A guide book of franklin & kennedy half dollars excerpt 1948 – P Mint State

1948 – P Mint State

MS-64 and MS 64 FBL.
The 1948-P used to be readily available in MS 64 FBL. That is no longer the case. As more Franklin collectors aspire to assemble MS-64 FBL set6s, this date has become quite elusive.

MS-65 and MS-65 FBL
Brilliant examples rank among the most attractive issues in the series, given their bold strikes and sharp detail definition.

If looking for a brilliant specimen, seek out those fully lustrous examples. Most brilliant 1948-P Franklins actually exhibit a light film (haze) from many years’ storage in a roll or coin album.

These coins are very rare. Virtually every 1948-P that originated in a Mint set exhibits very dull gray-brown or tan discoloration. Iridescent toned gems do exist, but comprise perhaps 1 percent of the total gem population. Be prepared to pay a strong premium for a color coin- the prettier the color, the higher the premium.


For MS-65 FBL coins, there is a big spread, depending on eye appeal. Average hazy-toned examples, or coins with average Mint toning, bring $150 to $250; superb, fully brilliant 1948-Ps of NGC Signature Series quality continue to appreciate, given their rarity and beauty, and now trade for between $300 and $700! A few spectacular color-toned 1948-Ps have sold for close to $2,000. In the more attractive Mint State conditions these coins are very highly recommended.


MS-66 and MS-66 FBL.
This is a great date in MS-66 FBL if you can find it fully brilliant or attractively toned.

Examples in MS 66 FBL with the typical light haze, or average mottled Mint set color, may trade for as little as $500. Most MS 66 FBL 1948-Ps fall into this unfortunate category. Be willing to opt for either the really premium quality blazer, or the superb color coin. The former trades in the $1,000-$1,800 range. The finest color coins have traded for upwards of $3,000, given their rarity and eye appeal.