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Posted 03/17/2026 5:14 pm
For the Franklin series in Mint State, the "key dates" will be determined on whether you are going for FBL (Full Bell Lines) or not and grade (in higher grades they are extremely rare)
Generally the "S" mints (1949, '51-54) are weakly struck so one in high grade is a good start. In addition, 1948-'52 D's in high grade non FBL.
The real goal in MS are FBL. These coins are generally the sought after ones and more valuable. In FBL, '49-'55 and '59-'63.
In my opinion, a high grade Proof Franklin is an absolutely gorgeous coin.
The key dates for Proof are 1950-'52. There were only 51,00 minted in 1950, 57,000 in '51 and 81,000 in '52: quite rare. The Cameo and Deep Cameo's for this period is the ultimate goal. Remember, Proof coins were not made during WWII and didn't start to be minted until 1950. Hence the quality of the first few years is mixed and the existence of solid Cameo and Deep Cameo's is very rare.
In addition, there is a Type 1 Variety in 1956 that is highly sought after in Cam and DCam.
For the Franklin series, it is important to remember that a large percentage of MS coins are not attractively toned.
Generally the "S" mints (1949, '51-54) are weakly struck so one in high grade is a good start. In addition, 1948-'52 D's in high grade non FBL.
The real goal in MS are FBL. These coins are generally the sought after ones and more valuable. In FBL, '49-'55 and '59-'63.
In my opinion, a high grade Proof Franklin is an absolutely gorgeous coin.
The key dates for Proof are 1950-'52. There were only 51,00 minted in 1950, 57,000 in '51 and 81,000 in '52: quite rare. The Cameo and Deep Cameo's for this period is the ultimate goal. Remember, Proof coins were not made during WWII and didn't start to be minted until 1950. Hence the quality of the first few years is mixed and the existence of solid Cameo and Deep Cameo's is very rare.
In addition, there is a Type 1 Variety in 1956 that is highly sought after in Cam and DCam.
For the Franklin series, it is important to remember that a large percentage of MS coins are not attractively toned.
