Howdy folks! Been a while since I've added anything to my collection, but spotted this beautiful Franklin the other day and couldn't resist adding it to my Franklin set. What do you think?
The spotted toning makes it hard to see the surfaces. It appears to have some light bag marks, consistent with a MS-65 grade, might have gotten a 65+ if the graders particularly liked the toning. I say no FBL because the bottom 2 lines are not complete and the upper ones are weak. It is a very nice coin that I am sure everyone here would be happy to own.
PCGS only requires the upper set of Bell lines but they are interupted by reed (bag) marks. Pretty coin MS66 Hey @Dima is the PVC on his jaw?
Pretty sure they require the bottom set of lines, with the idea being that if the strike was good enough to complete the bottom lines, the top lines which don't suffer from strike issues as much should follow suit. As for the coin in question, it looks incredibly clean to me with a vertical reed mark across the center of those top lines as the only significant distraction. The toning is interesting, yet distracting, and may be hiding some smaller marks. As for the steps, they look full to me, as that toning streak to the left of the crack seems to be creating an optical illusion. My grade: MS66 FBL
I believe you're correct; there is a spec of something green on Franklin's jaw, below his ear. Definitely looks like PVC damage I've seen in the past. The toning hides it a bit, but under magnification (and in the photo), it's certainly evident if you're looking for it.
The reveal: However, I'm not sure I agree with this grade. There are two parallel lines on the reverse which appear to be scratches. To me, this looks like PMD. And, these lines break the bottom bell lines... The toning here is beautiful and the coin fits into my toned Franklin set nicely, but seeing these scratches up close is making me second guess the purchase.
Those are wheel marks, better get that one restored, just have the spots addressed. Bet they will also take care of the dark spot below the B.
I thought wheel marks would result in 'genuine, MS details.' Or at the very least lose the FBL. If that's really PVC damage, might in fact consider restoration.
I learned something new; thank you, @Pickin and Grinin. I used the terms roller marks, machine marks, and wheel marks interchangeably. Though they are quite different. This post summed it up nicely I thought: https://coinauctionshelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11818
With my best loupe and optimal lighting, I stared at the little green speck for a good 10 minutes. The results: inconclusive. I don't think it looks fuzzy - and doesn't seem to resemble old Lincolns I've seen with clear PVC damage - but I am not 100% confident. The good news is that the little spot below the B is almost certainly a tiny bit of debris.
