Being this is the series that started my coin collecting journey, I feel rather badly that the only example that I have in my office is this Lucite encased half.... However it is my favorite paperweight!
Randy, the Franklin Halves are an easy set to assemble in lower and middle grades. It’s the higher grades that are costly and difficult to put together. With the exception of one or two coins a person should be able to complete a set from junk silver.
Like Franklins a lot, like yours and that you shared it, but honestly can't figure the grade. Did you submit it...or was it already graded when you got it...and in either case what do you think of the grade and/or were you surprised...?
It was already graded when I bought it. The grade might be a little difficult from images because of a couple of things. First, you might be seeing the heavy die polish. Die polish does not affect the grade - in fact, it was because of this polish that it has the reflective prooflike surfaces. Next, because of these prooflike surfaces, any marks or flaws seem to be magnified and show up more obviously than otherwise. And finally, you might be looking at the lighter scattered areas that look like chicken scratch. It's hard to explain this effect, but they are not marks, it is part of the surface itself. I think the grade is solid. Really, the only thing holding it back from a 66 is the mark on Franklin's cheekbone. The strike is hammered, eye appeal is off the charts (including a light cameo contrast).