GTG: Franklin half dollar

Well, this thread is wondering all over the place so I will post my 1950 in here. It was a PCGS PF63 that now lives in a capital plastic holder. I tried to take pics from many different angles. @Morgandude11 does it have the same grainy fields? I think I might see what you are referring to in the last obverse pic.

 

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This one is nicer looking than the 65 model!

 

Yup. Slight graininess on the obverse fields. You got it. Mine is better struck, but you have the general idea—some grit in the fields, particularly on the obverse. For some reason, there is less on the reverse of 1950 proofs.

 

damn old age... I revise my original prediction lol

Still. When this came in and thought, “man.... it sure does look better than other proof 64s I have”

 

Man I just have trouble seeing it. I never would have thought to describe it that way. Thanks for input.

 

Here is my 1950. Note the left and right obverse fields:

 

I’d like to compare these and have this conversation while all sharing a glass of Woodford Reserve. Not the same glass.

 

This coin is struck from a newer and more polished die pair. A few tiny hairlines and blems is all it takes to lower the grade, but I prefer it to the 65.

 

Ya think? I have been told many times to go for an upgrade to 66, or send in for Gold bean. I am happy with mine as it is. There is some pale golden toning as well, that does not show that well in photographs.

 

I was so interested in this post that I spent a couple hours comparing reverses of my early Franklins. My eagle eye tells me that the subject coin is a Proof with the 001-b rev.

 

Nice Eye!
Actually, you are correct by default. All Franklin Proofs between 1950-1955 and Type 1 1956 Proofs are RDV-001b. The "Holy Grail" is a 1950 Proof RDV-001a. none have ever been identified but if you have access to a 1950 "Satin" Proof, check it carefully. If one is to be found, this is the most likely candidate because they were struck early in 1950 Proof Production and the Mint must have been experimenting with Proof strikes and dies after a six-year hiatus. It is hard to believe that the Mint did not screw up and let one or two RDV-001a experimental pieces slip into sets.

 

To be honest, I can't see any sharp details in the subject coin because of blurry photo. Therefore I see the coin in default as you suggested. I assume it to be a 001-b as I have no other logical choice...better pics may help.