Don’t Waste Your Money on Franklin Half Dollars

I would like to comment on the Feb. 6 column, “Making the Grade” by F. Michael Fazzari concerning the bell lines on the Franklin half dollar. As coin collecting is a pleasurable hobby for most of us and a business for some, I respect the many various options available in the collecting world. Some have the financial means to acquire coins of significant value; others, like myself, purchase on a limited budget. My collection is rather helter- skelter, and I have become more of an accumulator than a true collector. I enjoy what I have purchased and try to use good judgement when spending my money. I do not collect solely for investment purposes; however, it would be nice to see my collection increase in value. As I became older, I must also be a realist when it comes to the state of our hobby. Coin collecting is mostly an older man’s hobby. Young people want excitement and instant gratification. Coin collecting gives you neither of these unless you find a 1955 doubled die cent in your pocket change, and that is what brings me to the “bell lines.” Nine to 10 years from now, no one is going to be concerned about Franklin half dollars, much less the bell lines. I honestly believe that anyone spending their hardearned money on these coins is making a serious mistake. Those who inherit these coins will probably sell these for melt value. So, I strongly suggest, spend your money on older, rarer and prettier coins than the Franklin half. Oh, and how about the mini eagle on the reverse placed there only because it is required by law? In closing, I must admit I have a personal problem with the Franklin half. I was less than four months away from having the gorgeous Walking Liberty half as a coin in my birth year set. So, that’s my story, bell lines and all.

Charles H. Alyn Address withheld