The Poe Collection
1954-D


Obverse
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Reverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Origin/Country:
Design Description:
Item Description:
Grade: NGC MS 64 FBL
Owner: physics-fan3.14
 
Winning Set: The Poe Collection
Date Added: 1/7/2006
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

This is the youngest of the four sisters, the short set of Denver minted Franklins from 1951-1954 that all share very similar characteristics. The 1954D has great luster, usually below average bagmarks, and excellent strikes. Indeed, this issue is widely regarded as one of the best struck issues of the Franklin series. The bell lines can be full and bold, showing all the detail that is present. A very high percentage of gems will be FBL, and those that aren’t are much more often due to abrasions on the bell lines than to incomplete strikes. Water spots, like the 1953D, continue to be a problem, although not to the extent of that issue. Tomaska says that most gem 1954D’s probably exhibit at least a little water spotting. Ehrmantraut also mentions that the 1954D is the most common Franklin issue to be found in prooflike, although this is by no means common. Prooflike Franklins are extremely rare, and when one surfaces it will always garner a very large premium. Coins with great, flashy, eye popping color are very scarce on the 1954D, with most of them being gray mint set mottled pieces. <br /><br />My coin is a very nice example of the 1954D. There are a few marks, as you would expect on an MS-64, but the strike is the typical very strong, detailed strike of this issue. There are a couple of very small water spots in front of Franklin’s forehead, but they are difficult to spot unless you really know what you are looking for. Ehrmantraut mentions that “Some 1954D’s have golden toning like that occurring on some 1948P’s. These pieces often have above average luster.” My piece appears to be one of these, as the obverse especially has a light golden tone, and the luster is exceptional. I bought my coin at FUN 2006 for $32. If I recall correctly, I saw this in the dealer’s case towards the end of the show. I was running low on cash, and he had it marked for $40. I looked in my wallet and told him that I only had $32, and asked him if he would take it, all my money, for this piece. He reluctantly agreed, but only after making me check all my pockets and my backpack for any more money. <br /><br />Entertainment in 1954:<br />White Christmas, starring Bing Crosby, tops the box office for the year. In my opinion, this is one of the best Christmas movies ever. <br />On the Waterfront takes Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress.<br />Seven Samurai, directed by Akira Kurosawa opens in Japan. This is widely regarded as the best foreign film ever made, and is well worth watching. <br />Sabrina, A Star is Born, Rear Window, and The Caine Mutiny also premiere.

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