FBL Franklin Proofs?

[Dkillett]

Being an avid, sometimes obsessed Franklin Proof collector, here lately I have been seeing numerous auctions for Franklin proofs being described as FBL or nice deep bell lines. From what I understand, and have noticed from the ones I have, all Franklin proofs have FBL. If I am wrong please correct me.

 

I have even had the guys at my local coin shop point out the FBL on a proof Franklin. Again it is my understanding that the bell lines on a proof have no bearing on grade. When I have told the guys at the local coin shop this their reply was " Well the proofs should be graded FBL as well". I don't totally agree with this, but to each their own opinion.

 

What are your thoughts?

[rrantique]

There is no designation for FBL on Proof Franklins. This is like saying Proof Like on a Proof. (thumbs u

[MarkFeld]

I think you are correct.

 

While there might be exceedingly rare exceptions, as a rule, proof Franklin half dollars display full bell lines. Accordingly, it is unnecessary and redundant to describe Proofs as such.

 

The same goes for full bands on Proof Mercury dimes. That said, from my experience, a non-FB Proof Mercury dime is not as rare as a non-FBL Proof Franklin half dollar.

[lcoopie]

I'd like to see a link to these auctions.

[Dkillett]

There are many more, but here's a few.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-PCGS-PR67-Franklin-Proof-Deep-Full-Bell-Lines-Rev-Light-Cameo-Deep-Mirror-/370974025408?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item565fc666c0

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-PCGS-PR66-Deep-Cameo-Franklin-Deep-Full-Bell-Lines-Ultra-Frosty-FBL-Nice-/370973540054?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item565fbefed6

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-NGC-PF68-Franklin-Proof-Nice-Light-Cameo-Contrast-Deep-full-Bell-Lines-/331092356320?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item4d16a46ce0

[physics-fan3.14]

Those appear to all be from the same seller, and he is employing a cheap sales gimmick hoping to lure in suckers by spamming as many key words in the listing as possible. Don't fall for his antics.

[Dkillett]

Yeah I pretty much knew it was a sales pitch. I've pretty much come to expect that from ebay these days.

[RWB]

"cheap sales gimmick hoping to lure in suckers"

 

Right on the mark!

[Mainer020648]

I have a full set of Franklin Half Proofs in the registry and much to my surprise they ALL have FBLs. The pics aren't really clear on some so I checked the coins themselves and sure enough, there they are! .

[lcoopie]

"cheap sales gimmick hoping to lure in suckers"

 

Right on the mark!

 

you guys are very kind

[RWB]

Emphasizing the normal as if it were special is certainly a "cheap sales gimmick hoping to lure in suckers."

 

“High Relief” 1921 Peace dollars for example.

 

[Dkillett]

I have a full set of Franklin Half Proofs in the registry and much to my surprise they ALL have FBLs. The pics aren't really clear on some so I checked the coins themselves and sure enough, there they are! .

 

I'm working on my Registry Set. Good to know I don't have to look for FBL, .

[Kurtdog]

"cheap sales gimmick hoping to lure in suckers"

 

Right on the mark!

you guys are very kind

I agree, "hoping to lure in suckers" is a little crude. I'd have said, "pigeons."

[RWB]

Ahhhh....squab for dinner.

 

To be fair, every business has its ethically destitute marginal low-life. Just a quick look at the volume of commercial laws and regulations – local, city, state, federal – will help.

 

[JackieOF]

Proofs are double struck under higher pressure than BU's so they are generally fully struck

[WoodenJefferson]

On proof Franklin half dollars FBL=FBL (Fluff Beyond License)

[RWB]

"Proofs are double struck under higher pressure than BU's so they are generally fully struck."

 

Nope. Double striking of collectors' proofs did not begin until the mint purchased special Schuler presses. Prior to that, proofs were made on a medal press, with one blow.

 

[Pick up a copy of "From Mine to Mint" to learn about the earlier technology and equipment.]