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 Replies: 16 / Views: 666 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5823 Posts |
Over the years I have tried to get a nice slabbed example of the "key date" for most modern coins, including a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent, a 1932-D Washington quarter, a 1937 Buffalo nickel with 3 Legs, a 1916-D Winged Liberty ("Mercury") Dime, a 1972 Eisenhower dollar (Type 2 Reverse), etc. I just realized, however, that the only Franklin half dollar I have (apart from some junk silver examples) is the one in my 7070 type album, and that one is a 1963 proof. If I wanted to find a really nice slabbed Franklin half for my "key date" collection, what year and mint mark would you recommend? From what I've seen the only ones that seem to have any special value are ones in extremely good conditon (MS-67 or 68) regardless of year, but is there a particular year and mint mark that is the one to own? Or should I just try and find one in the best grade possible regardless of year and mint mark? |
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Valued Member
United States
456 Posts |
A 1950 Proof coin. I have a nearly complete Franklin half collection, and that is going to be the toughest for me to fill. But really, any of the Proofs from 1950-52. But, that's going on the assumption you want to include a Proof example, based on your other Proofs. For business strikes, check this out: https://learn.apmex.com/learning-gu...s-varieties/Edited by Vector Ze
03/17/2026 3:17 pm
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5823 Posts |
Thanks! Definitely interested in business strikes, so I'll probably start looking for a 1949-S in MS-67 or 68 based on that link.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
615 Posts |
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.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5823 Posts |
Quote:
a large percentage of MS coins are not attractively toned Yes, I was just noticing that! It may not affect the value, but I really don't like the look of many of the ones I am seeing. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5823 Posts |
In fact, the MS examples I'm looking at right now on places like ebay and APMEX are sooooo ugly that I'm thinking I might actually look for an early proof after all. Any idea why those high-grade MS examples are all so unattractively toned? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5823 Posts |
All right, thanks for the advice. In the end, I did decide to go for an early proof after all. I bought it on ebay, but here is the image of the coin provided by NGC:   The star designation is what really sold it. |
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Valued Member
United States
456 Posts |
Wow! That's an awesome coin, barryg! Very nice!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
615 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1961 Posts |
Great pick-up, barry
" Even a clock that's stopped is right twice a day. "
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Moderator
 United States
15386 Posts |
Beautiful coin. The obverse looks to be CAM at least, not so on the reverse.
Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5823 Posts |
Yeah, I looked at some that had the CAM designation on the label, but the prices were waaaay out of my price range. As I said, the star designation for exceptional eye appeal really sold it for me.
Edited by barryg
03/18/2026 08:26 am
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
Quote:All right, thanks for the advice. In the end, I did decide to go for an early proof after all. I bought it on ebay, but here is the image of the coin provided by NGC: Very nice!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7184 Posts |
Very nice proof Franklyn half dollar. I have an affection for proof cameo Franklyn's with that I acquired a set of them.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3170 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
615 Posts |
NGC Star proof is a great confirmation of "exceptional eye appeal" and for Proofs, NGC uses the designation also for Cameo on obverse but without Cameo on reverse (Cameo/Ultra Cameo needs to be on both sides of the coin).
Your coin is beautiful.
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Replies: 16 / Views: 666 |
Posted 03/17/2026 5:11 pm
