I have a 1974 half dollar that has no mint and no initials on the back, i can't seem to find anything about this error in this year. I'm new to collecting and could really use some help.
The "FG" is there between the right wing and leg. They aren't fully struck, probably due to gunk in the dies, but I can make them out. As for the mint mark, half dollars minted in Philadelphia that year did not have "P" mint marks so yours is fine.
First, welcome to the neighborhood, Catherine! The mintmark should be on the front (called the obverse) between the neck and the date. The designer's initials should be in two places. On the obverse, they will be on the base of the neck, and on the reverse, they will be between the eagle's left leg (viewer's right) and the tailfeathers. There are two sets of initials because there was one person who designed the obverse and one who designed the reverse.
That's why we are here. Coin collecting will give you a lifetime of historical journeys. Welcome aboard!
Welcome aboard, I have been seriously collecting for 40+ years and I still learn reading some of the posts. Stay Safe
Your coin is normal. It's from Philadelphia and for that year they did not have a mintmark. Welcome to CT.
You might want to buy the latest edition of the Red Book. It contains information about every coin that has ever been made or used in the U.S. since colonial days. It is published annually, but you really don't need to buy one every year.
Hi. Welcome to CT. Your FG initial on the reverse is very faint. As one reader mentioned it could have been caused by a partially grease or crud filled die, but also a very worn die and on occasion it could be chased off after the mint removes clash marks on a die. You could find this missing designers initials or weak designers initials in any year circulation strike Kennedy half dollar. The same is true for the missing AW initials on the reverse of the Walking Liberty silver Half dollar for any mint. Also there is a Bugs Bunny for most Ben Franklin Half dollars caused by clashed dies and before the dies are chased over by mint employees to remove clash marks. Much of the same happens with Peg Leg Eisenhower Dollars. Hope you enjoy coin collecting forever.
Thank you so much, i look forward to learning about many different coins, i just happened to come into a collection in half dollars that were given to me and it peeked my interest to learn as much as i could and start expanded the collection with maybe some rarer pieces. My dad use to collect but long story short when he passed someone got to the collection before the family did and it is gone. I remember him talking about certain pieces that really intrigued him.
Welcome to CT Catherine. You will learn much as you go forward, watch the threads and see what others are showing and asking. As mentioned Red Book has a wealth of information and will help you greatly. Be safe and happy holidays.
Welcome @Catherine D Kellett to the neighborhood. And thank you so much for posting the photos Full Image, making it easier to view and enlarge. I believe your questions have already been answered so I'll leave it there. Sorry to hear that your father's collection was raided before you had a chance to get through it. I hope that what you do have left will bring you some comfort and rewards. Please do post whatever questions you can't find answers to online or need more information on. Good luck.
I agree with the advice to buy a recent Red Book. Then read it! Consult it when you have a coin like a 1974 50c to find the answer to your questions.
