real world as they are here. mike

Shamika · August 21, 2003 12:04PM

But you see, it really isn't a nice design. While I'm a big fan of the man himself, I can't see how anyone could argue that the design is pleasing. The eagle looks like an afterthought, the bell is hardly ever well struck... I just don't get it.

I will admit that being a short series would make it a hot collectible, but the passion displayed by so many members of this forum really puzzles me.

rainbowroosie · August 21, 2003 12:05PM

I'll mess with Lucy:

I absolutely love deeply toned rainbow frankies from mint sets, some 57 and 58D's (and very scarce earlier ones) are truly remarkable coins. I also love DCAM proofs...but aside from these two groups:

frankies are B-O-R-I-N-G!!!!!!

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 12:09PM

<< frankies are B-O-R-I-N-G!!!!!! >>

Go sit on a Full Torch!

bennybravo · August 21, 2003 12:10PM

It's a big coin in a compact set,all 90% silver,every date is easy to obtain in BU at a relatively low price,and a complete certified set with all near gem and Gem pieces can be had relatively cheaply with all but one in FBL.This series has tons going for it IMO.

rainbowroosie · August 21, 2003 12:11PM

Oouch!

FC57Coins · August 21, 2003 12:11PM

LOL - OOPS!

That's the beauty of it - the eagle WAS an afterthought - it was never meant to be on the original coin - that's kinda unique - So is the placement of In God We Trust - No other circulating coin has it placed at the bottom of the coin like that - if you ever see a nobrainer gem Frankie in person, they look like someone could've taken a chissel and carved the coin out by hand. Granted - the series has it's flaws - flat mushy strikes in many years, awful toning in some coins, but to me, it's kinda like the old mutt no one wants, but he looks at you half coc keyed and you can't help but take him home - To each his own man! No one's pushing them - some of us just love'em!

Shamika · August 21, 2003 12:12PM

EXACTLY!!!!!!

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 12:15PM

Who Loves you Baby???

pmh1nic · August 21, 2003 12:16PM

Ditto Brian especially regarding Franklin's tremendous contributions to humanity.

Add to that affordability (you won't have to mortgage your house to put together a nice MS-64+ set) and if you like color you'll find a tremendous variety of different types of toning.

A few examples

Shamika · August 21, 2003 12:19PM

Okay Lucy, you're making me laugh!

Ronyahski · August 21, 2003 12:20PM

Shamika - I think Frank and LucyBob already scooped up all the nice ones you'd like to own. You're just too late! Don't hold a grudge!

Shamika · August 21, 2003 12:21PM

FC57Coins is making some good points. Maybe I need to sit down during a coin show and really look at some high grade coins.

Shamika · August 21, 2003 12:23PM

pmh1nic,

I'll admit that the 1952 that you show is a looker.

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 12:24PM

ms67FBL.

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 12:27PM

ms67fbl...

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 12:29PM

ms66fbl.....

beorn · August 21, 2003 12:34PM

now that 1948 that lucy just showed converted me

Shamika · August 21, 2003 12:41PM

Alright, maybe the obverse isn't soooo bad. But what about the reverse?

BTW Lucy, I like that 1948 with just a hint of orange toning. That coin evokes the taste of cilontro in a hot salsa. Does that make any sense?

FC57Coins · August 21, 2003 12:41PM

Noooooooooow yer talking guys!!

Shamika - don't be dissapointed if the next few shows you go to you don't see any killer Frankies that beckon you. Sometimes it's easier to find an 1893S Morgan or a 1916 SLQ than it is to find killer Frankies like Lucy is showing - but they're out there - half the fun is seeking them out! You might even have to look in a few old mint sets - and then maybe even you might run into a few of the old man's friend's as well

keets · August 21, 2003 12:45PM

What I don't like about Franklin Half-Dollars

1. The obverse design is of such low relief that it's difficult for me to grade and tends to show all contacts clearly.
2. The tendancy seems to be splotchy brown toning.

What I like about Franklin Half-Dollars

1. Absolutely everything else.

Cameo proofs are nothing short of stunning. When you do find a nicely colored toner with good luster they're fabulous!! There are a few varieties that make searching sets interesting and easy since they occur in the latter years when the sets are cheaper.

The 1956 Type 1 proof is a sleeper that I regularly search for. They are regularly mis-attributed by PCGS/NGC and all the others with eBay sellers listing them raw or holdered with no knowledge of what they have. I am determined to find a CAM/DCAM coin.

al h.

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 12:57PM

A HIGH END Brilliant stunner!!! a 1960D.. This is close to perfection.

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 12:59PM

a ms66 1953s

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 1:01PM

A Hammered 49s ms66fbl...

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 1:02PM

ms66fbl 1951s...

ddink · August 21, 2003 1:04PM

<< they gotta be the ugliest coin ever made >>

I think you must be referring to Ikes. <ducks>

<< The eagle looks like an afterthought >>

I believe it was added simply to satisfy the legal criteria. I may be wrong though.

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 1:05PM

Shamika · August 21, 2003 1:05PM

I guess that little eagle just turns me off.

Now if you could chisel that chicken off and while your at it give the "E PLURIBUS UNUM" a heave-ho I might be on board.

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 1:06PM

DanC · August 21, 2003 1:06PM

They often provide an opportunity to make profit$. That part is good.

Blade · August 21, 2003 1:07PM

Lucy - WOW. It's really amazing to see your collection. It is My-T-Fine! Thanks for showing off some of the highlights.

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 1:09PM

<< I guess that little eagle just turns me off. >>

islemangu · August 21, 2003 1:09PM

Go...Lucy...Go

Here isn't the real world....coin vault TV is

even its error issue has a sense of humor

Shamika · August 21, 2003 1:11PM

Better!

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 1:14PM

66Tbird · August 21, 2003 1:19PM

Though I have a nice MS in 66 FBL with the typical mint set tone, I really prefer the ultra cameo proof. Most first time viewers of a higher end set take notice of it also. So I grab them on the bottom of the little price curves they seem to have and add a 67ucam about one a month.

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 1:21PM

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 1:21PM

Shamika · August 21, 2003 1:22PM

HOLY COW! That 1962 proof makes Ben look like a ghost!

LucyBop · August 21, 2003 1:23PM

DEEP MIRRORS!!!

Franklin halves; what's the fascination???

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