What happened to the Franklin Half Dollar Market

Over graded junk perhaps so, but as a non Franklin collector, who would like a gem example of say a 1950 or 52 proof coin, would it then be worth the money to spend on such a coin, with a nice deep cameo contrast? For example putting together a half dollar proof type set?

 

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I just looked at NGC price guide for Franklins and see mostly upward green arrows...Where are these cheap coins?

 

I love'm both!

 

Rick Tomaska

 

Most of the "rare" coins aren't even scarce.

 

The NGC price guide is a joke as is the PCGS price guide. Neither has a basis in reality in many cases.

 

Yes...only a source, but as I scan Great Collections right now, I still notice the truly nice, bright, clean coins are being gobbled up at higher prices. The junk is still and always cheap and easy. Not many gems in high grade even available...as usual.

 

I have been collecting coins for 64 years. I have one set of Proof Franklins from 1950 to 1963. I was never impressed with the coin even with FBL's. What impressed me was the 1958 and 1959 issues struck with proof reverse dies. And always looking for the 1959 Proof over circulation strike reverse. Now I'm trying to put a set of Bugs Bunny obverses from 1948 to 1963 PDS together. Does anybody on Coin Talk have a complete set of Bugs Bunny Obverses?

 

they haven't crashed as they were not saught as much of the ladies and the 54-70 Kennedy's. I have several proofs that were bought at spot or below. They are very historic as I study history very much. I am assembling a set but have realized that they are readily available. Besides, everyone knows Benjamin.
The General

 

Was looking thru my 59s a couple weeks ago...found the 59T-2 in ms65! But isn't that the common one? Now I crave the 58. I only have 54 and 55 bugs, but always looking.

 

I have had better luck at local coin shops. Unless it is a graded coin then $30.00 isn't too far from a good buy. Most of the ladies I see on ebay will not grade as much as the asking price. I try and give close to red book. Can't go wrong that way. I too love the halves. I have not gone back behind the ladies. I have several that are AU and gave $8.00 each and near perfect.
The General

 

Yes, the 1959 Type 2 Proof reverse is the common one. I just went through a coin dealers 59's and found 6 with the Proof reverse and only 1 with the circulation strike reverse and none of the Proof over Circulation strike reverse. I recently looked over many rolls of 1963 Unc Franklins and found three Bugs Bunnies. I'll keep looking.

 

What’s up, Doc?

 

Interesting read, I just started collecting Franklins.

 

Looks like a crying BB!

 

If you think Franklins are in the tank, take a look at high-grade Washington 25c. Some of the coins for which I paid $2,000+ for, which was around wholesale at the time I bought them, are worth about a third of that amount now. Fortunately, I have some other coins that I'm in for a song so overall I'm not in bad shape. Sure wish I had bought more of those $400-$500 slabbed Saints!

 

I should have specified that I was talking about the silver ones, not the clad stuff.

 

I agree with the Fin; overgraded, over priced, over hyped. The good news if you want to collect this series now, it's a great time to buy.

Another factor is fewer folk coming into the hobby. Aging collectors from the baby boom are exiting the the world of the living and not enough new are coming into the population that collect coins. Economics is a bugger.

 

Yes I am the old feller (Baby Boomer). I have cloned myself in at least one grandson. It is my hope that every grandfather will pass his collection to a grandson that's interested in collecting. Time will tell if the younger generation cares much about our country's history which is preserved in our coinage. We need to push hard as it is certainly worth the effort. I am worried that the millenials will use our coins to buy their dope or a soda pop.
The General

 

Thats not your best joke. So sad. That stinks