Could anyone please tell me what "FBL" means relating to the price of a 1953 Franklin 50 cent peice? I was looking at the "Coin Prices" magazine, and came across that abbreviation (FBL) while looking up the prices of the 1953 P, 1953 D, and 1953 S Franklin halves. I couldn't find the answer anywhere. Thanking you all in advance. yer friend, swick
It means full bell lines, in reference to the lowest (I believe) lines on the liberty bell on the reverse. They must go all the way around with no marks splitting them.
Fbl ?????????????? :hail: Full Bell Lines - Bottom part of the LIberty Bell has lines of words, these are referred to the Bell Lines on the Bell. BWJR
According to "The Official Guide to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection" By Q. David Bowers. He states (when the lower set of bell lines is full, these coins are designated Full Bell Lines, FBL). Lou
And if you ask NGC - both sets of lines must be full to qualify for the designation. And if you ask PCGS, only the bottom set of lines must full to qualify. As for me, I don't care who you ask. The design was intended to have two sets of lines - if they both aren't full - then it isn't FBL. Just that easy.
On bit of info to be added----also PCGS and NGC will still grade a coin FBL if there is a nick or two AS LONG as the nicks are either: A: near the crack going down the middle of the bell OR B: near either end of both sides of the bell-- So if you have a Franklin that has good FBL, but has one little nick near the end, more than likely it will still get the grade. Speedy
Thank you Thank you ALL for your input and answers to my question. I have just joined in on this web site, and I must say that I have been treated great! EVERYONE has been fantastic! And, I have LEARNED!! Which is one of the reasons that I got into coin collecting. So, thanks again to EVERYONE!! Sincerely, John Swickline
