What grade do you think PCGS would grade this 1959-D Franklin Half Dollar? I have attached a poll, please vote twice, once for the numerical grade, and once for the bell lines. As always, comments welcome.
65FBL. Nice luster, attractive. Minor ticks on the face and coat, but the fields are quite clean. The slightly heavier reed marks on the bell will keep if from a higher grade, but there doesn't seem to be enough general scuffiness for a 64.
Overall, I like this coin. In particular, I like the golden toning and the obverse is without major hits or nicks. Looks like some form of doubling on the E in LIBERTY, though I am not sure if it’s machine doubling or what. I voted AU58 as I see some wear on Ben’s hair and the reverse had a fair amount of nicks, scratches, and dings. I also voted Not FBL as the very bottom line seems to have gaps in it.
I see it as maxing out at 65 FBL (FBL due to PCGS being more lenient on the designation) and 65 since it is fairly clean but there are dings and hits scattered throughout (especially on the reverse).
very clean. Normally I would say MS66 FBL. I think PCGS will say MS65 + FBL I think the mark on the neck will keep the coin back. It is a very nice coin.
They might have given it 64, though I think it ought to be 65. My old eyeballs, at least tonight, can’t make a determination of whether its an FBL.
I'm going to be a bit contrarian and vote 64 FBL. I downloaded the image and blew it up and think the coin just has too many small micks and dings to give it a 65. I gave it FBL but reluctantly as I think it just barely crosses the line into FBL territory. But I don't know Franklins at all nor the grading market on them. So, as with all these exercises, I wait to be schooled.
The problem with blowing the image up to big is that it makes what are in reality, very small marks look much more prominent than they are. That is why I post my photos for gtg threads in the 500x500 pixel for each side of the coin. To see what I mean, go back to one of my previous gtg threads and look for some imperfections on the obverse of the coin. Then scroll down to the reveal where I usually post a slab photo and see if you can still see those same imperfections. That said, 64FBL is a perfectly reasonable grade for this coin. I was on the fence as to whether I should submit and was hoping this thread would push me one way or the other.
@Lehigh96, I absolutely agree with your point about blowing them up. I have sometimes cringed about some of my favorite coins when I've looked at them too closely. So, when I blow them up I am careful to discount my initial reaction to what appear to be moon craters. That's why our significant others close their eyes when they kiss us - either that or they're imagining someone else.
Originally I was thinking 65fbl. Then I noticed the ding/scuff near Y in LIBERTY, which should drop it to 64fbl. The toning, particularly the reverse, is quite nice for a '59-D. That's a perfect coin for an album.
I agree with the appearance of doubling, the B E &R obverse. I know little of grading so I will spare you any pretence. Good luck to you
I'm thinking 63 FBL due to the tiny nicks and scuffs already mentioned. And, while I think FBL is borderline, this sort of example always gets it from PCGS.