1953 Franklin Half Dollar. Proof-68 Ultra Cameo (NGC). At the threshold of numismatic perfection, this gorgeous Ultra Proof Franklin half dollar really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. Serene surfaces retain full mint brilliance, while bold field-to-device contrast provides a strong cameo appearance on both sides. Sharply struck, expertly preserved, and just right for the finest Proof type or date set.<p>The mintage for this fourth-year Proof Franklin half dollar issue is 128,800 pieces. The Proof 1953 is a bit more obtainable with a cameo finish than the Proof 1950, 1951 and 1952, but it is every bit as rare in the certified Deep/Ultra Cameo category. Writing in the third edition (2018) of the <em>Guide Book of Franklin & Kennedy Half Dollars</em>, Rich Tomaska explains the situation:<p><em>"There are only a few known cameo dies that struck any examples possessing the intense obverse and reverse cameo contrast needed for a deep cameo designation, though only the very earliest strikes off these dies possessed the level of cameo and depth of mirror required for a deep or ultra cameo designation. Additionally, the few that were struck are typically heavily hairlined, which is not surprising since the same packaging was used for 1953 as for the earlier years."</em><p>An early die strike that was subsequently handled with exceptional care, this is a remarkable strike and condition rarity that belongs in the finest Proof Franklin half dollar set.
