The coin you are asking about is a 1955 Franklin Half Dollar with the “Bugs Bunny” die clash error, designated as FS-401. It has been certified by PCGS as being in Mint State 64 (MS64) condition.
Here’s a breakdown of what that all means:
- 1955 Franklin Half Dollar: This is a 90% silver coin minted at the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark) in 1955. This particular year has the lowest mintage of the Franklin Half Dollar series, making it a key date.
- “Bugs Bunny” Die Clash: This is a famous die variety where the reverse die (Liberty Bell) clashed with the obverse die (Benjamin Franklin) during the minting process without a coin blank in between. This clash left a ghostly impression of the eagle’s wing from the reverse die over Franklin’s portrait, which gives him the appearance of having buck teeth, like the cartoon character Bugs Bunny.
- FS-401: This is the die variety number assigned to this specific “Bugs Bunny” error, as cataloged by Fivaz-Stanton.
- PCGS Premier MS64:
- PCGS: This stands for Professional Coin Grading Service, one of the most reputable third-party coin grading companies. They authenticate and grade coins, encapsulating them in a secure holder with a label.
- MS64: This is the grade, on a scale of 1 to 70, given to the coin by PCGS. MS stands for “Mint State,” meaning the coin is uncirculated. A grade of 64 indicates a coin with a good strike and luster, but it may have a few marks or scuffs.
- Premier: This is a designation used by PCGS on its label to indicate that the coin has been specially selected for its eye appeal within its grade.
Value:
The value of a 1955 Franklin Half “Bugs Bunny” in PCGS MS64 varies depending on a number of factors, including its eye appeal, presence of “Full Bell Lines” (FBL) which is a separate designation for a sharp strike, and the current market. Recent sales on platforms like eBay and at auctions show a range of prices. A quick search of recent listings and auctions shows prices for PCGS MS64 examples generally falling in a range from around $80 to over $100, and sometimes more, depending on the specific characteristics and the venue.
