FBL Franklin? Worth sending in?

FBL Franklin?

I got this 1949 Franklin Half from 5 rolls of silver halfs I found. I'm thinking that it might be FBL, what do you think?

obverse


reverse

 

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From this picture, I would say FBL. I think it looks worth sending in for grading. I have seen a few that have passed for FBL that look in worse shape. I'd like to know how the luster of the coin looks in hand.

If you do send it in, let us know the results! :smile

 

No, it is not FBL, and no, it is definitely not worth sending in for grading. It is circulated, and would grade no higher than AU - a $15 coin at most.

It would not even FBL at PCGS (and I don't really consider PCGS coins FBL anyways.) PCGS only requires the bottom set of lines to be full, which this coin does not meet. FBL collectors like myself go by NGC standards, and require both sets of lines to be complete - and this coin is nowhere near that.

 

GREAT find.....a 1949 Franklin is one of only 2 holes I have in the series.....however, I may be getting that 49 soon with a swap with someone.

 

edited

sorry GDJMSP, forgot about that

 

The CAC website has a pretty good article on what they think FBL should be.

http://www.caccoin.com/category/reference-sets/

It's probably not worth sending in. You might be better off purchasing one already slabbed.

 

The coin wrapper cut into almost all the lettering on the reverse. Not gradable.

 

That was my take also, thanks everyone for your opinions!

 

The problem with the CAC standards, and why they also are worthless in my opinion, is that they also follow the inadequate PCGS standards. They only require the bottom set of lines to be full for FBL.

 

Well FBL or not, I wouldn't send it in...
Grading is expensive, and if you don't get bang for your buck what is the point?
This thing doesn't even look uncirculated to me, and has no luster going by the picture
I'd pass on getting this graded

 

I thought they don't classify as FBL unless its MS. Atleast thats what I thought.

 

What is funny about that, is that the lowest I've ever seen a FBL is MS63, never seen anything lower, but I'm sure there are bound to be ones in lower grades with FBL.
Even if a lower end coin was struck in FBL, it might be worn off, so you could be right on that, I can't see a EF45 FBL ever grading, because I don't see a coin with the wear of EF still having the FBL

 

Do they FBL an AU?

 

Thats what I asked.. I found this just now


"When the bottom set of lines across the Liberty Bell (PCGS only) is complete and uninterrupted, a regular strike MS-60 or above should receive the designation FBL. If these lines are obscured by marks, weakness of strike, planchet defects, or other sources, the coin would not normally receive the FBL designation. A few marks across the lines will not prevent the coin from receiving the designation, as long as the continuity of the lines is not disturbed. But, multiple marks, scratches, scrapes, or other detractions that interfere with the continuity of the lines, will in fact prevent a specimen from receiving the FBL designation. "


I cannot verify the accuracy of this however. So take it with a grain of salt.

 

There are way too many "breaks" and hits on the bottom two lines. It's obviously a scanned photo, so luster and whatnot are not a factor as far as determining if it's MS.

Doesn't matter if it's MS-6x or not, it's definitely not FBL and that was the original question.

 

I know NGC designates FBL on strong AU pieces, I have seen several of them. I have also seen many MS-62 FBL pieces, there is a 49 62FBL on Ebay right now.

 

I've yet to see an AU FBL...
If you could find one, that would be great, as I am looking too.
I would think with wear, on the coin, it would just be weird to see AU55 FBL.

 

Oh, I definitely agree. The only case where I could see it being of any value would be on the key dates - say a 1952S or 1953S.

If I recall, the one I remember seeing was a 48D perhaps? This is one of the strongest struck dates, so even in AU the bell lines are generally going to remain strong. I don't have access to the NGC census, but you can look at that and see which dates they graded.

 

That would be something...

 

Okay I don't know what NGC standards are for FBL, but here is PCGS's

Full Bell Lines (FBL) - Franklin Half Dollars. MS60 or better. Must exhibit complete, uninterrupted lower lines on the Liberty bell

So we shouldn't be seeing any AU55 FBL any time soon by PCGS...