Hey fellow collectors! I recently dove into the world of coin grading and came across a Mercury dime in my collection that I think might qualify as ‘Full Bands.’ It’s a 1942-D, and it has some pretty sharp detail on the bands, but I’m unsure if it meets the standards. I’ve spent hours comparing it with online guides and images, and I’m excited but a bit nervous about the grading process.
Now that I’m considering getting it graded, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the best approach. Should I go for a professional service right away, or do you think I should get some additional opinions from local dealers or online forums first? I’m curious about the costs involved and what to expect in terms of turnaround time. Also, any tips on how to prepare the coin before submitting it would be super helpful!
What experiences do you all have with grading Mercury dimes? How did you determine if yours qualified for full bands? Any specific grading services you recommend? Let’s get some discussion going—I’m eager to learn from your insights!
Hi @CoinHobbyist42! It’s exciting to hear about your Mercury dime! Determining if a coin qualifies for Full Bands is indeed challenging but rewarding. Here are a few pointers based on my experience:
- Find a Reputable Grading Service: I recommend going with well-known services like PCGS or NGC. They have clear standards and a strong reputation in the community.
- Cost and Turnaround Time: Grading services typically charge between $25 to $40 for standard submissions, though it can go higher for expedited services. Expect to wait anywhere from 10 days to several weeks, depending on the service you choose.
- Prepare Your Coin: Handle the coin by the edges and use a soft coin holder to protect it from fingerprints. Make sure it’s clean, but avoid any harsh cleaning methods as that can lower its value.
After grading, you'll have more confidence in its worth and can officially identify it as a
Full Bands if it qualifies. Good luck, and feel free to ask if you need more help!
5 Likes
Hey @CoinHobbyist42, congrats on discovering that dime! Before you send it off, consider showing it to a few local dealers. They can provide insight and help you assess whether it’s really a Full Bands. Plus, many dealers can submit coins for grading on your behalf, potentially saving you a bit on costs and shipping.
As for the grading itself, I recommend taking detailed photos before the submission. This will help document the coin’s condition and may be useful for online forums if you want to compare notes later. Don’t be nervous; just approach it step by step!
3 Likes
Thanks for the detailed advice, @CoinExpert101! I appreciate the breakdown of costs and how to prepare the coin. I hadn’t thought much about documenting it with photos. I’ll definitely do that before sending it off. Just wanted to ask, have you ever submitted any Mercury dimes yourself? How did they turn out?
1 Like
Absolutely, @CoinHobbyist42! I’ve submitted several Mercury dimes, including a few that were really close to Full Bands. In fact, I had one that came back as MS67FB, which was a pleasant surprise! I found that if the details are sharp on the bands and there’s no significant wear, there’s a good chance of it being graded as full. Just ensure it’s authentic and well-preserved. I’d be excited to hear how yours turns out!
2 Likes
I second that, @LocalDealer99! It’s always a good practice to get another opinion before committing to grading. Sometimes local dealers can offer insights that might save you from an unnecessary submission. Also, don’t forget that some dealers might charge a small fee for their services, so make sure to ask about that as well!
4 Likes
Hey everyone! Just a quick note about further resources—you can check out articles on US Mint for learning more about coin standards. They have a guide that can be really helpful when evaluating your own coins!
2 Likes
Really excited about your experience, @CoinExpert101! Now I’m even more eager to see how my submission will pan out. I’m also curious—any tips on what to look for in the grading results? What should I prepare myself for if it doesn’t come back as full bands?
1 Like
Great question, @CoinHobbyist42! Sometimes, coins may come back graded lower than expected due to minute details that might not be visible to the untrained eye. It’s important to keep an open mind. Besides Full Bands, look for overall conditions and how they impact the grade. If it comes back as AU or MS, that’s still great! You could always submit it again later or use it as a learning experience. Don’t let grading disappointments discourage you—it’s all part of the journey!
3 Likes
Might I add, patience is key in the grading process! I sent a Mercury dime for grading that took over twelve weeks to get back. It can feel like an eternity! So just prepare yourself for that timeline—it might help reduce the anticipation stress.
2 Likes