Articles on Franklin Halves

     I was wondering about the PCGS /NGC population of Franklin Halves and how it has changed over time.  So I looked at 2002 and 2008 populations for comparison.  The results were interesting. I used the MS65 and MS65FBL totals from both NGC and PCGS. And I used 10 of the scarcest dates of the 35 coin series. Here it is:

   

Date	2002 pop. total	2008 pop. total	% gain
1949-D	375	649	73%
1950-D	493	1188	140%
1951-D	615	990	60%
1960-D	676	1043	54%
19 52-D	732	1120	53%
1953-D	827	1389	67%
1953-P	832	1200	44%
1961-D	855	1345	57%
1949-P	947	1375	45%
1962-P	984	1437	46%

 

     The average gain for these 10 coins is 59%. The population of gem Franklins is growing. Being a relativly modern series there are a lot of coins yet to be certified as old collections come onto the market.  However, the quality of Frankilns coming out of the mint was subpar. The vast majority have too many bagmarks and/or milkspots to grade MS65. Also, they were stored in rolls which sometimes caused roll friction on the high points of the coin. 

     Gem Franklins are still quite affordable.  Collectors can readily  find them in many different locations.