1961-D Franklin Half Dollar--Struck on a Cent Planchet--MS-67 RB (NGC).3.1 grams. This is an important wrong planchet error, and about as far off planchet as one can go! The cent impression is flush with the lower right obverse and upper right reverse borders, the date full on the obverse, the D mintmark likewise on the reverse. Other features that are present are the words WE TRUST in the motto, more than half of Franklins portrait, part of the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, more than half of the Liberty Bell, and virtually the entire eagle. Essentially pristine surfaces are richly toned in iridescent lilac-brown with outlines of original pinkish-apricot color to the design elements. The popular reference 100 Greatest U.S. Error Coins (2010) by Nicholas P. Brown, David J. Camire and Fred Weinberg includes a 1963-D Franklin half struck on a cent planchet ranked as No. 87. For errors of this type the authors state:Although fairly common to find struck on quarter planchets, Franklin half dollars struck on cents, nickels, and dimes are very rare. It is estimated that there are about 12 known on cents, 7 to 10 on nickels, and 6 to 8 on dimes (of which only 3 are dated).Clearly this is a significant offering for the advanced Mint error and/or Franklin half dollar collector, and the first 1961-D half dollar struck on a cent planchet to appear in our of auctions since our August 2013 ANA Sale, lot 1855. That coin, certified MS-64 RB by PCGS, did not have a 100% complete date, but it still fetched an impressive $9,400.
