1953-S Franklin Half, Key Date in Full Bell Lines, MS67 PCGS CAC

1953-S Franklin Half, Key Date in Full Bell Lines, MS67 PCGS CAC. Ex: Ruby’s Franklins. Fans of this series well know that the 1953-S issue, for reasons that remain unexplained, is far and away the key date (and sky-high unaffordable) with Full Bell Lines. This is NOT a FBL coin, but it is way closer to that designation than most, a great MS67 coin with excellent luster, light toning on the obverse and slightly deeper color on the reverse. Pricing such a coin is tricky: The CAC Price Guide is $1,100 for MS67 non-FBL and shows a population of 40:2 stickered:graded, with none finer (5/2026). The finest CAC 1953-S with Full Bell Lines are 2 in 65 with none finer—and a price of $36,000. For my money (and perhaps for yours), this coin is a far-better buy.