Did I get a little carried away? Yes. Do I have any regrets? Absolutely not. Should I stop asking/answering dumb questions and share some pics? I think so. And last but not least is this 1952-S Franklin. Took a bit of a chance on this one (especially since it's not FBL...) but it looks like with the right lighting, it has some neat color as well; we'll see. If nothing else, highest grade 1952-S I've got in the set until a pretty FBL comes along. I very much dig the Morgan (went outside the set I was bidding on and paid bit more than I'd hoped), but ultimately I think the 1957 takes the top prize in my eyes.
The 1952-S is the second hardest Franklin to find in FBL (after the 1953-S) and is quite pricey for that reason. So a nice non FBL example is a solid option if you are not set on doing a set where every coin must be FBL.
My goal is a full Franklin run, with the best color I can find. Presented with two neatly colored options, I'd of course lean toward the FBL. I was looking through Tomaska's Guide of Franklin & Kennedy Halves and you're 100% correct - the '52-S seems to be universally weakly struck. The TPG population report in the book is likely a bit dated (I've got 3rd edition; edit: 2018 numbers), but compared to every other date, still seems like the least FBLs graded.
I saw your trick their putting the 57 number 4 instead of 3. I think it has been dipped, and retoned. The 63 ain't bad for a 63D.
Maybe. I always thought TPGs were pretty good at calling out artificially toned coins, but certainly possible they missed it. To me (and I could be wayyy off) it almost looks like it was held in an older cardboard album with tape - unfortunately, a relatively common practice back in the day from what I've read. Look at the obverse, almost at 3:00 running horizontally to 9:00, you can see a slight difference in color. I think this could've been remnants of tape. If it was held in a Whitman type cardboard book, it would explain why the reverse got darker; exposed to more sulfur by constant contact against the paper/cardboard. Again, I could be mistaken; always curious to learn more about the toning process and telltale signs of funny business and artificial toning. Also, re:"putting the 57 number 4 instead of 3." I ordered them by date in the poll, but listed the '52-S last since it doesn't have TruView (yet)
Agreed. With my toned Franklin set, I have decided that color is an overriding concern, rather than having every coin as FBL. 1954s is also difficult and expensive in FBL. It is far easier to go for condition than FBL on certain dates. Beautiful 65 and 66 coins that are missing FBL are easy to find. As far as which coin does the most for me, i like all of them, but the 57 Frankie is special.
I only have a couple of Franklins with FBL (1955 - MS64FBL & 1960 - MS63FBL) I have 3 more graded Franklins (1949D - MS63, 1953S - MS64, & s 1954S - MS65). I've got a lot more Franklins (non-graded, yet) that I haven't had time to study.
