Guide Book of Franklin and Kennedy 3rd Edition

by Q. David Bowers

Overview

Franklin and Kennedy half dollars are two of the most popular series in U.S. coinage. Whether your hobby budget is $50 a month or $50,000, these coins offer challenges and rewards like few others. Professional numismatist Rick Tomaska has written the definitive guide to these American treasures in the expanded third edition of A Guide Book of Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars. Tomaska explores transitions in Mint craftsmanship and reveals why Franklin and Kennedy half dollars represent the end of an era. He gives the coins' values, with commentary on exceptional and highly toned specimens. He explores how Proof coins are made and graded, and teaches about Cameo and Deep Cameo contrast, Full Bell Lines, and other important factos. Between these covers is everything you need to know about collecting these beautiful, affordable coins: mintages; values in multiple grades; certified populations; collectible die varieties; tips for smart buying; and hundreds of full-color images.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780794845292
Publisher:	Whitman Publishing
Publication date:	05/29/2018
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	210,885
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

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