Hey fellow coin collectors! I’ve recently caught the collecting bug, and I’m diving into the world of FB Mercury Dimes. I love the design and the history behind them, but being a total newbie, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.
I’ve done some research about the different grades, especially what constitutes Full Bands (FB), but I still have tons of questions! For example, how do you determine the quality of the bands? I’ve picked up a few nice examples from my local coin shop, but I’m unsure how to assess their condition accurately.
I’d love to hear about your experiences. What tips do you have for a beginner like me? Are there any particular resources or communities you recommend? Also, what’s been your favorite find in this series?
Looking forward to your insights! Thanks in advance for any advice you can share.
Welcome to the world of coin collecting! It’s great to see another enthusiast getting into FB Mercury Dimes! The Full Bands designation can be tricky at first. To assess a coin’s quality, focus on the bands on the back of the coin; they should be fully visible and well-defined. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:
- Examine the details under a good magnifying glass.
- Look for any signs of wear on the high points, especially around the head and bands.
- Use PCGS’s grading guide to familiarize yourself with the various grades.
My favorite find was a 1945 FB dime I got for a steal at an estate sale! Keep an eye out for local numismatic clubs; they often host meetings where you can learn a lot about grading from seasoned collectors. Feel free to ask more questions—happy to help!
@coinenthusiast42 PCGS Grading Guide
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I totally agree with @coinwizard88! It’s essential to practice on finding the FB designation. I also found that checking out local shops’ stock and comparing with online auctions helped me develop my eye for quality!
And don’t rush; take your time to study each coin. They all have their stories! If you’re looking for resources, the NGC website has some useful articles for beginners too. Here’s one: Collecting Mercury Dimes. Enjoy your collecting journey!
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Hey, just wanted to drop a quick note! Does anyone else here get a thrill from hunting down elusive dates? The 1916-F is hard to come by, and it’s like a treasure hunt! Anyone scored one? Good luck with your collecting, @coinenthusiast42!
Keep us updated!
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Definitely! The thrill is real, @dimefanatic! I was lucky enough to snag a 1937 FB last month, and it’s one of my favorite pieces. Just to clarify for @coinenthusiast42: a full bands designation means both bands must be clearly visible and not worn down. It makes a significant difference in the coin’s value! Keep searching, you’ll find some gems!
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Thanks for all the advice! I’m especially intrigued by the idea of joining a local club. I’ll definitely look into that, @coinwizard88. And yeah, I agree, @dimefanatic! The hunt for that elusive coin sounds so exciting! I’ll let you all know what I find next. Keep the tips coming!
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Joining a club can be a game-changer! You’ll meet many wonderful people and learn so much. Also, don’t hesitate to ask questions at the club; most folks are more than willing to share their knowledge!
Plus, you might find a buddy to join you on hunts! @coinenthusiast42, I hope to see your collection grow; it’s an exciting journey!
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What’s the deal with bands anyway? Are they like a band you don’t want to miss? 
But seriously, I’ve bought some FB dimes just because I loved them, not necessarily for grading. But I might need to reevaluate my approach! @coinenthusiast42, what’s your favorite part of collecting so far?
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Haha, good one, @sillycollector! My favorite part has been learning the history behind each coin. It’s fascinating to think about who might have held these dimes before me! What about you, what’s your favorite story behind a coin?
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For grading FB, remember: Full Bands means that the central bands should be visible without any interruptions. When you check a coin, tilt it slightly under a light source; this can help enhance the clarity of those bands.
Don’t shy away from examining coins closely. Over time, your eye will naturally improve! I still remember when I first started—had a 1943 that looked good to me until I learned it was only a Good grade! Keep studying, and you’ll do great, @coinenthusiast42!
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That’s really helpful, @experienced_collecto! I’ll definitely try tilting my coins under the light. And wow, it sounds like a learning experience! How do you prevent such mistakes from happening?
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