1950 Franklin Half Dollar. Proof-65 * Ultra Cameo (NGC). CAC. Here is an exceptionally well produced and preserved example of a key date Proof Franklin half dollar issue. Untoned surfaces set off the remarkable Ultra Cameo finish. Silky smooth and virtually pristine, even the finest collection of this popular 20th century series would be greatly enhanced by this lovely Gem. The 1950 is not only the first Proof half dollar of this type, but it is also the most challenging to collect. The mintage of 51,386 Proofs is the lowest in this series, and most survivors show considerable evidence of having been poorly made or carelessly handled. According to Rick Tomaska in the 2002 edition of <em>The Complete Guide to Franklin Half Dollars</em>, "Glue spots, the use of overused dies, poor packaging, improper handling, all conspire to make high quality examples of this date extremely scarce or rare." Franklin half dollar enthusiasts would be wise to take full advantage of the opportunity that this lot represents.
