1948 Franklin Half Dollar. MS-68 FBL (PCGS). CMQ.

A true wonder coin among Franklin half dollars, this is the only circulation strike example of the type certified finer than MS-67+ - with or without FBL - by PCGS. Previously certified MS-68 * FBL by NGC, it is mentioned prominently in the third edition (2018) of Rick Tomaska's Guide Book of Franklin & Kennedy Half Dollars : At the current time there is but a single MS68 FBL in the entire series. I have handled this coin. It is a 1948-P [sic] and it is spectacular. The coin is graded MS-68 * FBL by NGC. This exceptional 1948-P was pictured on the cover of the first two editions of this book. Much of this coin's "spectacular" nature comes from the exceptionally vivid toning that it displays. The obverse is awash in a rich mottling of intense rose, orange-copper, sea-green and olive-gold iridescence. The reverse, a bit more reserved, is largely silver-gray but with flashes of vivid cobalt blue, salmon-pink and rose-apricot iridescence at the border. The pattern of toning and the colors of which it is comprised is strongly suggestive of a coin that spent many years in an original cardboard Mint Set holder of the type introduced by the Mint in 1947. Booming satin luster shines forth powerfully as the surfaces rotate under a light. With a full strike and virtually pristine appearance rounding out a list of outstanding attributes, this is a truly awe-inspiring coin that is destined for inclusion in the very finest type set or specialized Franklin half dollar collection on the PCGS Set Registry. Extraordinary!

PCGS# 86651. NGC ID: 24SR.

PCGS Population: just 1 in MS-68 FBL, for all issues in the Franklin half dollar series.

Estimate: $30000