Hello! New member. Question about Franklin ½ dollars 0

[East Coast Coin]

Hello all!

I've been active on the NGC registry for the past three months and really enjoy writing descriptions about each coin in my collection. Anyhow after finishing my collection of American Silver Eagles I began collecting Franklin half dollars, particularly because they were only minted for 17 years. Kennedy's assassination and the desire to issue a coin with his image hastened the demise of the Franklin half dollar, in my opinion.

 

My question: I've noticed with the higher grades Franklin half dollars (business strikes not proofs) the visual beauty seems to get worse rather than better. Sometimes an MS-67 Franklin is so dotted and toned it's almost black and nothing is clearly legible but somehow it gets a better rating than a beautiful specimen full of shine and luster and without any scratches or dings or dents or discoloration or blotches or milkspots. I find it unusual how often it's the case that the MS-62, 63, 64 and 65s seem to have fewer visual flaws than the more rare and much more expensive MS-66, 67, and 68s.

 

Sorry for the essay.

 

TL;DR- On eBay an unusual portion of the high-grade Franklins (MS66-68) look dirty, dotted with discoloration, almost as if they've been in circulation for decades. Yet many lower graded coins (MS63-65) look freshly minted, like great white gems twinkling with luster in the moonlight. What's the deal?

 

Apologies if this has already been discussed. i forgot to UTFSE.

[Sandon]

    Welcome to the NGC chat board. As your question doesn't directly relate to the Registry, it might receive better attention if posted on the "Newbie Coin Collecting Questions" forum or the "U.S. World, and Ancient Coins" forum.

   Many of the heavily toned Franklin half dollars (and other silver coins dated from 1947 to 1958) originated in the U.S. Mint uncirculated coin ("mint") sets of that era, whose packaging consisted of cardboard holders and paper envelopes that reacted with the coin metal. Believe it or not, some collectors regard this heavy and often dark or spotted toning as enhancing and indicative of the coins' originality and are willing to pay a premium for them.  The grading services tend to award high grades to these coins with "mint set toning". Like you, I regard this toning, formerly known as tarnish, as ugly and undesirable.  I prefer the brilliant and frosty or lightly toned coins that originated in bags or original rolls instead of these unattractive pieces.  

   Regarding the brilliant pieces, try to avoid those that are brilliant because they have been "dipped".  Such coins will usually have a somewhat "washed out" appearance or white residue spots from insufficient rinsing. Grading services will numerically grade pieces that have been dipped if not excessively so but will usually not award them grades higher than MS 64.

   

   

[East Coast Coin]

Thanks for the detailed reply! I know what you mean about the washed out look. But would NGC grade and slab a coin that has been dipped? I reposted this in the forum you mentioned. Apologies for posting it here if you or the admin/moderator wants this thread can be closed.

I really appreciate your thoughtful response. It really helped me understand why a dirty tarnished coin is selling for $300 while a beautiful sparkling gem is selling for $45. Have a great day!