Does anybody here have a good grasp on what is considered FBL's on Franklin half dollars? Do they consider all the lines? Just the bottom ones, or top ones?? I have a 1958-D in an NGC holder graded MS-63 FBL. A beautiful 63. But the bell lines still seem faint on this to the point I'm wondering if I send it in again, if it would receive the designation again. Not that I'm going to. It isn't that important to me. No doubt they're over 90% and this thing is MS. But I could not look at it and say for sure this is a 100% FBL coin out of the holder. Even under 10x magnification. But I'm wondering how defined they can possibly be and if real 'no-doubters' exist or is it usually very subjective. I can definitely identify ones that wouldn't cut it. But some that are very close, look not all that different than this graded one I have. I have some more coming soon to judge from, that are in PCGS holders. This aspect of them seems tricky. Any input appreciated.
am fairly good on this.. I consider for FBL's to have top and bottom...so does NGC...however...grading comapnys like PCGS and the like just go with the bottom your could be just a weak strike.... Also, it is pretty subjective. I've bought coins with "FBL's" and when I got it I did not think they had FBL's stainless
For my information, when you talk of full bell lines, do you mean two at the bottom and three just above that? Do you also include the two at the top curve of the bell and the others around the top part of the bell? Actually, there should be eleven lines all together.
This has all been posted a great many times, but I guess it's time to do it again. These are the special designations that NGC uses. PCGS uses the same basic designations with a few minor differences. They use DCAM instead of UCAM and SMS instead of SP and DMPL instead of DPL. That's about it for the terms themsleves. But there are some major differences between NGC and PCGS in regard to exactly which coins qualify for these designations. In other words what criteria does a con have to meet to have the designation placed on the slab. In most cases, NGC holds to a higher standard than PCGS. I will post the specifics that I know, others may add to it if they know something that I have left out. Or, if you see a mistake, please correct me. Unless I specify otherwise, the criteria are the same for both companies. BN = Brown 95% or more of the coin is brown RB = Red Brown 6% or more, but less than 94% of the coin is brown RD = Red 95% of the coin is original mint red, 5% may be brown CA = Cameo Proofs and prooflike coins, that have frosted devices and lettering that contrast with the fields. UC = Ultra Cameo Proofs and prooflike coins, that have deeply frosted devices and lettering that contrast with the fields - often called “black and white” cameos. PL = Prooflike NGC - reflectivity at 2-4 inches PCGS - reflectivity at 2 inches DPL = Deep Prooflike NGC - reflectivity at 6-8 inches PCGS - reflectivity at 4-6inches FB = Full Split Bands NGC - all 3 horizontal bands on the fasces must have clear and distinct lines PCGS - the central band on the fasces must have clear and distinct lines FBL = Full Bell Lines NGC - both the upper & lower sets of bell lines must be clear, distinct and unbroken except at the crack PCGS - the lower set of bell lines must be clear, distinct and unbroken except at the crack SP = Specimen FH = Full Head helmet of the head must have full details FT = Full Torch NGC - both upper and lower horizontal bands must have clear and distinct lines, the vertical lines must also be clear & disitinct PCGS - upper and lower bands must have clear & distinct lines 5FS = Five Full Steps the lines of 5 steps must be clear, distinct and unbroken 6FS = Six Full Steps the lines of 6 steps must be clear, distinct and unbroken
Pardon my ignorance, but which are the Upper and which are the Lower sets of lines. I imagine that you mean the bottom two lines and the three lines directly above those, but this supposition ignores the six lines at the top of the bell.
Thanks for the pic David. I was in Philadelphia last September and stood right there. Got a few good pics of it but don't remember if they were that good. Actually, on the real bell, I see there is a smooth spot on the left and right of the crack. This must be taken into consideration on the coin also I assume? Thanks for the stats GD. I figured it had been posted many times but nothing stood out at me on the search. Maybe I didn't dig deep enough. Interesting. So a PCGS FBL won't necessarily be quite as good as a NGC.
When considering FBL for Franklins you should examine the bottom two sets of lines on the bell. The coin does not precisely follow the details of the actual bell, so dont use it as a reference. The lines should be distinct and visible across the entire bell. TPGs seem to allow for a level "softness" in the lines that belie what the FBL designation is about: strike quality. For more detailed information I would recommend reading here: The Complete Guide to Franklin Half Dollars by Rick Tomaska and An analysis of Gem Franklin half dollars by Jack A Ehrmantraut
Yes, Lower are the bottom two, upper are the three directly above them. The rest of the lines don't count. And for PCGS the upper three don't count.
