Table of Contents
Foreword Q. David Bowers vi
Author's Preface viii
Publisher's Preface xi
How to Use This Book xii
Chapter 1 Minting Proof and Special Mint Sets 1
Evolution of the Minting Art
The Bridge Between Two Worlds: Rarity and Beauty
Exploring the Four Phases of Proof-Making
Understanding the Rarity of the 1950-1972 Proofs
Chapter 2 Grading the Proof: Factors That Determine Grade 8
The Grading Art
Imperfections During Minting
Imperfections After Minting
The Grader's Tools
The Subjectivity of Grading Proofs
How to Determine Cameo Contrast
Turn to the Experts
The Upgrade Factor
The Depletion of Rare-Coin Reserves
Chapter 3 The Cameo, Deep Cameo, and Ultra Cameo Designations 16
How the PCGS Cameo Grading Set Came About
Chapter 4 Franklin Half Dollar Analysis by Date, Mintmark, and Variety 19
Biography of Benjamin Franklin
History of the Franklin Half Dollar
Full Bell Lines Illustrated
Uncirculated Franklin Half Dollars
Proof Franklin Half Dollars
The Incredible 1951 Franklin
Chapter 5 Kennedy Half Dollar Analysis by Date, Mintmark, and Variety 135
Biography of John F. Kennedy
History of the Kennedy Half Dollar
Uncirculated Kennedy Half Dollars
Proof Kennedy Half Dollars
Appendix A Beautifully Toned Coins 276
Appendix B Extended Pricing 281
Appendix C Record Prices 286
Appendix D Proof Liberty Walking Half Dollars 288
Appendix E Exceptional Cameo Contrast 298
Appendix F Remarkable Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollar Errors 300
Credits and Acknowledgments 304
About the Author 305
Index 307