I'm looking at a Franklin Half and would like to see if you agree with the grade that PCGS assigned it. I'm new to Franklins by the way. I'll post the assigned grade after a bit. Thanks for participating! Oh, also, since I'm new to Franklins, I'm particularly interested in what you think of the strike quality.
Ms-64 (EDITED after seeing new picture of bell lines. There is a break in the lines just to the left of the crack.) It does, however come very close to FBL. In my opinion, I would pay a premium over Select BU for this, but not as much as I'd pay for FBL.
MS64FBL---PCGS is alittle lose when it comes to Franklins---I would suggest getting NGC graded coins. You might get them cheaper also NGC is alot harder with FBL than PCGS so if you are going to do a FBL set then I would strongly suggest NGC. If you want links to some sellers that sell PCGS and NGC slabbed Franklins send me a note and I'll send you some. Speedy
Speedy, the list of sellers would be great! Just send me a PM. So, do YOU think it's an MS64FBL or do you just think that that's what PCGS graded it and that you would disagree?
I agree with the grade I posted---the coin is FBL I'm sure---there are too many marks on the highpoints to go any higher than 64 IMHO---a 65 would be alot cleaner. I'll send you a note here soon... Speedy
I have just started loading up on certified Franklins, so I may lack the experience needed to be perfectly on the mark, but I would say PCGS would grade it MS-64FBL. I can't wait to see what the actual grade was that it was given.
Hi everyone. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! PCGS graded the coin MS64FBL. I agree with the grade, but do see your point about the hit on the obverse GD.
I think the hits on the head aren't as bad as they look---I think the lighting shows them up as larger than they really are.....either way I still agree with the grade---it looks just like the MS64's that I've seen... Speedy
I collect 64 FBLs, and this is dead ringer 64 FBL by PCGS standards, no question. If you'd like to see high resolution pics of a bunch of them, take a look here.
sabatca, FBL stands for Full Bell Lines. It's often used to indicate the strike quality on Franklin Half Dollars. Franklins with FBL have the lines on the Liberty Bell on the reverse of the coin unbroken across the entire bell. This indicates a good strike. Other similar designations are used on other coins such as FB - Full Bands on Mercury Dimes.
