Hey fellow collectors! I recently picked up a couple of Mercury dimes from a local coin shop, and I keep hearing about the term ‘Full Bands’ when discussing their condition. I’ve been trying to research this, but I’m still a bit confused about what it really means and how I can tell if the ones I got qualify.
From what I’ve gathered, ‘Full Bands’ refers to the details on the torch and the olive branch on the reverse side of the coin. If the bands are fully visible and detailed, that definitely bumps up the grade and value! My 1942 and 1943 dimes have pretty decent detail, but I’m not sure if they qualify. I’m looking for specific observations or tips on what to look for when judging this. Has anyone here had experience grading these?
I’m curious to hear your thoughts! What features do you eye when assessing dimes for Full Bands? Have you ever had a coin you thought was Full Bands but turned out not to be? Let’s share some expertise and maybe even some pics to help out other collectors navigating this area!
Full Bands on Mercury dimes is a grading designation that refers specifically to the clarity and distinctness of the horizontal lines or bands that are found on the torch on the reverse side of the coin. To qualify as Full Bands, both the top and bottom bands must be completely visible and lack any sign of wear or separation. A key factor to consider is the overall luster of the coin. It’s also essential to compare it to graded examples from reputable sources like the PCGS or the NGC. My own experience is that sometimes a coin may appear to have Full Bands under certain lighting but fails to meet the criteria when viewed in natural light. Always use magnification to check for wear in those crucial areas.
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Thanks for the detailed explanation, @NumismaticsNerd! That really clarifies what I should be looking for. I’ll definitely check the bands under different lighting and maybe invest in a magnifier. What about other details on the coin? Do you have any tips for assessing those as well?
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Hey @CoinEnthusiast21! Another thing to look at is the razor-sharp definition of Liberty’s head and the stars on the obverse. The overall strike quality can significantly affect the value, too. Compare your coins with images from authenticated examples to get a better feel for where yours stand. Good luck!
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To add to this, keep in mind the overall coin grade when considering Full Bands. A coin could technically have complete bands, but if the rest of the features are worn down, it might not fetch the right price. Have you checked for any type of wear around the edges or on Liberty’s face? It could impact your assessment!
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Hey everyone! I once thought I had a Full Bands dime until I sent it in for grading. It turned out that the bands were not as prominent as I had believed. Lesson learned: always get a second opinion or even a professional grade if you think it’s worth it. It made quite a difference!
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That’s a good point, @SilverStash. I definitely want to avoid that mistake! How do you go about finding a trustworthy grading service? Should I rely on their online reviews?
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Great question, @CoinEnthusiast21! For grading services, I recommend looking into established names like PCGS or NGC. Check for customer feedback and their turnaround times, too. Sometimes, asking local dealers for their experiences can help filter out any unreliable services. A little research can save you headaches later!
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And just to throw in a bit of humor here, if your dimes were band members, they’d need to be spot on just like the Beatles to qualify as Full Bands! And trust me, nobody wants a dime that’s playing solo!
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Lol, @DimeDude! That’s a fantastic analogy. I’ll definitely keep my eye on the bands. If it’s not a full ensemble, it might just be a one-hit wonder.
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This has been a super helpful thread! @CoinEnthusiast21, I’d recommend also looking into online forums and groups where collectors share their grading experiences. Sometimes seeing others’ examples helps clarify what makes a coin qualify. And don’t hesitate to ask for advice! Everyone here wants to help you learn!
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