Hello, I'm helping a friend dispose of his farthers collection. In it he has found a very worn Franklin half dollar missing the reverse. He says it's blank, does not appear to be worked. Has anyone heard of this type of possible error? I know a coin grading service will provide a professional opinion, i.e. body bag! But if someone else has heard of such an error it might be worth pursuing. Thanks in advance!! Watash
Welcome to CT, WATASH! You won't get much info without posting a good picture of your coin. Also, weigh your coin. It should weigh 12.50 grams.
Yep, photos needed. By default, I say having a one sided coin is the same as the sound of one hand clapping. Think about it, if there isn't another die striking from the reverse, the obverse hitting the die will not do anything. There has to be pressure from all sides for a coin to strike up. Having said that, there very, very rarely are weird things that can happen with grease filled dies, delamination, etc. so its not impossible, just unlikely. Again, this is why we would need pics.
The reverse die could have been prevented from striking it by another planchet. That's why we need photos before we jump to conclusions. Chris
Thanks to all! As soon as I get my hands on it, I'll get some photo's the reeded edge is missing as well according to my friend. I've overlooked the facts of how coins are produced. The analogy of one hand clapping pretty much answers our question! Regards, to all Watash
Yeah, I didn't mention that possibility since it usually deforms the obverse, but you are correct of course.
If the reeded edge is missing, it is possible that it was cut down as one half of a magician's coin, but I would still like to see photos. Chris
Its the infamous "elavator boss" from SSC now claiming victims in the phone world! Ok, yeah, you would have to be an old WOW geek to get that obscure reference, but I bet the two here who got it are laughing their rears off.