Trends in the Franklin Half Market

I just want to throw this out there. It is certainly more of a feeling/opinion than fact. I am feeling something in the eBay Franklin trends. It is starting to pick up dramatically. I thought about making a youtube video about this, but didn't want to bore anyone. If you look at the price guides from 1990-91 you will see Franklins at mostly less than 5 dollars. I believe there are still a fair amount of raw franklins that are FBL/DDO-DDR. At some point in time PCGS became lax on spotting errors. Not sure if this is because people didn't request it, or if they had heavy volume comming in, or what? It has been pointed out that there are a number of regular slabbed PCGS Franklins that have doubling. People on eBay are starting to catch on. In an attempt to win a Franklin in which I thought there was reverse doubling (States) I sniped somone at 9 seconds. I was re-snipped at 4 seconds and lost the bid. There was a slightly toned 1953-S FBL Frank that was realized at upwards of 10k within the last two months. I cannot find the link, but maybe some of you recall. Even regular run of the muck Frankies are getting insane action (especially OGH). Check out this auction that just ended 10 minutes ago.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320825233584?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 (Top Rated eBayer)




Here is another brilliant example that raised some eyebrows.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1959-FRANKL...24?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item2a17b5f364





Please feel free to comment. This is my favorite series. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

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Many people do not like the design, but I really feel that the Franklin series is under appreciated. I have been accumulating 1959 DDRs and 1958 Type 2s. I agree that the TPGs likely do not pay close attention to all the potential errors and varieties. The series is great for cherry picking. You can say the same thing about Ikes as well. :smile. TC

 

Ever dig up one of these in your backyard? One of the fascinating things that is overlooked about Franklin, is that France would have never aided the U.S. during the revolutionary war if it wasn't for his diplomacy.

 

Wow, $3000 for an $800 listed coin. Am I missing something?

 

That is the kind of craze that I'm talking about.

 

Thats something new for me. So is now a good time to pick up some Franklin Halves?

 

I don't know I was thinking about that. I guess if you look at it strickly for appreciating the coin, and not flipping it. A lot of nuismatic folk that own the gems are now listing them because of the amount being paid. No idea on future speculation.

 

Some history: Top pop Franklins have been one of the worst performing series during the last 10 to 15 years. Many are down 50% to 80% in price from peak levels. Search the Heritage and/or Teletrade archives to see specific examples. During that same time, the bullion value coins went up due to silver going up, up like 500%. As always, the person that does well financially in numismatic coins, tends to have superior grading skills, superior access to coins, and superior market knowledge. Be above average in all three, and that person tends to do well financially. Be below average in all three and the person will almost certainly lose money.

 

I sold two sets last August at the ANA Currency Show in Chicago. One circulated and one proof. I got top dollar for the proofs. Two dealers said the proof set was the best they had seen in a few years, but regardless, no one seemed bashful about offering good money for them. I just had them for so long, I thought it was time to move on and used the proceeds elsewhere. Perhaps there is something to all this.

 

I've been focusing on Franklins for a while. The only way I could possibly see myself drifting (besides proof sets) would be Peace Dollars.

 

I would recommend either one. I have all but the 1928 peace dollar currently, but am looking to upgrade many of my existing ones; funds permitting of course.

 

I was always amazed at the high price guide prices for top grade frankies. Way out of my league. And I dont know enough about errors or varieites to collect them. However I do like buying colorful or toned franklins at lower prices. Some of my favorites:

 

Many many years ago..I sought out coins like this example. Why this does not have a "Cameo Designation" is beyond me. Very nice Cameo coin!

 

WL the 1954 in the upper right is the #1 Stunner. I would put that on display in the shop (only with the proper security).

 

Such a toss up between both on top. I think my mind is playing tricks on me. The 54 is a more "Bam.." The 48 is less suddle, but equally amazing. Thanks for sharing.



Nope I love all of them. You have fine taste in coins sir. These would be in my collection if I had the stock market beat.

 

I bought a mixed set (circ, AU, & BU) in an Album a few years ago.

I think there were more weak strikes minted, than good strong strikes, therefore the high prices for high graded ones.

Just looking at a 1951-S that still has mint luster, but being weak, I would only give it a VF-20


*

 

I have to say that I doubt that the PF 69 upgrades to a cameo as THE Franklin expert is selling it.

 

It's always a good time to pick up a Franklin in my opinion.

 

You know Jason, I'm not the least bit surprised. And I do agree, this is an underappreciated series much like the Ikes are. The FBL and Cameos are an elite crowd for these collectors, so seeing a wild auction like the link you posted is fairly commonplace. I'm a huge fan of the series, and there are MS examples that can still be had that can make for some possible FBL designation, for almost melt money. All you need is a nice magnification loupe and that good old "cherrypicking" gene, and you're set to go!