Hobbyists can easily assemble a full set, business strike and proof, of the Franklin half dollar series, 1948-1963. But it is especially difficult (and expensive) to collect the complete business set with full bell lines. Now that’s a challenge for everyone.
To give you perspective, a complete date and mint set at gem MS65 retails at $3,271. With full band lines, the price soars to $41,205.
Let’s define and identify the Full Bell Lines designation.
PCGS Full Bell Lines (FBL) designation requires fully separated, uninterrupted lines at the bottom of the Liberty Bell on the reverse. The lower sets of horizontal lines on the bell must be complete and distinct. To qualify, coins must grade MS-60 or higher, with no major disruptions to the lines, which also must be free from major cuts, heavy marks, or disturbances.
I’ll share one of my FBL halves and show you where to look with a white circle:
The horizontal lines must be clear and readable. Let’s take a closer look at another FBL half:
You have to know how to identify FBL if you bid on or buy Franklin halves. Here’s an obvious inaccurate description on eBay:
Here’s another with lines broken, eliminating the designation.
As of late, due to social media, particularly Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, new collectors spend hours searching for get-rich-quick coins, such as the 1982-D Small Date transitional error or the 1943 copper cent. Odds are you’ll never find them, although the search does train the eye for grading.
A better way to spend hobby time is to look for Full Bell Lines. Access Red Book or PCGS CoinFacts to see which years offer the best return in gem. Basically, you want to search all the “S” mint marks as San Francisco had a difficult time getting strong strikes on their production. Later 1960s FBL also bring great premiums.
Here is one that is often overlooked, the 1963, which sells for $35 MS65 and $1,750 MS65 FBL. This PCGS example, graded MS66+ FBL, retails for $85,000.
True, you may never own such a marvelous coin. But if you know how to identify full bell lines, you won’t be scammed by false eBay or consignor definitions and, on occasion, can find FBL with the seller not realizing the designation.
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You can find more information about types, varieties, errors, grading, bidding and buying in Coin News Updated: The Essential Guide to Online Bidding. Please consider buying or gifting the work for a friend, as it underwrites this hobbyist blog. Thank you.
