Here is an example of a Cameo Proof Franklin Half Dollar. NGC called it a cameo. The obverse is "all there," but some might question the revere. Since I didn't pay $1,600 for it, I'm not upset. It has a $1,600 obverse, or at least it did when I bought it years ago. Today, maybe the "Ultra Cameos" sell for less.
Here is a really nice 1950 Proof set. The 1950 Proof coins tend not to come nice. The mint had not issued any Proof coins since 1942, and the empoyees who made the Proof coins were either at the beginning of the learning curve or had forgotten how to make Proof coins. Many 1950 Proof coins tend to come will dull surfaces. You can tell that they are Proofs, if you know what to look for, but the eye appeal is lacking. Many 1950 Proof coins have been dipped, which usually only makes them worse. I bought this set many years ago off a Boston coin shop bid wall. The story surrounding the set was that a collector got his five 1950 Proofs (The orders were limited to five at first) and assembled this from the best coins in the group for one of his kids. I paid a premium for the set because of the quality of the silver. The cent was not that great, and I replaced it. The nice 1950 Proof cents were worth about $50 in those days, close to 40 years ago.
Ok, I'm busy trying to take in all the great advice I've received. I've been busy just looking at listings on eBay. I've come to the conclusion that "most" of them are complete junk LOL. I will be buying the rare dates that are slabbed. The problem is the common dates aren't very pretty. There are lots of bad photos, many are stock photos. There are milk spots, cloudiness and just down right ugly. I'm just gonna have to keep trudging along I guess. Thanks for all the great advice!
WOW, that is a beautiful set. I love the toning! They have definitely aged gracefully. Thanks for posting the photos!
You don't have to buy junk for the common dates. Unless you after the Cameo coins, the best place to find them is in intact, never opened Proof sets. The mint's cello packs did a good job of preserving the coins if the sets were properly stored and the knife rims on the coins had not cut through the cello. Some people store their coins in the basement, garage or attic. All three of those are bad places. Dampness and temperure changes are no good for coins. I've seen gold coins that were runined after a knit wit stored them in his Florida attic. The coins were cooked, and there was nothing you could do for them. It's hard to ruin gold coins like that, but he found a way!
Ok, I'm giving the mint set idea a go. I bought a proof set and I'm bidding on P & D mint sets. I understand that even here there could be problem coins. However, I am increasing my odds of getting some decent coins. I actually feel a little more comfortable going this route. The prices for just the half are almost the same and I'm getting 4 other coins in the process. Wish me luck, LOL I'll keep you all posted. In the meantime I'll continue my Franklin crash course. Thank all of you for some top notch advice. If you have more hints please, keep the information coming!
That is VERY cool! The coin is beautiful! Thanks for sharing the photo. I really need to get a camera so I can post photos.