The Poe Collection
1948


Obverse
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Reverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Origin/Country:
Design Description:
Item Description:
Grade: NGC MS 65 FBL
Owner: physics-fan3.14
 
Winning Set: The Poe Collection
Date Added: 5/3/2008
Research: See NGC's Census Report for this Coin

Owner's Description

The term Full Bell Line is a strike characteristic of the Franklin half dollar, and is supposed to imply a full, bold strike, much like Full Head and Full Split Bands do on the Standing Liberty Quarter and Mercury Dime, respectively. Critics of these designations make the perfectly valid point that the entire strike, and the sometimes very large premiums associated with it, are being judged on one small part of the coin, and do not necessarily imply a completely full strike. The other areas to look for are the three wisps of hair above Franklin’s ear, Pass and Stow near the top of the bell, and the “o” in OF on the reverse. If all these areas are well struck, you are in possession of a true FBL coin. A well struck coin will also not display any high point pitting, which I describe fully in the discussion of the 1948D. <br /><br />To be considered FBL, most collectors require that both sets of horizontal lines at the bottom of the bell be complete and full. Now, the level of completeness required to be considered FBL really varies according to the date and mintmark (a 1952D is going to be held to a MUCH higher standard than a 1954S, for example), but the principle remains the same. I will discuss the different FBL characteristics of each issue in their respective entries. No nicks or marks should interrupt the lines, like the Full Steps designation on the Jefferson. No weakness should be exhibited, although within a tiny increment left or right of the crack, minimal weakness is accepted. <br /><br />It is extremely important to point out the difference between NGC and PCGS when it comes to FBL designations. Dedicated FBL collectors like myself often completely disregard the PCGS designation as worthless, because PCGS only uses the bottom set of lines. NGC uses both sets of lines in making the designation, with the result that NGC is very much harder to get FBL. Even when both sets of lines are complete, NGC holds it to a much higher standard. Often, the lines will be mostly complete but will show some weakness – NGC requires the lines to be complete all the way across. Among Franklin collectors, the NGC FBL usually garners a premium over the PCGS graded coin, a nice reversal of the typical situation.<br /><br />1948 was the first year of issue for the Franklin half dollar, so coins of this issue generally come with all the details present. The three wisps of hair, and the bell lines so prized by collectors, are usually present. Other details that soon were eliminated or greatly weakened are also in evidence, such as full details in Ben’s hair, feathers on the eagle, and lettering on the bell. Being widely saved as a first year of issue, they are also relatively common in higher grades, such that a 1948 makes a great type coin. The main drawback to the 1948 is that it quite often comes in drab golden or brown mint set toned. Mint set toning can be amazing, with all sorts of rainbow colors, but it is hard to find on the 1948. It is also somewhat hard to find fully brilliant coins of this issue, according to Tomaska. <br /><br />An interesting feature of the 1948 Franklin is that the master die was hub doubled. Every 1948 Franklin exhibits reverse doubling, attributed by Flynn and Wexler as DDR-001 and described as Class V, or Pivoted Hub, doubling. Examining the motto on the reverse is the easiest way to spot the doubling; the secondary image is noticeably shifted. For someone unfamiliar with varieties or double dies, examining a 1948 Franklin is a great introduction. It will help to differentiate between true Hub doubling and the far more common strike doubling that many beginners mistake for their rarer counterpart. <br /><br />My coin is a nice example of the 1948. It exhibits the common mint set toning, but only lightly. Often, this mint set toning will be darker and ugly, spotted and mottled. This coin escaped that fate, luckily, and the reverse exhibits more toning than the obverse does. The luster is average, and hits and marks are commensurate with the MS-65 grade. High point pitting, described in the entry for the 1950, is very common on many issues in the Franklin series, and I believe this is one of the main factors that limit this coin to a 65. The strike is not bad, but there is very minor pitting on the bell and bust. I bought this coin in May, 2008, from DLRC for $135. They had it described as a 3****. <br /><br />Notable events in 1948:<br />Gandhi is assassinated. <br />President Truman signs the Marshall plan into effect. <br />Israel is declared independent, and is immediately attacked by Egypt, Transjordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. <br />World Health Organization is founded, and the United Nations General Assembly adopts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.<br />The Palomar Observatory opens, and Edwin Hubble makes the first observations.

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