For determining if a Franklin half has FBLs, the coin has 2 sets of lines on the bottoms of the bell. For FBL do both sets have to be complete or only the bottom set of lines? Thanks! Marcy
I believe both of them must be full, but I'm not a Franklin half expert (I'm learning more though) **Unrelated: There is a new section for each coin denomination???
From what I recall, I believe PCGS and NGC have two different standards. If I remember correctly, NGC requires the top and bottom sets of lines to be complete and PCGS requires only one of the sets of lines to be complete. There was a discussion on this topic before and I just remember that both grading companies did not follow the same guidelines for FBL on Franklins.
I think you are right about the different determining factors contributing to FBL designation from PCGS and NGC. In "A Guide Book of Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars" by Rick Tomaska, a little bit of information is given on what qualities are needed for FBL designation. He nots that there is, of course, a degree of subjective interpretation. Many MS Franklins have bag marks and they may interupt the lines. So small nicks in a line might still grade FBL. In the book he writes: "To be FBL, both sets [of lines], top and bottom, need to be clear and easily distinguished by the naked eye. While minor ticks are to be tolerated on Mint State Franklin half dollars, given the fact that Mint State Franklin halves are generally very baggy coins and that they almost always have some tiny ticks on the lines (even on MS-67 coins), [deep cuts will not constitute a FBL designation]". So there is certainly some subjective interpretation. stephen
