Additional information
by Rick Tomaska (Author), Q. David Bowers (Foreword by)
Franklin half dollars and Kennedy half dollars stand among the most admired and widely collected U.S. coin series. Collectors are drawn to these coins because they offer both accessibility and depth--providing rewarding challenges whether a hobbyist is working with a modest monthly budget or pursuing the finest rarities at the highest levels.
In the fourth edition of Guide Book of Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars, Tomaska shares decades of expertise, blending behind-the-scenes knowledge with practical collecting and investing advice. This updated reference explores the retail and auction markets, the artistry and production of these coins, and their rich historical context.
Inside you'll find:
- Analysis for each date and mintmark across both series
- Retail pricing in multiple grades
- Step-by-step grading guidance, including Full Bell Lines on Franklin halves
- Detailed study of Proof issues, with emphasis on Cameo and Deep Cameo designations
- Collectible die varieties
- Tips for smart buying
- Hundreds of full-color photographs
- New research on the mysterious 1964 Specimen Kennedy half dollars and details of the NGC Rick Tomaska Signature Series designation
- And much more!
Special features include auction records, coverage of the 1964-2014 gold and silver Kennedy commemoratives, and appendices on "Exceptional Cameo Contrast" Proofs and remarkable Franklin and Kennedy half dollar errors. Tomaska also devotes an illustrated chapter to Proof Liberty Walking half dollars--"true classics born during the wonderful Renaissance era in American coin design"--highlighting their influence on later Proof series.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of America's iconic mid-century half dollars in this fourth edition of Guide Book of Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars, part of Whitman's renowned Red Book Series. This acclaimed series spans nearly 30 volumes, each providing in-depth coverage of specific U.S. coin types and programs featured in the Official Red Book.
Author Biography
Rick Tomaska is a nationally recognized numismatist, author, and coin dealer with more than four decades of expertise. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he founded R & I Coins in 1981, specializing in high-quality mint-state and proof U.S. coins.
Tomaska is best known for pioneering research on modern proof coinage. His 1991 book, Cameo and Brilliant Proof Coinage of the 1950 to 1970 Era, helped establish the Cameo, Deep Cameo, and Ultra Cameo designations now used by PCGS and NGC. His Complete Guide to Franklin Half Dollars (1997) introduced the "Full Bell Lines" grading standard, now widely recognized across the hobby.
In 2014, Tomaska co-founded Rare Collectibles TV (RCTV), where he educates and inspires collectors nationwide through "Rick's U.S. Coin Show." Known for his ability to make complex topics accessible, he has been called the "Cameo King" for his groundbreaking work in proof coin grading and collecting.
