Let's say I wanted to collect all the same grade franklin's all by the same company. If I try to get the whole set, what company should I have them all graded by, and what grade should I buy? Should I go MS65 or higher on each one?
PCGS or NGC (your choice). As for grade, what will your wallet support? I personally believe in buying the best you can afford.
To Jersey: If just desiring a collection without future monetary concern, it doesn't matter. If you desire to own the best and want to display them for public view or to enter competition, buy the best you can afford. If monetary profit return is desired sometime in the future, buy the best you can afford. In any case keep preservation in mind so fingermarks won't spoil them, careless handlers won't mar them and time & chemicals won't lower their grade. Have the entire set slabbed (for preservation and authenticity) by one of the best slabbers.
If you haven't started the collection yet, why don't you simply purchase coins that are already slabbed? Franklin Half Dollars are not terribly valuable unless you are collecting registry quality FBL (full bell lines) coins. The cost of have the coins graded will be a significant portion of your investment. By purchasing coins already slabbed, you eliminate that cost. If it were me, I would collect only MS65+ coins getting FBL coins when available based on budgetary considerations.
I don't collect Franklins and don't know enough about the series to recommend which TPG to use. PhysicsFan3.14 (Jason) is the resident Franklin expert, hopefully he will show up and point you in the right direction. BTW, How long does it take to ship stuff to Antarctica?
I"m not thinking he's really from there but just visits occasionally As for the Franklins...I'd look for a FBL set. NGC grades only give that when both sets of lines are full. It commands a premium over PCGS so if buying I'd look for FBL NGC set probably go 64 and up. Good Luck with the set. They are priced with good value still and will be a great looking set to get all in one holder like that.
Which part of Antarctica? I've been to Pole Station by way of McMurdo. And I've been to the Palmer Peninsula by way of Ushuaia. And where did you get the sticks for your boat?
1. As already noted that series is not to terribly expensive already in slabs. 2. If you can make it to coin show and you'll find many for a lot less than on ebay, coin stores, other web sites. They are just not that popular to demand high prices even in slabs 3. If you for some reason can find them in high grades and you really want them slabbed, I suggest going with PCGS. This is sort of like menioning a car. When you say Cadalac, people say WOW. Say Chevy and it's OK. Same with TPGS's. PCGS is the one people just like to brag about. 4. And too if your doing this for a hobby purpose, nice ideas. If for a monitary future investment, not a great coin for future price increases. Of course there too you never really know. 5. Have fun and let us all know what you decide. 6. I wonder why I placed this answer with a numbering system.
Several points: 1. The grade you choose should be a function of the money you have to spend. If you are looking to buy slabbed, you should either look at a 64FBL set, or a 65/65FBL set. It will be hard to find a straight 64 set, as for most dates 64's are very inexpensive and not worth slabbing. A straight 65FBL set will get very expensive for key dates. I knew that for my set I wanted everything FBL - I love a strong strike - so I did a mixed grade 64FBL/65FBL set. 2. Getting them all in the same holder looks very nice. NGC is my favorite, mostly because their standards for FBL are far superior. To me, the PCGS standards for FBL are essentially worthless. NGC coins will also generally be less expensive. Their grading is every bit as good, or better, than PCGS, but there are more kool-aid drinkers - and PCGS only allows PCGS coins into their registry, which puts more pressure on their price. I recommend NGC holders. 3. A Franklin set can be a challenge depending on how you choose to go about it, but I highly recommend it. It is a very rewarding experience, as you can see from my set linked below. Whatever you decide, good luck, have fun, and remember - when searching for FBL coins, patience is the key!
