Can you grade this Franklin?

Sorry about the poor quality of the pics. But this is the gem in my Franklin Half Dollar collection. Any opinions on the grade? I have a slabbed 1883-O Morgan Dollar graded at MS63. This Franklin is in far better condition. Fewer surface scratches (bag marks, I'm guessing.).

 

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MS-65. :smile I am still learning how to grade but getting better!

 

Hey i specialize in frankies haha. As you already said the pics arent great so my opinion might totally change if u get better pics. The fields look a little muted wich makes me think high au. If it has full Cartwheel luster i would say a good ms64-65

 

cool. I see them in this grade going for a few hundred dollars.:thumb:

 

Maybe... but also for a LOT less. Here's a PCGS MS-65 with a BIN of $65.00:

http://cgi.ebay.com/1955-FRANKLIN-5...51?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item483cfae6c7

 

Not the best pics, but my guess, and it's a strong guess from pics, would be a MS 64

 

Maybe the FBLs for this year are and they're only selling for around $120 - $165 on the Bay.

Here's one that sold for $164.50, MS65 FBL: http://cgi.ebay.com/1955-franklin-h...28?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item4aabf54180

and here's one MS 63 that sold for $24.50, no FBL: http://cgi.ebay.com/U-S-1955-FRANKL...42?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item27bc17af3e

The 64 FBLs sold from $39.50 to as much as $61 within the past several days on the Bay.

 

The asking price and what they actually sell for can be very different.:yes:

 

I only have a date set of Franklin halves. I got most of them at a jewelry store for $2.50 a little over ten years ago. Marked down since very few people were buying them. This one was a bit more.

I should get it slabbed.

 

From what I can see in the photographs, I would give the half a MS-64. I can't tell if it has full bell lines or not, but hopefully it does. I wish I could give you a more definite grade, but the photos aren't sharp enough. Good luck on getting it graded.

 

I'm sorry but I cannot tell if the photo is of a mint state coin or a proof coin. I can't offer a grade opinion without better photos.

Personally, I would not third-party-grade a 1955 Franklin half unless I knew it was something special.

 

Like a variety or a especially good coin with full bell lines?

 

This link lists the CONECA varieties:
http://varietyvista.com/Variety Master Listings/franklin doubled dies 1948-1956.htm#_1955
There are several proof doubled die varieties listed & only one mnt state. I personally don't have any of them.

The famous bugs bunny 1955 Franklin is the result of a die clash & I don't think it is listed on the CONECA Website.

FBL designation would apply to a mint state example but I cannot see the coin very well in the OPs photo. I can't even tell if it is proof or MS.

 

Oh...I see! So, if you were to have one Franklin Half Dollar variety , them what would it be?

 

If the half has full bell lines and better than average luster I would consider having it graded by a TPG. If not, I wouldn't go through the expense. I have several mint state Franklin Half Dollars that have full bell lines but haven't had them graded by a TPG due to the monetary issue. I have other coins that would benefit more to be graded by a TPG with a high grade that would substantially increase their values. I wouldn't consider the Franklins to be graded unless I had a lot more money to give to the TPGs. Also, I am not aware of many varieties in the Franklin Half Dollar series. In fact, you could probably count the amount of varieties on two hands. Having your Franklin graded is up to you for you to decide whether it is worth it to you to get it graded. Good luck.

 

This is my favorite Franklin variety. It is a proof 1961 dated coin.

 

I dont see anything different in that pic...what is it?

 

It is the 1961 proof 50 cent with doubled die reverse. It is further described in this CT thread:
http://www.cointalk.com/t71726/

If you have a 1961 proof set, then you should inspect the reverse of the half dollar for doubling at E Pluribus Unim on the reverse. This coin lists for thousands of dollars.

 

Doubling at E PLURIBUS UNIM.

 

Oh...I see it now! Nice choice!