1959 Franklin half dollar

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by Freddy Sada, Aug 2, 2021.

  1. Freddy Sada

    Freddy Sada Member

    Good evening, hope all is well...
    I've visited few coin shops today and presented a 1959 Franklin half dollar to see if it would be worth sending for grading. Almost all were quickly to dismiss it and suggested that "I'd be lucky to get a 64". Mind you, this coin ( along with a penny and a nickel) have been in their original packaging since 1959. While I totally respect their expertise; I'd like to check with you all. I just want a clear direct explanation on why the coins listed below were graded 66+ and 67 while mine wouldn't pass for a 64? Thanks a lot.
     

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  3. furryfrog02

    furryfrog02 Well-Known Member

    I see lots of scratches in the fields on the obverse and the bell on the reverse.
    Def would not be worth wasting the money to send in.
     
  4. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    If it's been in the original wrapper than why is it somewhat worn and scratchy ?
     
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  5. Freddy Sada

    Freddy Sada Member

    Ok, granted. It is scratched up and whatnot. What about the other once? They're not mirror like either. Just saying
    What about this nickel?
     

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  6. longshot

    longshot Enthusiast Supporter

    The pictures show scratches....

    Edit: the nickel seems to show a ding on the jaw?
    Were these from a mint set or what do you mean by original packaging?
     
    SensibleSal66 likes this.
  7. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    The Nickel is nice but not worth grading . Also, next time start a new thread . I think the others would agree with me . ;)
     
  8. Freddy Sada

    Freddy Sada Member

    In all honesty sir, I never disagreed with anyone. After all, who am I to challenge their expertise. I'm merely trying to understand in simplest terms the exact criteria used to assign a grade.
    For example, please see the images below. My 1959 penny vs the other one. Thanks
     

    Attached Files:

    love old coins likes this.
  9. Freddy Sada

    Freddy Sada Member

    And by the way... thank you guys so very much for your patience! I know, I'm an ignoramus but I'm trying to learn haha.
    So thanks a lot!
     
    dlts likes this.
  10. Vess1

    Vess1 CT SP VIP Supporter

    Just because coins were in a mint set doesn’t automatically mean they get top tier grades. I was listening to an old coin show podcast from last year after the latest one got over (and I wasn’t done mowing yet) and they were talking about winning the grading game sending in coins from mint sets. Matt Dinger (owns coinshop in Indianapolis and co-host on the podcast) said he no longer bothers trying to find mint sets worth sending in. He doesn’t have the time and the last time he did he went through 450 sets to find one that might have a chance at the 67 grade.
    So many things happen to those coins even after being in the packaging that will lower the grades. The top end grades are usually rare for a reason. They often come down with ugly toning, haze or spots while in the package from not being stored properly at some point during its lifespan.
     
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  11. Vess1

    Vess1 CT SP VIP Supporter

    I have 66, 67 and higher graded coins in my type set. The quality it takes to reach these levels is pretty astounding when you see them in person. Luster plays a roll and toning can help or hurt the grade I believe. Plain yellowish toning will hurt the grade while attractive, rainbow toning *may* give the grade a bump.
     
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  12. clembo

    clembo A closed mind is no mind

    I agree. The scratches through the bell lines especially are pretty brutal.
     
  13. Randy Abercrombie

    Randy Abercrombie Supporter! Supporter

    These are mint state (MS) coins to be certain. But the folks are telling you correctly. They aren't a high enough mint state to merit the expense of grading. Imagine this. A new car that has had the paint scratched is still a new car, however you cannot deny the fact that there are scratches in the paint..... There are many practical reasons to have a coin graded and interred in plastic. Monetary reward on relatively modern coins is only reserved for the absolute finest examples. Otherwise, you are simply spending money.
     
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  14. yakpoo

    yakpoo Member

    Are you sure your coins aren't proofs? The Half Dollar has a Type-2 reverse. Although some business strikes of 1958 and 1959 can have a Type-2 reverse, the sharp bell lines and finish of your Half Dollar make me think it could be a proof. The steps detail and finish on the nickel appear proof, as well.
     
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  15. yakpoo

    yakpoo Member

    :D

    Mint.jpg
     
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  16. chascat

    chascat Well-Known Member

    The half looks proof to me as well, especially with the type 2 rev. Wonder if it came from a pirated cello set?
     
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  17. Mr.Q

    Mr.Q Well-Known Member

    Three post in what should be one at a time. I will reserve my opinion and wish you good luck in the future.
     
  18. yakpoo

    yakpoo Member

    I think you're comparing a business strike to a proof strike...apples and oranges.
     
  19. Freddy Sada

    Freddy Sada Member

    Honestly, no idea sir. The half dollar, dime, nickel and penny were all sealed separately in the same bag with a "Philadelphia mint" sticker.
     
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2021
  20. Freddy Sada

    Freddy Sada Member

    Thank you so much for your explanation sir!
    This whole time I thought if the coin is new, like fresh off the die, then it should receive the highest grading. Apparently I was wrong, and this is why I am here; to gain some of your guys' knowledge.
    I wish I can give your reply a million likes sir! And thank you for your time.
     
    Randy Abercrombie likes this.
  21. Mountain Man

    Mountain Man Supporter! Supporter

    Welcome @Freddy Sada. In my opinion, most of the mint sets sold have coins that some employee picked out of cart full of coins. All they were concerned with is was it a nice looking coin. They didn't care about grading, just getting sets put together, so it's a grab bag unless you have a Proof Set. JMHO.
     
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