GTG: Franklin half dollar

Hi @Santinidollar,

Nice Coin! If the “scratches” and blemishes are on the holder (as I suspect) then this is most likely an MS65 FBL Franklin. However, as some have guessed, it can not be a Proof. Actually, this is a very rare RDV-001a transitional reverse variety of the 1950 P Franklin. They were only struck during the first few months of 1950 Franklin production. During the early months of 1950, the original 1948-1949 Reverse Franklin Master Die (Reverse Die Variety RDV-001a) was re-engraved to create the modified RDV-001b 1950 Franklin Reverse Master Die. During 1950 and 1951, the two distinct reverse Types were used for Franklin Half Dollar production in the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. The term “Transitional Reverse” refers to Franklin Half Dollar reverses minted between 1950 and 1951 that have the original Type 1948-49 reverse Master Die (RDV-001a) image on a 1950-1951 coin. Your coin was struck during the months before the modified reverse Master Die was put into service. It is the same reverse that was used on all 1948-49 Franklins. Unfortunately, only ANACS attributes RDV-001A and RDV-001b varieties. This Vista Variety Web page explains the variety: http://www.varietyvista.com/11 Franklin Halves/Reverse Design Varieties.htm . No Proof Franklins with the RDV-001a reverse have ever been reported. The 1950 P RDV-001a (your coin) is the rarest of all “regular” transitional reverse Franklins. There are much rarer specimens of transitional reverse Franklins but they fall into "variety & error" categories such as RPM, DDR, DDO, etc. Congratulations on a nice piece!

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