Hey all, I've enjoyed reading everyone's contributions to this page. It's been very helpful to try to keep an eye out on things in my collection or that I may want to add. I wanted to ask about whether it seems likely or unlikely that this 1962 Franklin Half in my collection is FBL or not. I played with the lighting to make the images work, so it looks tarnished, but in fact it appears blast white in person.
Unlikely in my opinion. It has a crack going through it. Ha, ha, ha. Couldn't resist, but seriously, using the TPG definitions: NGC, To qualify for NGC's Full Bell Lines (FBL) designation, all the horizontal lines on the bell must be distinct. Often, the strike can leave the lower bell lines incomplete. The rarity of the FBL designation varies across the series, though coins from San Francisco consistently have trouble qualifying. PCGS, When the bottom set of lines across the Liberty Bell is complete and uninterrupted, a regular-strike Mint State 60 or above Franklin Half Dollar receives the designation Full Bell Lines (FBL). If these lines are obscured by marks, strike, planchet defects, or other problems, the coin will not receive the FBL designation. I don't think it qualifies.
Thanks Chris, I was able to get a slightly better (I think) shot using my iPhone instead of the scope.
I added an additional photo, though this after I put it in a flip. But it gives a little better view than the microscope pictures I took.
Good job with the additional pic. I am in the same camp as the previous posters. I don't see it as having FBL's either.
I appreciate your thoughtful response. My heart may be broken a little, but tomorrow is another day. LOL
Honestly guys, this has really strong bell lines for a 62P. FBL on P mint Franklins from the 60's are tough, as the remaster of the die in 1960 failed to re-strengthen that detail. I am almost certain it would go FBL at PCGS. Remember, PCGS only uses the bottom set of lines. On this coin, there are some minor tickmarks across the bottom set of lines, but they are full and distinct all the way across. It would not, however, get FBL at NGC, which requires both sets of lines to be complete. I still wouldn't recommend submitting it because its 63 at most, and possibly damaged (that scrape on the left side of the bell near Pass and Stow looks bad), but I think the bell lines are better than y'all are making them out to be.
