Hey everyone! I was going through some old coins that belonged to my grandma when I stumbled upon a 1945 Mercury dime in pretty decent condition. It’s got that classic design, and I can see the full bands on the reverse, which I’ve learned is crucial for the full bands (FB) designation. I’m just so curious about its rarity and value!
I did a bit of research and found that 1945 is often considered less sought after than some other years, but the FB can really change its perception among collectors. Given its condition, which I’d grade as Fine to Very Fine, I’m wondering how much of a difference the FB designation makes when it comes to collectibles. What are your thoughts on the rarity of this coin? Are there specific signs or features I should be on the lookout for?
I’d love to hear from anyone who has experience with Mercury dimes! What have you found in your own collections? Any tips on grading and identifying rare examples? Looking forward to your thoughts!
Congratulations on the find, CoinHunter92! The 1945 Mercury dime is indeed less sought after than other years, mainly because it had a higher mintage. However, the Full Bands (FB) designation does significantly raise its value among collectors.
- If you can see clear bands on the reverse, that’s a great sign.
- Coins graded above Very Fine with FB can fetch a premium, sometimes hundreds of dollars!
My advice would be to get it graded by a reliable service like
PCGS or
NGC. That way, you’ll know its true market value. Can’t wait to see how it turns out!
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Thanks, SilverSeeker! I really appreciate the insight. I’ll definitely look into grading. What specific condition would you say warrants the FB designation? I want to ensure I don’t overlook any details!
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@CoinHunter92, when checking for Full Bands, look for:
- Complete separation of the bands around the torch on the reverse.
- Clarity and sharpness of the details, especially on the coin’s high points.
This can really make a difference in grading, affecting both aesthetic value and market demand. Happy hunting!
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That’s a hidden gem you found there! Mercury dimes, especially with the FB designation, are a great way to build a collection. While 1945 isn’t considered rare overall, the FB version is rarer in finer grades. I once had a similar find, and it turned out to be worth quite a bit after grading. Make sure to keep it safe until then! Maybe even get a display case for it.
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Hey CoinHunter92! Don’t forget to check for any potential errors! If your coin has a misstrike or something unique, that can greatly increase its value. Keep an eye out for details like poor alignment or double strikes.
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Thanks, CollectorJim! I never thought about getting a display case; that’s a great idea! It deserves to be showcased. Have you found anything else interesting in your collection you’d recommend looking out for?
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@CoinNerd123 That’s such a crucial point! Errors in Mercury dimes are pretty rare. If CoinHunter92 finds anything like that, he could discover a true treasure. Just remember, condition is everything! A minor blemish could drop the value substantially, so handle with care.
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Glad I could help! I’ve found several unique coin types over the years. One of my best finds was a 1916-D Mercury dime, which is one of the key dates. Things to watch for are:
- Mintmarks (like D or S on the 1945).
- Adjusting your eyes to light to spot luster can make a big difference in grading!
Good luck! I hope your find turns out to be valuable!
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Thanks for all the guidance, everyone! I will definitely check closely for those details. I might take some pictures to share with you guys later. Fingers crossed that it helps me figure out its value!
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Don’t forget about cleaning! A lot of people think cleaning can help but actually, it can harm the coin’s value. Always leave it as-is, and if it needs anything, consult a professional! Good luck with your find!
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@CoinGeek42 Great reminder! I plan on leaving it as is. I’ll update you all with more info once I get it graded. Thanks again for all the support!
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