PR 65 The early proof Franklins (like the first year 1950) often look like this. They are quite scarce with cameo or deep cameo.
Hi @Santinidollar, Nice Coin! If the “scratches” and blemishes are on the holder (as I suspect) then this is most likely an MS65 FBL Franklin. However, as some have guessed, it can not be a Proof. Actually, this is a very rare RDV-001a transitional reverse variety of the 1950 P Franklin. They were only struck during the first few months of 1950 Franklin production. During the early months of 1950, the original 1948-1949 Reverse Franklin Master Die (Reverse Die Variety RDV-001a) was re-engraved to create the modified RDV-001b 1950 Franklin Reverse Master Die. During 1950 and 1951, the two distinct reverse Types were used for Franklin Half Dollar production in the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. The term “Transitional Reverse” refers to Franklin Half Dollar reverses minted between 1950 and 1951 that have the original Type 1948-49 reverse Master Die (RDV-001a) image on a 1950-1951 coin. Your coin was struck during the months before the modified reverse Master Die was put into service. It is the same reverse that was used on all 1948-49 Franklins. Unfortunately, only ANACS attributes RDV-001A and RDV-001b varieties. This Vista Variety Web page explains the variety: http://www.varietyvista.com/11 Franklin Halves/Reverse Design Varieties.htm . No Proof Franklins with the RDV-001a reverse have ever been reported. The 1950 P RDV-001a (your coin) is the rarest of all “regular” transitional reverse Franklins. There are much rarer specimens of transitional reverse Franklins but they fall into "variety & error" categories such as RPM, DDR, DDO, etc. Congratulations on a nice piece!
When I look back at school, they taught us a few things that ended up being a farce...I can't wait to see the grade on the slab.
That seems correct to me. It has the look of a proof. Aren't the rims square? And just the general look does not resemble anything I've seen on a business strike 1950 Franklin.
I think a bunch of these early proofs were struck by re-polished MS dies, giving them a bright and sandy appearance. Furthermore, if this actually is a RDV001-A, then you actually may have a RARE coin in PF.
I found this thread that has a lot of info https://forums.collectors.com/discu...d-from-franklin-variety-collectors-specialist
So I'm not crazy? Because your pictures *really* looked like a proof struck from old dies with those characteristic shallow mirrors. If this is, in fact, the RDV-001a and it is a proof, might be worth sending to James Wiles and have him update his lists. That's kind of a big deal.