Guess the grade - Franklin Half

I just got this toned Franklin Half. Guess the grade!

 

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Who graded it? TPG's definitions of "FBL" varies extensively. While PCGS may have said "FBL", NGC may not have. From what I've heard, NGC is tougher on giving out "FBL's". I've heard it's because NGC checks both sets of bell lines for clarity and strike, and PCGS only checks the bottom set. Personally, I think the whole "FBL" thing's just a money makin' scheme anyways! :rollling:

I said 64 (not factoring in bell lines), but now examining Franklin's cheek a bit more, I think it may be a 63. Luster looks a bit muted under the toning, which is, IMO, unattractive, and the streaks across the reverse look more like surface friction rather than breaks in the toning pattern (?). I am by no means a Franklin Half Dollar expert though.

-Brian

 

Ms 62 fbl

 

PCGS graded it

 

MS64, no FBL.

 

Slightly muted luster for 65FBL, Alex.

But really, I am having trouble judging luster from the pics -- there may be a great deal more (or less) there than I'm giving it credit for, but don't see it going lower than 65 -- the coin is simply too clean, IMO. 64's (and below) are typically chattery in the fields with some high point rub, and I see very little of that.

But luster is the big variable in 65 and above, and I just can't get a good feel from the photo. So I'm not very confident in either the grade (or FBL for that matter).

 

It's tough to tell too much from the pics. I gave it MS63.

The lower bell lines seem a bit mushy near the crack to give it FBL...but it may look clearer "in hand". It's also hard to distinguish between toning patterns and bag marks on the Reverse. The Obverse strike looks nice, but there appears to be some significant facial marks from Franklin's ear to his shoulder; a primary focal area.

 

Finger prints on the obv. and what looks like wipe marks on the rev. I do not see any luster, maybe the photo, but what do I know I am still learning.

 

Ms64 fbl

 

Hey Kasia!

Thought I would give your Frankie a bump to see if there's anyone else out there willing to GTG (guess the grade). It seems like the CT "brain trust" is all over the map on this one. Btw, when are you planning to let us know? :secret:

 

I will guess MS63 FBL. TC

 

MS-65FBL...wasnt too sure based on the pics though.

 

Wow-it really is all over the board. I will let you all know when the poll closes. Also maybe today or tomorrow I will put new pics up. I will see if I can take better ones for grading purposes. BTW - this isn't a trick poll - the grade IS one of the one's given, so Doug you can be surprised now. Also, yakpoo, thanks for the bump so others have a chance to look at this and respond.

 

Looks below MS, and since PCGS slabbed it, no FBL. Several mark through the bell lines they look at for FBL.

 

Anytime...

 

Glad to know I wasn't the only unimpressed with the reverse.

I'll be shocked if it did receive an FBL.

 

Maybe the grades wouldn't vary so much if "FBL" grades weren't included in the poll... It's kind of subjective, ya know? So each person will put "FBL" according to their own grading standards (which may not be too advanced, I might add).

And, please, share the real grade with us! :hail:

-Brian

 

I agree. How can an MS coin have a finger print on it?