Whitman® Red Book Series #15: A Guide Book of Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars, 4th Edition – History, Values, Collecting - Softcover
Synopsis
📖 Definitive Reference – The updated 4th edition by Rick Tomaska delivers unmatched depth on Franklin and Kennedy half dollars, with decades of professional insights.
💰 Values & Market Trends – Includes pricing in multiple grades, auction records, and expert commentary on the retail and investment markets.
🔍 Grading & Varieties – Learn how to grade both circulation and Proof coins, understand Full Bell Lines, Cameo and Deep Cameo designations, and identify key die varieties.
🖼️ Rich Illustrations – Features hundreds of full-color photographs plus new research on 1964 Specimen Kennedy halves, Tomaska Signature Series, and other discoveries.
⭐ Essential for Collectors & Investors – Whether you’re new to collecting or a seasoned expert, this trusted Red Book Series reference guide gives you the knowledge, strategies, and pricing data to build and grow a rewarding half dollar collection.
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.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
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.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
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The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of Franklin & Kennedy Half Dollars, 4th Edition
Seller: Collector Bookstore, Leavenworth, KS, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Soft Cover. Condition: New. Franklin half dollars and Kennedy half dollars are two of the most popular modern U.S. coin series. Professional numismatist Rick Tomaska specializes in them. He says, "Collectors can enjoy challenges and rewards with these coins whether their hobby budget is $50 a month or $50,000." Now, Tomaska shares decades of behind-the-scenes knowledge and valuable collecting/investing advice in the Guide Book of Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars. The updated 4th edition explores the retail and auction markets, along with the coins' designs, how they're produced, and other technical and historical aspects. Tomaska studies every coin in both series, date by date, with pricing in multiple grades, instructions on grading (including features such as Full Bell Lines), information on how Proof coins are made and graded (including Cameo and Deep Cameo contrast), and other important factors. Collectible die varieties, tips for smart buying, and hundreds of full-color photographs round out the book's contents. The 4th edition has new research on 1964 Specimen Kennedy half dollars, information on the NGC Rick Tomaska Signature Series designation, new coin images, and more. The book also includes auction records, coverage of the 1964â"2014 gold and silver Kennedy half dollars, and appendices on "Exceptional Cameo Contrast" and remarkable error and misstruck Franklin and Kennedy half dollars. In addition, Tomaska has included an illustrated chapter on Proof Liberty Walking half dollars, which he describes as "true classics born during the wonderful Renaissance era in American coin design" and as precursors to the Proofs of the Franklin series. "By grading this book you can become an expert on these widely collected coins."â" Q. David Bowers, past president, American Numismatic Association. Seller Inventory # WHP-2023-9780794850500-WH1
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A Guide Book of Franklin & Kennedy Half Dollars
Seller: Revaluation Books, Exeter, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 4th edition. 336 pages. 8.98x6.06x0.55 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # 0794850502
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