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When Buying Proof Franklin's, What should I be Looking for...
OneCent
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Say that I was looking for Proof Franklin's in the 50's. Maybe a 1956 example in Cameo.
What characteristics should I be looking for? I'm assuming the usual characteristics would apply, no haze, strong strike, nice eye appeal, etc. Anything in particular for Proof Franklin's?
What characteristics should I be looking for? I'm assuming the usual characteristics would apply, no haze, strong strike, nice eye appeal, etc. Anything in particular for Proof Franklin's?
Collector of Early 20th Century U.S. Coinage.
ANA Member R-3147111
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Comments
depth of cameo contrast (do you want cameo or maybe deep cameo)
lack of hairlines
clarity of mirrors
type 1 (rarer) VS type 2
I believe strike is not much of an issue with franklin proofs
I like R Tomaska's book guide to franklin half dollars
here's a 1955
forgot to post the reverse
the dcams are much rarer than cameo
and it seems to be harder to get a high grade with PCGS so I think they go for more
Look for higher grade deep cameo franklin's in PR 68-69 Deep cams after 1955
Look for high grade cameos to ultra cameos in high grades before 1955. PR 68 to 69 cameo, or 65 to 68 deep cameos.
The 50, 51,52, 53 are a challenge to find in the highest cameo grades.
My experience is the 67 cameos are a mediocre investment wile higher grades are better.
the 58 has milk spots, seek only highest grades in deep cam without spotting in the fields.
yes, no haze, strong strike, nice eye appeal, etc. Anything in particular for Proof Franklin's?
Only seek high grades with deep even frost on both sides, not just one side.
re polished dies exhibit hairlines, seek non hair lined Franklin's, from original die pairs.
That have not been re polished, unless they meet the proper criteria.
I have found power in the mysteries of thought.
It is always a question of knowing and seeing, and not that of believing.
Our virtues, and our failings are inseparable, like force, and matter. When they separate, man is no more.
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What thestig said...............Rick
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Also, I personally for the common date cameo Franklins; 1956, 1962, 1963, much prefer a screamer contrasted PR68UCAM/DCAM to your garden variety PR69UCAM/DCAM. The 68 will only cost you 1/3 - 1/5 as much money, and I challenge anyone to tell the difference between a nice 68 and a 69. I sure can't, and I've been collecting these things for 20 years.
U.S. Type Set
I'm currenly looking at a 1956 PR68 UCAM that appears to have very nice contrast. I'll let you know how it works out.
Collector of Early 20th Century U.S. Coinage.
ANA Member R-3147111
<< <i>Say that I was looking for Proof Franklin's in the 50's. Maybe a 1956 example in Cameo.
What characteristics should I be looking for? I'm assuming the usual characteristics would apply, no haze, strong strike, nice eye appeal, etc. Anything in particular for Proof Franklin's? >>
The 1956 has the finest cameo contrast in the series. If you're looking for a type coin, this is the date I would go for. There are two distinct types for the proof '56 T1, the rarer of the two, has a weakly defined eagle on the reverse. T2 has a much bolder eagle.
If you are able to view the coin in hand proir to purchase, look carefully for hairlines.
My icon IS my coin. It is a gem 1949 FBL Franklin.
<< <i>re polished dies exhibit hairlines, seek non hair lined Franklin's, from original die pairs.
That have not been re polished, unless they meet the proper criteria. >>
Polished dies exhibit die polish lines. Hairlines are a different animal entirely.
My icon IS my coin. It is a gem 1949 FBL Franklin.
and they're cold.
I don't want nobody to shoot me in the foxhole."
Mary
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