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The focus for grading of the obverse is in the hair on the shoulder and to the left of the ear. Also check for signs of abrasion on the high points of the cheek, shoulder and hairlines at the back of the head.
The focus for grading of the reverse is the lines at the bottom of the bell and the straps around the beam. The lines and lettering on the bell should also be checked for wear as well as the ridges at the bottom.
The bell lines are especially important when grading a Franklin Half Dollar. This is what gives the designation of FBL or Full Bell lines. In his book The Franklin Half Dollar Collector/Investor Guide Lyman L. Allen has this description of full bell lines: "When the Franklin half is encountered fully struck it will exhibit the three wisps of hair as mentioned [on the obverse], and two sets of horizontal parallel lines near the bottom of the bell on the reverse. These two sets of parallel lines are composed of three raised (four incuse) lines in the upper set, and two raised lines (three incuse) at the bottom. ... "To qualify [as full bell lines] all seven incuse lines must show completely across the bell on the reverse, and the three wisps of hair to the right of Franklin's ear must be distinct and not blended together on the obverse."
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Franklin Half Dollar Obverse - BU
The focus for grading of the obverse is in the hair on the shoulder and to the left of the ear. This coin shows full detail in the hairlines on the shoulder and back of the head. The hair to the left and right of the ear also show full detail. While there is no wear on the shoulder or cheek, there are minor nicks in both spots.
Franklin Half Dollar Obverse - Fine
The hair on this circulated coin is worn smooth at the top and to the left of the ear. There are still some details towards the back of the head. The hair to the right of the ear is also worn smooth. The lower portion of the cheek and the base of the shoulder also show wear. This coin would probably grade Fine.
Franklin Half Dollar Reverse - BU
The straps on the beam and the lettering on the bell are well defined and show clearly. Notice that the bell lines do show completely across the bell with no breaks visible. The ridges at the bottom of the bell show no signs of wear.
Franklin Half Dollar Reverse - Fine
The reverse of this circulated coin shows the straps clearly but they are flat from wear. Details on the ends of the beam are worn smooth. The lettering and bell lines at the top of the bell are no longer visible. The bell lines on the bottom are worn smooth and faint only on the edges. These traits are typical of a coin that grades Fine.
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