1 of 3,028,244 made

[Greastart]

Unrolled a MWR from a box. Saw "that" edge and savored it for a moment. Pretty sure it was a proof. Question was, what year? 61 Franklin. Then, a few rolls later got another crisp edge. Could it be a second?


Nope. But it is a 64 Ken.
Not a great box, but absolutely the prettiest proof I've found yet! I'll take both of them and be happy!

 

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[GarouLady]

I've gotten some proofs like that and people swear it was cleaned to get it that shiny. I hope not but anyone know if you can tell a proof from a 'cleaned' coin? That is a totally sweet find btw. Drooling over here seriously. Sincerely, GarouLady

 

[GlenDronach]

I've gotten some proofs like that and people swear it was cleaned to get it that shiny. I hope not but anyone know if you can tell a proof from a 'cleaned' coin? That is a totally sweet find btw. Drooling over here seriously. Sincerely, GarouLady

A lot of earlier proofs don't have that same cameo "satin" look on the details. There are some that are so rare they carry quite a premium.

I look for thicker rims, very defined reeds, and that mirror finish.

The way to tell a difference between cleaned/polished and proof is look at the details. you should be able to tell the difference between a bad strike (a lot of details are muddled on the coin) and wear (high details are missing but others are intact)

I use the pcgs photograde app on my phone to check details and wear patterns. Once you look at a few you get the general hang of it; once you look at a few hundred you know what you're doing

 

[norcalsteve]

Nice Franklin. I'm still looking for my first proof Franklin.
Congrats!!!

 

[xr7ator]

While finding a proof coin in circulation can be very cool, the value of the "proof" part is gone, due to wear.

Still a cool find...way better than the 2008 canadian quarter I got out of the coinstar reject slot today.

 

[retire05]

Sweet find! I just found my first proof a week ago. Great find. HH...Brad

 

[basque-man]

That half is gorgeous! Just wish they came out of the ground that way!! Excellent find sir!!!!!

 

[fistfulladirt]

That half is gorgeous! Just wish they came out of the ground that way!! Excellent find sir!!!!!

If it's a silver proof, it will!

 

[huntsman53]

Congrats on the Silver Halfs! While there are definitely some contact marks on the 1961 Franklin Half, I really don't much wear and I am sure that someone that needs the coin for their' Franklin Half dollar Set/Collection would pay a premium over the 11 times face value melt. A quick douse of Rubbing Alcohol, lightly rubbing the Alcohol over the coin's surfaces with a soft fingertip, rinsing with water, then patting dry between the folds of a soft towel can do wonders to the appearance of such a Proof coin.


Frank

 

[Greastart]

Frank, You're always a gentleman. Thanks for the cleaning tip! If I had multiples of this coin, I might consider selling one. However, the CRH Gods have sent me but one so I'll treat it as you suggest and keep it for myself.

Again, thanks for the tip.

Grease

 

[nsdq]

sweet find