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 Replies: 14 / Views: 1,921 |
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Valued Member
Canada
119 Posts |
Hello Frank-o-philes,
I have a question that probably does not have a right answer but I will ask anyway.
Looking through the prices (all taken from PCGS CoinFacts) of some dates, an interesting dilemma pops up.
For example, the 1963-D Frankiln Half with a grade of MS-65 FBL is priced at $150. Someone who's budget for these coins is around $125 per coin might shy away from this, and look for a MS-65-non-FBL example ($28) or an MS-64-FBL ($35).
These two options are close to the same price. In looking at other date/mintmark combinations, this kind of decision also comes up (1950, 1959, 1961-D among others).
My question is, which option is preferable? Would you buy a MS-64 FBL over an MS-65-non-FBL coin for a given date (and not just the 1963-D)? Why or why not? Are there considerations other than potential resale value? Does the decision change if you are doing the same exercise but for MS-66-nonFBL vs. MS-65FBL?
I realize this would depend on how nice each coin looked in hand and other factors, but are there rules-of-thumb that Franklin collectors on this forum use for these kinds of decisions?
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Valued Member
United States
79 Posts |
Ok, one question at a time . 1) I would offer the $125 and if no go, buy the 64fbl and save up for the 65 . My opinion.
2) simply cuz it's affordable .
3) What's the Values for the 66 and 65 ?
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
8938 Posts |
I'm very picky with strikes. If I can pay a premium for a better strike I will 100% of the time. The one exception to that rule is FBL franklins. You can tell the difference between a FS and non FS Jefferson with the naked eye. You can tell the difference between a FB merc and non FB merc with the naked eye. You can't tell the difference between a FBL and non FBL franklin without a loupe. Given that I elected to go with a 67 non FBL for my set because I frankly don't care about FBL franklins as they look no different then a non FBL one to me.
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Valued Member
 Canada
119 Posts |
Sal: The prices for the 1963-D: In MS-66-nonFBL - $450, MS-65-FBL - $150. I grabbed these from PCGS CoinFacts. I realize prices offered by dealers may be different.
For this date and these grade levels, the price discrepancy is more clear, and I'd be more willing to pay for a MS-65FBL in this case. At any rate, I only asked about the higher grade levels in my third question as a general though exercise and not for the specific 1963-D date. My apologies for not communicating that properly.
Grape: I appreciate the insight. Having looked at some coins with the naked eye, I largely agree with you, although I have seen some are more obviously nonFBL than others.
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
 With the Grape .FBL's are not that easy to determine without magnification . A lot of raw Franklins on e-bay that more than a few sellers are calling it FBL's are nowhere near it . So I'll also take the higher grade over a FBL coin .  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
992 Posts |
One other factor is if you decide to go FBL for the set, the 53-S is going to kill you....
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Valued Member
United States
79 Posts |
Ok settled. Buy what you can afford . Be Happy.  |
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Valued Member
Canada
119 Posts |
Yeah, I wasn't planning on pursuing a 1953-S-FBL as that's quite a bit out of my budget range. I was planning on getting gem FBLs in the affordable range (there are a small handful of those), like $150 or less. Having read Rick Tomaska's Guide to Franklin and Kennedy halves, and the PCGS coinfacts prices, along with the Numismedia FMV guide and various pieces available online, Tomaska's prices seem a little high. That book is from 2018 though, so perhaps that explains the discrepancy. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
992 Posts |
It's still going to be a great set, regardless!!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
652 Posts |
I'm currently building this set and have a mix of 64, 65, 64FBL, and 65FBL. To me it is about eye appeal. If I can get the next grade up or FBL for a little more and it is attractive I'll do it. If the jump is too large, I'll go with the lower grade.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1763 Posts |
I agree with Accumulator - it is all about the eye appeal!
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Moderator
 United States
187934 Posts |
Quote:
It's still going to be a great set, regardless!! |
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Valued Member
Canada
119 Posts |
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It's still going to be a great set, regardless!! I agree! Thanks for all of the advice as this gives me confidence that I will be comfortable with the purchases I make. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
I'd have to actually see the coins to make a decision.
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Valued Member
United States
338 Posts |
I think it boils down to what you can be satisfied with and not say, I shoulda bought the other. After all when u break it down it's basically like setting aside an extra dollar a day for so many days, in some cases that amounts to nothing for something that you really want.
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Replies: 14 / Views: 1,921 |
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Posted 09/30/2020 11:06 am
