Franklin Half Collectors – Are there 1948’s with “ghost” initials?

[RWB]

Final master hubs for the Franklin halves had two sets of designers initials – JRS. One set was as they appear on normal coins, the other set was to the right of those and in slightly smaller letters.

 

According to documents, the right-most set were removed from the master hub by acting engraver Gilroy Roberts. Does anyone have a 1948 half that shows traces of the other set of initials? (I’ve examined several under 45x and see nothing.)

 

[This was also posted on the PCGS boards.]

 

[WoodenJefferson]

Good image showing the location of initials, Mike Byers image of a Franklin half struck on a 1948 cent.

 

I was not aware that there were two sets of initials, first I hear of this...but I will examine my 1948 issues when possible.

 

[RWB]

They should be to the right of where Liberty crosses the truncation of the bust on the Byers image.

[physics-fan3.14]

I've never heard of such a thing. Have you tried contacting Rick Tomaska? He's the Franklin guru.

[rrantique]

I will do some more searching, is this the ghost?

 

[RWB]

rrantique -

Sorry. I can't tell from the photo. Light needs to be on the truncation of the bust where the present initials are.

 

 

[rrantique]

rrantique -

Sorry. I can't tell from the photo. Light needs to be on the truncation of the bust where the present initials are.

 

 

I'll see if i can post a little better photo.

 

After closer examination, this is only a lighting figment.

 

[RWB]

No....they were supposed to be on the truncation, in line, but to the right of the present ones.