History of South America

What is Full Bell Lines on a Franklin Half Dollar?

Full Bell Lines refer to the diagonal lines found on the surface of the Liberty Bell on the reverse of Franklin half dollars. These lines are supposed to represent cracks found on the actual Liberty Bell.

The appearance of these lines has two significant variations:

1. Full Bell Lines: This refers to the bold and well-defined lines extending from bottom to top of the bell. The full Bell Lines are a sign of better preservation and high-quality strike on the coin.

2. Weak or Absent Bell Lines: In contrast to Full Bell Lines, weak or absent Bell Lines imply that the lines are either faint or barely visible on the bell's surface. This could be a result of wear, poor strike, or an earlier die state when the lines were not fully developed.

Collectors generally value Franklin half dollars with Full Bell Lines higher as it showcases intricate details and enhances the overall visual appeal of the coin.