1951-S 50C MS(PCGS#6660)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

4563

Grade

MS67+

Price

2,280

Lot Description

This extraordinary Superb Gem exhibits rich, vivid Mint Set toning that is most vivid and varied on the obverse. That side is layered in beautiful reddish-russet, salmon-pink, champagne-pink and sea-green. The reverse exhibits mottled reddish-russet patina that is largely confined to the border. Billowy mint frost further enhances smooth, virtually pristine surfaces. In his 2002 book <em>The Complete Guide to Franklin Half Dollars</em>, expert Rick Tomaska describes MS-66 and MS-67 examples of the 1951-S as follows:<p><em>Extremely scarce, particularly in FBL! Nearly all high grade examples are from mint sets, typically exhibiting ordinary speckled toning. Exceptional color coins in MS 66 are rare, with or without full bell lines.</em><p>The pattern of toning on the present example suggests original Mint Set distribution and long-term storage, as above, although the speckling is minimal and the colors far more vivid than that seen in the typical high grade 1951-S half dollar described by Tomaska. The above average strike and condition rarity of this half dollar are sure to excite discerning Franklin half dollar specialists.