Please guess the grade of the 1949 Franklin Half Dollar shown below. I have attached a poll for you to cast your vote and you may select up to 4 different things: the numerical grade, Full Bell Lines or not, and the "+" & "*" designations. Please remember to vote in the poll and choose either FBL or NO FBL. As always, comments welcome!
I am going to guess that it is a MS-65+ not FBL. The coin is pretty clean with what appears to be decent luster. It is very close to FBL, but it's a little weak in my opinion. They darker almost terminal appearing toning on the obverse is what kept it from getting a 66 or higher grade, hence the 65+.
I went with MS 65 not FBL ...the luster is probably there but the black patch on the obverse and a few scattered hits prevent me from going higher (lower lines have breaks so that's why I went no FBL).
I went MS66, non-FBL. I see breaks in the lines. As for the grade, it looks to have very clean surfaces. I don't feel like the luster is strong enough for it go any higher.
I am terrible at grading Franklins. I am a fan of the crusty original patina. It shows that it likely has not been messed with. I think it’s a solid 65. Only area I don’t like is the bit of near terminal toning at 3pm. I think it squeaks into a FBL holder and seems like a coin your brother would add to his collection. It also looks like the Bugs Bunny variety to me. 65FBL “Bugs Bunny” FS-401 final answer.
That is the most common date for it but the variety exists on plenty of other Franklins. http://www.franklinlover.yolasite.com/bugs-bunny.php
There appears to be significantly more luster in this most recent picture than in the first post. The upper bell lines were borderline, so I'm not particularly surprised on the FBL...
@Lehigh96 : What are your thoughts on the grade? I am not surprised by the FBL, but I'm a little surprised by the numerical grade, particularly the "+" component. I had guessed MS65+, but MS66+ is higher than I thought it'd go. Nice coin, particularly for the date!