Post Your Franklins!

1951 Franklin Half NGC MS-64 Light Golden toning
Looks close to FBL in the older holder. Could not get a good close up of bell lines.

Snagged off eBay for $20.50 Cheaper than having a raw one sent in & graded.

 

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Nice score!

 

I just found a post on NGC Collectors Society about Full Bell Lines

http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2426204

 

Thanks MrBlzr, for sharing this interesting article.

 

Yeah I say full bell line's

 

Two MS-63 FBL's arrived today by Express Delivery

 

Doubleheader sweep.

 

My first slabbed Franklin.

 

I always liked the variegated gun metal blue look.

 

MS65 Gem Uncirculated are affordable but Proofs and too high IMO. If you don't mind collecting MS63 they are very affordable and many have mintage below 5 million.

 

I would disagree with your statement regarding proofs being too high. Yes, if you want a top of the line proof, say a PR68DCAM, you are going to pay some scratch, even for a common date in that condition. For example, according to PCGS Price Guide, a 1963 in PR68DCAM is $675. However, you can get PR65CAM Franklins from 1956 to 1963 (except 1959) for $35 - $85. A properly chosen PR65CAM can be QUITE a good looking coin IMO.

Clearly, the earlier proofs, 1950 up to say 1953, are much more expensive, but they are also much rarer.

I reached the price - performance boundary of Franklin proofs years ago. Here is a link to my Registry set, which was essentially complete over a decade ago (with the earlier dates completed over two decades ago):

http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetGallery.aspx?PeopleSetID=8601

While I do enjoy CAM/DCAM proofs, I find business strike Franklins much more rewarding.

I would agree with your statements with regards to business strike coins. They are quite affordable in MS63, say $15 - $30, and reasonably affordable in MS65. According to PCGS's price guide, a Franklin "Type" MS65 without FBL is $40 and with FBL is $80, although IMO a person should be able to find a raw one for a fair amount less. Here's one of my favorite raw price performance pickups... I'd grade it MS66FBL. It cost me $11.

 

If you left your set of Franklins to your grandchild and he held it for about 40 years is bet it would really be a good deal. I am not making fun. It takes years for some of these not-so-popular coins to catch the public's fancy and then they are worth big money. Everyone loves Morgans these days but I wonder how popular they were in 1900? I know we have a member here whose father left his an almost complete Morgan-CC set in Unc. condition. Now that is a gift that keeps on giving. I know the 2.5 dollar Indian Head gold piece was unpopular when it was first minted but now they are much sought after as are the $5, $10 and $20 gold pieces.

 

As I mentioned, I do NOT believe the upper level proof Franklins are a good deal. I was simply making the point that PR65CAM's for the latter dates are reasonably inexpensive.

With regards to my set specifically, I bought them for their looks at the price boundary where I still could see some value of upgrading from one technical grade to another. I know I'll lose some money on my set when I eventually sell it, however I've had roughly 25 years to enjoy the set (and the good Lord willing, years to come).

 

Yes, it is a great set you have there. I like Franklins as well and have a set that are mostly AU to MS63. I don't think they will appreciate much in my life time, but I like them just the same. I have a set of LWH dollars and if I could afford to get them all in MS condition maybe I would do and maybe I wouldn't. I am not in it for the money because I don't have the time or money to buy coins that would really appreciate. I agree with your points about the PR65CAM's.