The Poe Collection
1948-D


Obverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: HALF DOLLARS - FRANKLIN
Item Description: 50C 1948 D
Grade: NGC MS 65 FBL
Owner: physics-fan3.14
 
Winning Set: The Poe Collection
Date Added: 9/10/2008
Research: See NGC's Census Report for this Coin

Owner's Description

Below is a comprehensive list of the books which cover the Franklin series. I am convinced the old adage “Buy the book before the coin” is always true – the small amount you spend on the book will save you untold multiples further down the road. If you are at all serious about the Franklin half dollar, then you must buy the Tomaska guide. It is the ultimate source of Franklin information. This list is a modified form of a thread I started on the NGC chat boards. <br /><br />Author: Lyman Allen<br />Title: The Franklin Half Dollar collector/investor guide, 2nd ed.<br />Date: 1983<br />Description: Rather basic information on collecting and investing in Franklin Half dollars. I got it more for curiosity than for use. <br /><br />Author: Elston G. Bradfield<br />Title: Franklin in Numismatics<br />Date: 1982<br />Description: I only found out about this book by chance on Ebay. While this one doesn't focus on the Franklin half dollar, it is a fascinating overview of Franklin's contribution to numismatics and early American monetary policy. The first half of the book concerns Franklin and his efforts, especially advocating and printing paper money. The second half of the book covers Franklin and his medallic/coin issues, and medals and tokens which feature Franklin himself. <br /><br />Author: Jack Ehrmantraut<br />Title: An Analysis of Gem Franklin Half Dollars<br />Date: 1983<br />Description: Like the Allen book above, this book is outdated and useful only as a historic view of Franklin half collecting. I use it for differing views on issues throughout the series; the information is a little more complete and accurate than the Allen book. My copy is signed by the author. <br /><br />Authors: Kevin Flynn and John Wexler<br />Title: Treasure Hunting Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollar Doubled Dies<br />Date: 2003<br />Description: Vital to any Franklin variety collector. While it does not include everything in the Coneca master list, there are plenty of varieties listed here, with numerous large and detailed pictures. The varieties included are the most popular and available. I would like them to issue a second expanded edition that included notable RPMs as well. My copy is autographed by the author. <br /><br />Author: Rick Tomaska<br />Title: The Complete Guide to Franklin Half Dollars, 2nd ed.<br />Date: 2002<br />Description: The Franklin Bible. Everything you need to know about Franklin half dollars, including a bit of history, grading guides, (outdated) census info, FBL statistics, strike characteristics, usual toning characteristics, notable examples, and proof issues. Tomaska is the leading Franklin dealer of today and his book is required reading for any Franklin collector. <br /><br />The Frank Chiong Guide<br />http://seemyauction.com/frankchiong<br />Frank Chiong started a very good commentary on the Franklin half on the PCGS chat boards. Unfortunately, he died before he finished it, but he got a good way through it. I refer to Chiong’s series frequently throughout my commentary. <br /><br />After all that, we finally get to the coin: The 1948D resembles its sister 1948P in most respects. The strike is generally very good, with almost 70% of specimens struck strongly and with enough detail to qualify for FBL status. Marks and abrasions on the bell lines limit the number that actually achieve FBL though, a problem that Denver mint coins of this series share. Denver struck the Franklin half dollar better than any of the other mints, but did not handle the finished coins properly – Denver issue Franklins generally have the highest number of bagmarks; the 1948D is no exception. Luster is generally average, and toning is on most coins, but is rarely pleasant. Almost all 1948D Franklins have a dull brown or grey toning, especially those from mint sets. Good toners are rather scarce on this issue. <br /><br />The first thing that grabs you about my coin is the strike and detail present – full, bold, and attractive. The luster is average, and the coloration is commensurate with the golden brown mint set toning so common on this date. It’s not unattractive, just plain. However, there are very few marks of any kind on this one; it is definitely a high end 65. This coin also displays the hub doubling found on the reverse of 1948 Franklins. I got this coin for $127 on Ebay in September, 2008. <br /><br />Entertainment in 1948:<br />Sir Lawrence Olivier’s masterpiece interpretation of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and John Huston’s “Treasure of the Sierra Madre” top the awards. <br />Vivien Leigh as “Anna Karenina,” Ingrid Bergman as “Joan of Arc,” and Rita Hayworth as “The Lady from Shanghai” showcase the ladies. <br />Hitchcock’s intriguing “Rope” also comes out, starring James Stewart.

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