Moondoggys Franklin Proofs Set 1
1956 Type 1


Obverse
Enlarge  
Reverse
Enlarge  

Coin Details

  

Set Details
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: HALF DOLLARS - FRANKLIN, PROOF
Item Description: 50C 1956 TYPE 1
Grade: NGC PF 67
Owner: moondoggy
 
Winning Set: Moondoggys Franklin Proofs Set 1
Date Added: 1/5/2012
Research: See NGC's Census Report for this Coin

Owner's Description

Total mintage in 1956 climbed to an all-time high of 669,384 proof sets, but what made this year stand out was there were 2 variations of Franklin proofs, and also a rare double die on the obverse and reverse. The first Franklin for 1956 or Type 1 has a reverse with the same design as the years 1950 – 1955. The type 2, changed during the middle of the run had a reverse design utilized on 1957 – 1963 as they redesigned the die during the production run. Easily to distinguish, the type 2 had a much sharper eagle on the reverse and the eagles right wing (the left one from the viewers aspect) now showed only 3 flight feathers not 4 as in the type 1. Cameo contrast is becoming greater compared to earlier years. Although exact figures of Type 1 mintage are unknown, it is estimated that less than 3% or about 15,000 to 20,000 coins struck were of the Type 1 variety. Finding a gem Cameo or Ultra Cameo in Type 1 is rare as they are extremely scarce, but just possessing a Type 1 in even gem Proof grade is worthy of the hunt as they are becoming less and less available on the open market. I am always on the lookout for a type 1 !!!! Another factor is the very low population of type 1's because of the silver melt of the 70's and 80's. This surely had an impact on the availability of 1956 Type 1's proofs
Note: 1956 type 1 Franklin proof also offers, if lucky enough to find, two varieties. A DDO and a DDR. To date NGC has graded only 2 DDR's according to their population report and I was fortunate to find and own one of the two.

To follow or send a message to this user,
please log in