1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error? * UPDATED PICS* DOUBLED DIE!

[prospectordamon]

1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error? * UPDATED PICS* DOUBLED DIE!

First off I'm on my iPhone and don't know if I'll be able to upload photos via photobucket, anyways

I was at the coin shop a month ago purchasing FBL Franklins for my book. I came across a good looking 62 that I thought was a proof until I flipped it over and it had a D above the bell. I asked the seller what the deal was and he gazed at it for a moment and said, "I can't believe I set one like this out for sale" he didn't want to sell it but I have spent a lot of money with him and he did anyway ( I got it for his labeled price about $0.50 above spot). I'll give details in case pics won't load with next post in case someone has ran into this before. I have not found any info online about such shiny 62 D's.

Details:
Mint State
Extremely shiny (mirror-like)
Seems to be "frosting" around letters and high relief areas
I don't think it's polished because it's just too perfect (I've seen polished coins)

Any ideas would be great! Thanks

 

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[prospectordamon]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error?

Here's pics, took 2 away to compare to an MS63-64 1963

 

[prospectordamon]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error?

Also note I have looked at 1962 P & D mint sets and none have this mirror finish to them....

 

[prospectordamon]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error?

anyone

 

[DigginThePast]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error?

Looks like a "Proof" strike to me.

 

[l.cutler]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error?

I don't think it looks like a proof at all. Look at the lack of detail in the hair and on the bell. Proofs have much sharper detail. I think it is just a shiny business strike. It may have been one of the first from a new set of dies but I dont think it is a proof.

 

[Tuberale]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error?

Occasionally, rarely, a clean MS can look Proof-like. Might be what you have found.

Difficult for me to say as most of the photos presented are not in focus. Really need clearer photos.

 

[prospectordamon]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error?

ill get new photos in a few minutes, i dont think its a proof but not all proof's were struck twice (hence the comment about details)

 

[DigginThePast]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error?

LOL. Retract my statement above. Details etc aside I missed the obvious Mint Mark. Duh!

But I still don't see anything relating to an undocumented error. As mentioned, most likely a higher quality Business strike. Now lets those new pics.

 

[prospectordamon]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error?

as requested....
first 2 pics are comparing the 62 "D" to an MS63 1963 Franklin

random close ups

sorry its hard to get a good close up with the loupe because its so damn shiny and mirror-like it wants to reflect my camera and loupe in the picture

 

[prospectordamon]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error?

I don't think it looks like a proof at all. Look at the lack of detail in the hair and on the bell. Proofs have much sharper detail. I think it is just a shiny business strike. It may have been one of the first from a new set of dies but I dont think it is a proof.

if you will take note ( i know its hard to tell but in person its way more obvious) this prooflike coin is way better struck than the 63, take note in the shadows on the cheeks and in the hair lines compared to the other coin, they are of higher relief thus being well-struck compared to the non-shiny one

 

[l.cutler]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error? * UPDATED PICS*

No, not a proof or even prooflike. Just google proof Franklin half and look at the hair and bell detail on a true proof, not even close. It may just be the pictures but I am a bit troubled by not seeing any mint luster. I am afraid the frosting around the letters and devices is the remains of the mint luster, I believe it has been polished leaving the luster only in the protected areas. I don't claim to be an expert, just my opinion, if you feel strongly about the coin have it certified.

 

[Mackaydon]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error? * UPDATED PICS*

Am I seeing the number "85" above the word "GOD" in one of your enlargements?
If so, is that a reflection off your camera or coming from the coin itself?
Don......

 

[DigginThePast]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error? * UPDATED PICS*

Don - Are you referring to the designed initials, JRS? Or do you see something in the field?

prospectordamon - Maybe the dealer you bought it from has an idea if there is something special to your coin. The new pics make it almost look plated to me. Some of these are just too hard to tell when not in person.

 

[Mackaydon]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error? * UPDATED PICS*

Diggin the Past;
Yes, it's Sinnock's initials. At first glance it looked like numbers. Thanks.

 

[enamel7]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error? * UPDATED PICS*

I agree with it having been plated.

 

[prospectordamon]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error? * UPDATED PICS*

if its plated then wouldn't it be thicker than any other franklin? if so its not any thicker than the others, i dont have a polished coin to compare it to but i have seen them before and "in person" it just doesnt look quite like a polished coin. i got a tip from someone here to source other opinions, if i dont get to the bottom of this who could i send it off to to get it figured out? (not sure if pcgs does this or only grades coins) thanks for all the help!

 

[l.cutler]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error? * UPDATED PICS*

It is just a normal Franklin half, PCGS would either grade it or return it as cleaned , which I am pretty sure would be the case. I am not quite sure what you may be looking for beyond that.

 

[prospectordamon]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error? * UPDATED PICS*

It is just a normal Franklin half, PCGS would either grade it or return it as cleaned , which I am pretty sure would be the case. I am not quite sure what you may be looking for beyond that.

I wouldn't waste anyone's time on this forum if I felt it was truly a "normal Franklin Half", you go from a new set of dies, to polished, to "normal Franklin Half" which is it? I have been a numismatist for many years and have seen all kinds but nothing like this. Thanks for all of the comments!

 

[Marchas45]

Re: 1962 "D" Franklin Half possible undocumented error? * UPDATED PICS*

if its plated then wouldn't it be thicker than any other franklin? if so its not any thicker than the others, i dont have a polished coin to compare it to but i have seen them before and "in person" it just doesnt look quite like a polished coin. i got a tip from someone here to source other opinions, if i dont get to the bottom of this who could i send it off to to get it figured out? (not sure if pcgs does this or only grades coins) thanks for all the help!

I PM'ed you a link to go to. Those guys are experts give them a try. I've also sent coins to them and two have been featured in Coin Error magazine which some of these guys write for.