After collecting Morgans as my coin of choice (and lots of others) for over 40 years, I have decided to now concentrate on the Franklin Half series. In my opinion, it is a very attractive coin in high level MS or proof, and can be had relatively easily in highly desirable specimens. In the past few weeks, I have already grabbed up some very choice Frankies, including the elusive 1950 proof (low mintage, and hard to find an attractive specimen that doesn't break the bank). So, first I shall go for the full set of 15 proof coins, in as high grade as I can get and like the eye appeal of the date. Then I will do all of the regular issues from 1948-63. This doesn't mean that I will abandon Morgans, as they have been the love of my coin life for so many years, and 5 different collections over the years. It is just fun to find a new love, and to go with it. Not necessarily going to do any company registry, as I buy coins based on eye appeal to me. THis should be fun!!
I like Frankies too, and along with a couple other more modern series I think they will be more and more popular over the next few years. Good luck with your collection and be sure to post some pics!
Sometimes its good to switch to another series. It makes you think more about your collection. Also constantly looking at the same design can make you go a little crazy. But the Franklin Half series is a good set to collect. Are you considering getting them with the FBL designation?
I've been working on a full proof set of cameo Franklins for a while now. I'm just not sure if some dates exist with cameos. The search is the fun part anyway.
FWIW, that is not the only designation of importance with Franklin. There are a few weak spots on Franklins that are worth watch, the Bell Lines being one. Ruben
Kirk, it is very difficult, verging on impossible to find 1950 or 1951 with a decent cameo. I just got a very very nice 1950, in an OGH, and have been looking for that date for years. It is not a cameo, but an extreme eye appeal coin. The later years (the 60's), cameos are common, and can be had cheaply. I have a gorgeous 1957 cameo 67, and after that date, it is much easier. For the MS coins, Ruben is right--since it is a large coin, with large devices, there are many spots to look at for issues, not just the FBL. That really isn't an issue in the overall beauty of the coin, unless one wants a total full bell set, and good luck with a couple of those dates in FBL.
I'm not really looking for the cameo designation, just for the ones with a nice strike and a cameo look to do a dansco date set. I was about to give up on the 50, I thought there were none, but I'm glad to see you landed one. There is still hope. In the mean time, I will have to suffer and keep traveling all over the country going to shows to find one.
Try Heritage, or David Lawrence. I gave up trying to find a nice '50 at shows, as they are just not out there. I found mine online, at David Lawrence, and made my best offer.
It's not really a collection high on my priority list as I already have two complete sets of non-cameo proofs. Just a set that I have been doing in passing. Besides, the fun is in the hunt. Anyone can just Google for one and buy it.
