Only 3,744,000 half dollars left the San Francisco Mint in 1949, the smallest Franklin output of that year. Nearly all of them went straight into West Coast circulation, so clean gem survivors turned up in short supply. Collectors chase this date hardest with Full Bell Lines, a designation reserved for coins showing complete, unbroken lines across the bottom of the Liberty Bell. This San Francisco half carries both the gem grade and that FBL designation.

John R. Sinnock's obverse shows Benjamin Franklin in profile, with LIBERTY curving above and IN GOD WE TRUST along the lower rim beside the 1949 date. The portrait is well struck, and the hair and coat details remain sharp. On the reverse, the Liberty Bell dominates the field with the small eagle at right and E PLURIBUS UNUM at left, while the S mintmark sits above the bell yoke. Strong device definition carries through the bell's crack and its lower bands.

NGC graded this half dollar MS-66 FBL. Rich russet and amber toning covers much of the obverse over lustrous silver, while the reverse shows a softer, even patina with attractive golden edges. The surfaces are free of distracting marks, and the bell lines stand out with the full separation the designation requires. At this level the 1949-S becomes a true condition coin, and the original color adds real eye appeal for a date usually seen brilliant or dipped. For those seeking a high-grade, fully original Franklin with Full Bell Lines, this coin delivers. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.

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