1949-D Franklin Half Dollar 50C ICG MS64 FBL

Key Features:

• Date: 1949-D
• Mint: Denver (D mintmark)
• Grade: ICG MS64FBL (Mint State 64 with Full Bell Lines)
  • MS64: Indicates the coin is uncirculated with some minor marks or imperfections, but overall retains excellent luster and sharpness.
  • FBL (Full Bell Lines): A special designation indicating the lines at the bottom of the Liberty Bell are fully visible without any major interruptions, adding to the coin’s rarity and value.
• Obverse Design: Features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, designed by John R. Sinnock. The date “1949” is located below Franklin’s portrait.
• Reverse Design: Depicts the iconic Liberty Bell with a small eagle to the right, as required by law (though Franklin himself did not favor the eagle being part of the design). The “D” mintmark is located above the bell, indicating the coin was struck at the Denver Mint.
• Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
• Diameter: 30.6 mm
• Silver Weight: 0.3617 troy ounces of pure silver
• Mintage: 4,120,600

Condition and Appeal:

• MS64 Grade: This Mint State 64 grade means the coin is in uncirculated condition, with only minor imperfections, such as small contact marks or slight abrasions, which are typical for a coin in this grade.
• Full Bell Lines (FBL): The FBL designation is particularly important for Franklin Half Dollar collectors. It means the horizontal lines at the bottom of the Liberty Bell are uninterrupted, which is not common for many coins in the series due to the wear or weak strikes that often occur in this area.
• Luster and Eye Appeal: The coin will have strong luster and a clean appearance, typical of coins graded MS64, making it visually appealing for collectors seeking a higher-grade example.

Historical Significance:

• The 1949-D Franklin Half Dollar was minted during the second year of the series, which ran from 1948 to 1963. Benjamin Franklin was one of the most famous Founding Fathers, and the series commemorates his legacy. The Liberty Bell on the reverse is a fitting symbol of freedom, and the series was one of the last U.S. coins to feature a 90% silver composition before the transition to clad coins in 1965.

Collectibility:

• FBL Designation: Coins with the Full Bell Lines designation are much scarcer and more valuable than their non-FBL counterparts, as it requires a well-struck example with minimal wear. This makes the 1949-D MS64FBL a more desirable coin for Franklin Half Dollar specialists and silver coin collectors alike.
• Condition and Rarity: While MS64 is a relatively accessible grade, the FBL designation elevates this coin’s status, as only a fraction of coins achieve this high level of strike quality. As such, it is an excellent option for collectors looking to add a higher-end Franklin Half Dollar to their collection.

Conclusion:

The 1949-D Franklin Half Dollar in ICG MS64FBL is a sought-after coin due to its near-gem uncirculated grade and the Full Bell Lines designation. Collectors highly value FBL coins, and this example offers an excellent combination of condition, rarity, and historical significance. With its silver content and collectible appeal, this coin is a great addition to any U.S. coin collection, especially for those focusing on the Franklin Half Dollar series.