In 1956, the Mint used two different reverses to strike Proof Half Dollars. The main difference is visible in the small eagle on the reverse and relates to the number of feathers that are visible to the left of the perch on which the eagle sits. Type I shows four, clear feathers to the left of the perch; Type 2 shows three feathers. In 1956, the Type 1 reverse was used on both Proofs and circulation strikes, and the Type 2 reverse was used only on Proofs. In subsequent years, all the way until the end of the Franklin design type in 1963, the two reverses were used intermittently, but the Type II is most commonly seen on Proofs.
Among the 1956 Half Dollar Proofs, the Type 1 is much less common than the Type 2. The PCGS Population Report (as of February 2012) shows 885 Type 1s and 8,587 Type 2s. This rough 1:10 ratio is slightly higher than Breen's guess-timate of 1:20 (5%), which was actually not too far from the mark.
Cameo Proofs are about five times as rare as the non-Cameos. Deep Cameo Proofs are exceedingly rare.
Every time I think I have a complete collection of anything, something shows me I don’t. Hopefully, this Wonderful example of a proof Franklin will do it. An excellent buy, I am very satisfied with the entire transaction.
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Great looking coin with deep cameo contrast
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If your looking for the Type 1 1956 in High Grade this would be best deal for the money. It's not that the coin is hard to find it's that the coin is hard to find in GEM condition. Don't trust a dealer get a graded coin! Don't look a "RED BOOK" prices, if you need fair prices look in the "BLUE BOOK" or better yet the Brown Sheet. See what these and all collectible coins go for Dealer to Dealer (Brown Sheet). There is an ask and bid price for each coin, be sure on the grade! Only purchase a graded coin unless you've been doing this for 5 to 10 years and know what GEM really means!!
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The coin arrived as promised and was of great value. Would buy from again when time comes
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Good deals can be found but be weary of people trying to get rid of less desirable coins
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