I was looking at a franklin half dollar, and it was graded by ANI and it says MS67FBL. What does FBL mean?????
FBL means that the lines across the Liberty Bell on the reverse of the coin are completely separated and unbroken across the bell. There are two sets of lines; one at the bottom of the Bell and another set at about where the flare of the bell ends. An FBL determination can greatly increase the amount that one is willing to pay for a Franklin, depending on the year. As with most coins, some years had better strikes and newer dies than other years and those FBL coins will garner less than years that are known for poor strikes, as FBLs from those years will be rarer. Some grading companies require both sets of lines to be fully intact, and some only require one set to be fully intact. Do LOTS of research before spending a lot of money on a coin with an FBL designation. Then, examine the coin and make your own determination. I have seen coins designated FBL from PCGS and NGC designated as FBL that I felt were not FBL I am unfamiliar with ANI.
Ryan. Here is a good example of what Libertybell is talking about and it is graded by a top third party grader. In no way in my opinion is this a FB Franklin .http://www.pbase.com/image/51529220.
1957-D FBL is relatively common compared to other years, but an FBL Franklin is better than a non-FBL, if that is what you are asking.
CoinValues Mag lists the Franklin Half 1957 D FL at $4000. Now, you must realize that they are almost always way overpriced. That, with the dubious TPG ANI, I wouldn't expect this coin to be any where near MS67FBL or the CV value. You're going to have to grade this one on your own or post a photo here for some very competent opinions. The mantra here is: "Buy the coin and not the holder". Bruce
The values on the PCGS Price Guide are high but here it is, if anything else, It'll provide you with a guide of what not to pay. In other words, if you pay these prices, you paid too much. http://www.pcgs.com/prices/frame.chtml?type=date&filename=franklin_kennedy_half An MS67 FBL 1957-D Franklin Half is still going to cost you a considerable amount of money. Heres a 1957-D PCGS MS66 FBL selling on this web site for $295. http://www.fastcoin.com/certified-franklin-half-dollars.htm
For $15 I'd say go for it man. :thumb: Not that much to lose, but if it was any higher I wouldn't. ANI isn't one of the best, like said earlier they overgrade tremensly (sp?), but $15 doesn't sound too shabby. JMO Phoenix
Ryan if you are buying that coin based on that picture - no you should definitely not buy it for $15. In all likelihood that coin could be bought at any dealer's for less than that.
