The Poe Collection
1953-S


Obverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: HALF DOLLARS - FRANKLIN
Item Description: 50C 1953 S
Grade: NGC MS 65
Owner: physics-fan3.14
 
Winning Set: The Poe Collection
Date Added: 9/9/2006
Research: See NGC's Census Report for this Coin

Owner's Description

People who don’t even usually follow the Franklin series have often heard about the infamous 1953S Franklin. It is famous for its scarcity in FBL, with just a couple of dozen certified by the top two TPGs. Since PCGS has certified far more than NGC, it is debatable whether or not even those couple of dozen are true FBLs. The number is likely much lower. The mintage, at 4.15 million, is low, but there are many lower mintage issues in the Franklin series. While collecting FBL Franklins is very popular, most collectors are forced to settle with a nice MS-65 or 66 that has a decent strike, but lacks the full bell detail. Full Bell Line 1953S Franklins are extreme rarities, and their auction prices reflect that. An MS-64 FBL will sell for $3k or more, and the price record for a Franklin was set by the lone MS-66 FBL at $69k. <br /><br />Luster on the 1953S varies depending on who you ask. Tomaska says that luster tends to be excellent, but Ehrmantraut and Chiong both say that the luster tends to be dull. They reason, and it makes sense, that since striking pressure was low, the flow lines that cause the appearance of luster generally did not form as well. Bagmarks tend to be light, and color coins are not as hard to find as on some other issues. The mint sets contribute their fair share of grey and brown coins, but coins with good color can be found. An interesting note – apparently almost all of the coins that are FBL have been found in mint sets. <br /><br />My coin is typical of this issue. It has few bagmarks and an absolutely abominable strike. I have tried to purchase a couple of 1953S’ with better strike, but have always been outbid. Even on an MS-65, there is noticeable high point pitting on Franklin’s cheekbone and the bell. This coin is bright, brilliant white. Its one redeeming quality, however, is the blazing luster. I don’t know whether to believe Ehrmantraut and say that this coin has way above average luster, or Tomaska and say that this coin has really good luster, but that is to be expected for the issue. Those familiar with Franklin’s generally take Tomaska at his word on anything relating to the series. I bought my 1953S at a coin show in Orlando for $40. <br /><br />I remember that just after buying this coin, there was a space shuttle launch at the Kennedy Space Center. The show was being held on a fairground in Orlando, in a building with large sliding doors that reminded me of barn doors. There was an announcement over the loudspeaker, and many of the attendees (and quite a few of the dealers, too) went outside to watch. It was plainly visible even from a hundred miles away where we were. The shuttle itself was not visible, all we could see was a bright light rising atop a giant plume of smoke. It was a great experience, all the more so since my major was in rocket science. I have had the pleasure of seeing several launches, including a night launch which lit up the entire sky, even 30 miles up the coast where I was watching from. Often, classes would be cancelled at my school because of launches. The professors realized that if they didn’t cancel classes, no one would show up! <br /><br /> Music in 1953:<br />Some guy named Elvis Presley records for the first time. <br />James Brown and Jackie Wilson also begin their careers. <br />Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore” tops the charts.

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