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Coin Grading Report

1. Coin Identification

Coin: 1957-D Franklin Half Dollar
Mint: Denver
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Strike Type: Business strike
Estimated Grade: MS-64 FBL (solidly Mint State with strong luster and qualifying Full Bell Lines; surface marks prevent an MS-65 assessment)

NGC price guide: Approximately $65–$75

PCGS price guide: $55 in MS-64 FBL; $60 in MS-64+ FBL

2. Strike Assessment

Strike Score: 8.5/10 — Very Strong

The obverse displays strong definition through Franklin’s hair, ear, cheek, shoulder, and coat. The reverse is particularly well struck, with crisp lettering, a distinct eagle, and substantial detail in the wooden supports and upper portion of the Liberty Bell.

The lower bell lines appear fully separated across the required central portion. A few small contact marks cross portions of the bell, but they do not appear severe enough to interrupt the horizontal separation materially.

Strike conclusion: The coin appears to qualify for the Full Bell Lines designation, although the lines are not completely free of contact.

3. Luster

Luster Score: 8.5/10

The coin displays bright, energetic mint luster with strong reflectivity across both sides. The fields retain a pleasing cartwheel character, especially around the peripheral lettering and open reverse fields.

The photography uses fairly direct lighting, which exaggerates some surface texture, but the underlying luster still appears above average for an MS-64 Franklin half.

4. Surface Preservation

Overall assessment: MS-64 level

Obverse:
Several scattered ticks and abrasions are visible in the right obverse field, particularly above and behind Franklin’s face. Franklin’s cheek and jaw remain comparatively clean, although the portrait shows light contact and minor frost disturbance. There are no single severe or deeply distracting marks.

Reverse:
The reverse is somewhat more heavily marked. Small abrasions are visible on the bell, including a noticeable vertical contact line extending toward the lower bell lines. Additional small marks and a dark spot appear near the center of the bell. The surrounding fields remain reasonably clean and attractive.

5. Full Bell Lines Assessment

FBL determination: Yes — qualifying, but not premium-quality FBL

The lower sets of horizontal bell lines show continuous separation through the central portion of the bell. The photographs taken from several angles support the same conclusion.

There are contact marks near the center and right side of the lower bell, but I do not see a complete break or flattening that would automatically disqualify the coin. This is a legitimate FBL candidate, though not the exceptionally clean bell normally associated with an MS-65 FBL or higher coin.

6. Eye Appeal

Eye-Appeal Score: 8.0/10

The coin has attractive, brilliant silver-white coloration with only slight warm coloration along isolated design edges. It has strong visual brightness and no heavy toning.

The eye appeal is reduced somewhat by the scattered obverse field marks and the marks and spotting on the bell. Nevertheless, it remains an appealing, bright example for the grade.

7. Grade Assessment

Surface preservation: MS-64

Strike: MS-65 quality

Luster: MS-64 to MS-65

Eye appeal: MS-64

Full Bell Lines: Yes

Estimated overall grade: MS-64 FBL

8. Final Grading Opinion

My final photographic assessment is MS-64 FBL.

The coin has the luster and strike needed for a higher numerical grade, but the accumulated marks in the obverse fields and on the Liberty Bell limit it to MS-64. The reverse contact, particularly the vertical mark crossing the lower portion of the bell, is the principal grade-limiting feature.

I would consider this a solid MS-64 FBL, rather than a borderline MS-63. An MS-64+ FBL result would be possible from a favorable in-hand examination, but MS-65 FBL would be too optimistic based on the visible surface activity.