Set Description
My father was a coin collector and he enjoyed collecting Lincoln Pennies and Washington Quarters. When I was a boy he shared the story of getting a 1909-S VDB in change from a elderly lady running his Helms Bakery route in Whittier Ca. back in 1953. I wanted to collect something different and being Benjamin Franklin was one of my favorite history characters, along with being a short collection I started at the age of 12 collecting this most beautiful coin.
Over the past ten years I have discovered about slab coins and so I had my collection graded by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation based on a recommendation of a friend Paul Montgomery. When I finished the process and listed them in the Collector's Registry I started out at about 108. Now I'm trying to collect a top-notch NGC set. It has been a steep learning curve but well worth the time, investment and challenge.
This collection has been as low as #7 and it is great to see the competition for the top slot on this coin. I really enjoy the pictures to use as a chart in comparing each others preference in collecting the Franklin.The focus has been on NGC coins that are BU and FBL but I've discovered it's the beauty not the grade that counts. Now moving more toward MS66 or higher coins and those that are colorfully toned. Now that I have obtained some of the higher grades I do have some nice MS 65 FBL coins available if anyone is interested.Some of my coins have been evaluated on the Coin Value Index scale by Rick Tomaska who created it and is a wonderful resource in collecting cameos and Franklin's. The first number of the CVI represents the coins eye-appeal, the second number represents the quality of the coin to its respective date and the third number utilizes the "The Universal Rarity Scale" He has done a great job in helping us Franklin collectors to assemble great collections.
My goal is to increase the quality of the collection utilizing these three criteria. First, looking for STAR designated coins for there eye-appeal. Second, to find CAC coins to ensure a solid grade within the grade of each of my coins. Third, focusing in high grade Everest coins that demonstrate rarity. This will add to the challenge of breaking into the top ten of the registry. Now that I have these three criteria in evaluating and developing a quality Franklin, the challenge now get's tougher.
My current collection went through a revision to upgrade to the top using the criteria sighted above. If any of you have available high quality coins for sale meeting the criteria I would interested. Thanks again collectors for the insights and the appreciation for the mighty Franklin.The revision has been completed under the keen watchful eye of Alan Kreuzer. Though disappointed not getting any + or additional STAR coins makes me sure of the fact that the criteria must be really tough in the examining room.
We did however increase the number of CAC Coins from three to fifteen, this is exciting news and strengthens the collection as a whole. This high quality set has currently 18 STAR coins, 24 CAC Verified coins and is pretty even between Toned and Brilliant coins.
