The Poe Collection
1960


Obverse
Enlarge  
Reverse
Enlarge  

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: 10/19/2008
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

As a student of the Franklin series, one important thing that needs to be examined is the degradation and eventual re-engraving of the master die. This subject is more of a big picture issue; it aids in the general understanding of the entire series. The first couple of years of the Franklin half usually have sharp details, and then as time progressed the wear becomes evident beginning around 1951. <br /><br />In 1960 the master die was re-engraved. Franklin's hair, the eagle, and the lettering were sharpened, and the fine details were made visible again. The bell lines did not receive all the attention they needed, however. This means Full Bell Line Franklins are much scarcer on these later date coins. When a FBL coin is found, it usually has much weaker bell lines than its earlier counterparts. Due to the much higher mintages of the early 60’s, a careful observer can start to see a noticeable amount of wear taking over the master again in the last couple of years of the Franklin. The 1963 is particularly subject to this. <br /><br />Due to the limitations of this otherwise wonderful Registry, I can only show you a couple of pictures. Thus, when I discuss a coin, you will have to go to the entry for that coin and look at the pictures yourself. <br /><br />An examination of a few coins will help you see what I am talking about. My 1948 Franklin in MS-65 FBL has a good strike and all the details John Sinnock originally engraved are present. These bold details are typical for this first year of issue. The hair details which show the degradation most clearly are those right above his temple - see how distinct and bold they are on this coin? Within just a few years, these hair details are almost impossible to see. On the reverse, the eagle is strong and bold. The lettering on the bell is clear and distinct, and on the best struck coins individual letters can actually be made out in the inscription above Pass and Stow. <br /><br />Now compare that to my 1959D in MS-64 FBL. The 1959D is one of the best struck Franklins on average in the whole series. Note that this does not mean, however, that all the details are present. It only means that more of this issue comes well struck than average, showing what details are left. Comparing the two obverses, you can immediately see that the hair detail is mushy to the point of the good Doctor looking bald. The lettering on the bell is indistinct, with Pass and Stow barely readable. The eagle seems to meld into the background, and the bell lines are much softer. <br /><br />Finally, compare the above two coins to my 1960D in MS-64 FBL shown here (see below for explanation). Notice that the hair detail has been noticeably strengthened, as have all the finer details. The biggest thing to note on the reverse is the perceptibly strengthened texturing on the wood. The eagle has feathers again, and the letters in the inscription have been strengthened. Pass and Stow appears to have been strengthened somewhat, but not to the extent that it was in 1948. However, notice that the bell lines have only been slightly improved, if at all. It cannot be stressed enough that FBL Franklin's after the re-engraving are very difficult to find! <br /><br />The 1960 generally has pretty good luster, but abrasions and marks tend to be heavier than normal. Most of the Franklin’s from the 60’s were rather poorly treated. Part of that may stem from the fact that so many were minted. This definitely contributes to the overall poor strike – prolonged die use wore down most of the fine detail. Despite the fact that the master was re-engraved this year, Full Bell Line coins are very difficult to find, as discussed above. The bell lines just did not receive the attention they needed. As with all Franklins after 1958, color coins are scarce. <br /><br />There is one major problem with my 1960 Franklin: it’s actually a 1960D! I bought this one from Teletrade in October, 2008, but completely neglected the fact that there was a D mintmark plain as day on the reverse! The slab says 1960, so I guess I wasn’t really looking for a D mintmark there. The coin has great luster, some unattractive toning, and an average strike. I’m not entirely convinced its FBL, but it may be due to the very weak lines on these post re-engraving coins. I paid $30 for this coin, so it wasn’t really worth sending back to Teletrade. I may keep it as a mislabeled slab error, or I may send it to NGC for fixing, I’m not entirely sure yet. <br /><br />Notable events in 1960:<br />Senator John F. Kennedy wins the Presidency after the first televised debate.<br />The CERN particle accelerator comes online. <br />Joanne Woodward receives the first star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. <br />A Soviet missile shoots down a US U-2 spy plane.

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