Rare Franklin Half Dollar Nets Astonishing $84,000 at Auction

In a significant sale at Stack's Bowers Galleries, a 1948 Franklin half dollar graded Mint State 68 Full Bell Lines fetched an impressive $84,000. The coin boasts exceptional toning, with hues of rose, orange-copper, sea-green, and olive-gold iridescence, attributed to potential storage in an original Mint Set holder. Its bold strike, satiny luster, and clean surfaces make it a standout in the series, as it remains the only coin to achieve this lofty grade.

Rare Franklin Half Dollar Commands Staggering $84,000 at Stack's Bowers Galleries Auction

Collectors witnessed an extraordinary moment as Stack's Bowers Galleries' March 26 Rarities Night auction showcased a 1948 Franklin half dollar graded Mint State 68 Full Bell Lines (FBLL) by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), fetching an impressive $84,000.

Renowned numismatist Rick Tomaska hailed this coin as "spectacular," previously featured on the covers of both the first and second editions of his definitive reference work, "A Guide Book of Franklin & Kennedy Half Dollars." In the current fourth edition, Tomaska emphasizes its exceptional grade as the sole coin in its series to attain this lofty designation.

Distinctive features of this extraordinary specimen include its powerful strike, satiny luster, pristine surfaces, and mesmerizing color. The auction cataloger eloquently described the obverse as "awash in a rich mottling of intense rose, orange-copper, sea-green, and olive-gold iridescence." Intriguingly, it was speculated that the coin's prolonged residence in an original cardboard Mint Set holder contributed to its breathtaking toning.

Experts believe that this exceptional Franklin half dollar represents the pinnacle of preservation within its series. Its rarity and breathtaking aesthetics make it a highly coveted treasure for discerning numismatists. The realization of $84,000 at auction underscores its exceptional quality and the allure it holds for collectors seeking the finest examples of American coinage.

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