Hey fellow collectors! I’ve been diving deeper into my Mercury Dime collection lately, and I’m really trying to nail down the grading process, especially for the Full Bands (FB) variety. I recently acquired a 1940 dime that’s pretty worn, but I suspect it might still have some FB details intact. It’s got some shiny surfaces in certain areas, which makes me think it’s not too far gone.
What I’ve researched so far suggests that the separation of the bands on the FAS (fasces) should be the first thing to inspect, right? I can see some separation, but it’s subtle at best. I’m curious about how much wear and toning can impact what might otherwise be a decent grade. I’ve seen some folks discuss how hidden gems can pop up under the right light.
I’d love to hear your experiences! What specific tips do you have for assessing FB on these dimes? Are there particular angles or lighting conditions that can help reveal the true condition? Let’s share our insights and keep this discussion rolling!
Great topic, CoinLover92! Assessing Full Bands on Mercury Dimes can be tricky, but you’re on the right path by focusing on the separation of the bands. Here are some tips to help you evaluate the condition:
- Check for any kind of wear on the bands themselves; a fully separated band is crucial for FB grading.
- Pay attention to the overall luster of the coin; sometimes, a worn coin can have hidden brilliance that’s masked by toning.
- Use a good magnifying glass to inspect the details. It can really help to identify subtle differences in separation!
Lighting is also key! Natural light is your best friend; try using angled light to see the luster and details pop. It’s amazing how much a change in light can reveal! I had a similar experience with a 1936 dime, which looked lackluster until I examined it under a bright LED. I thought it was a lost cause, but it ended up being an FB!
Good luck with your collection!
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Thanks for the insights, @DimeDude74! I’ll definitely try examining it under natural light. I’ve also noticed that sometimes the toning can obscure the band details, but I hope that shine I see in certain areas is a good sign. I appreciate the tips!
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Great discussion! When assessing the FB, don’t just rely on what’s visible at first glance. Patina can sometimes hide imperfections, and a thorough examination can often yield surprising results. For example, I bought a 1941 FB that had tons of toning, but there was a striking detail that popped out once cleaned gently with a mint cloth. Just make sure you’re cautious; it’s easy to overdo it. I’ve also found that taking pictures at different angles can help in assessing the coin later!
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Absolutely right, @SilverSeeker89! Capturing different angles can show off details you might miss in-person. Just don’t get too caught up in the cleaning; coins can be sensitive. Remember, sometimes the history of the coin is just as important as its condition!
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You mentioned that your 1940 dime has some ‘shiny surfaces.’ This could suggest that it has not been overly worn, which is a good sign for FB status. However, if the bands are just barely separated, it might affect your grading; usually, you’re looking for clear division. I recommend checking out this guide on grading from PCGS, which could give you a deeper insight.
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Thanks, @CoinCriticXML! I’ll definitely check out the PCGS link. I want to make sure I’m grading these dimes as accurately as possible so I appreciate the resource!
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It’s amazing how your penny-wise approaches can land you a treasure! But remember, the journey of grading dimes can be like cracking a code — sometimes you think you’ve got a full picture, only to find there’s more beneath, like in a mystery novel! Keep digging, and those FB details will unveil themselves! 
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Great tips so far! I’d suggest looking into the NGC grading standards as well; they have a very detailed resource that outlines specific criteria for FB dimes. It can help you refine your assessment process. If you’re feeling stuck with grading, consult with more experienced collectors in groups or forums; your observations will improve over time.
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Thanks, @OldCoinsRUs! I’ll look into the NGC standards too. It’s reassuring to know that this process can improve with practice. I’m eager to keep learning!
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Totally agree, @OldCoinsRUs! Regular practice will significantly enhance your grading abilities, @CoinLover92. Plus, don’t hesitate to share what you find here; we love seeing pictures of dimes through their journeys! Who knows, your next post might be about a surprising FB find! 
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Just a heads-up! If you decide to submit your coin for grading in the future, the condition might change how you frame your submission. Having a detailed description and quality images can make a difference in the grading outcome! Keep up the good work, everyone.
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Thanks for the tip, @NumismaticNerd82! I hadn’t thought about how submission descriptions could affect the grading outcome. I’ll make sure to pay extra attention to that if I send my dime in!
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