Hey everyone! I’ve been diving deep into collecting Mercury dimes, particularly the Full Bands (FB) variety, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride. I still remember my first purchase—a 1940-D FB dime that I thought was a steal at $20. Little did I know that it was cleaned! I learned the hard way that condition is everything when it comes to these beauties.
So I’m curious, what mistakes did you all make when you first started collecting FB Mercury dimes? I’ve done a bit of research on grading, and I now pay close attention to the bands on the dime’s fasces. It’s amazing how much of a difference the sharpness makes in value and overall appeal. I’m also realizing that buying from reputable sources is key to avoiding pieces that may be overhyped or in less-than-ideal condition.
I’d love to hear about your first forays into this beautiful series! What tips do you have for beginners in the community, and what lessons did you learn that turned you into the collectors you are today? Let’s swap some stories and insights!
Welcome to the world of Mercury dimes! I remember when I started collecting, I was so excited to find an entire roll of dimes at a garage sale. I thought I hit the jackpot! Turns out, most were just fillers. I didn’t check for mint marks and ended up with a bunch of common dates, which was a huge disappointment. That’s when I learned that research is crucial. Now, I always make sure to look into mintage numbers and rarity before making a purchase. For any new collectors, I highly recommend using resources like PCGS and NGC for grading tips and market values. Happy hunting!
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You hit the nail on the head with being cautious about condition! I also made the mistake of not investing in a good magnifier initially. Without a proper look, I bought a 1936 FB dime that was so shiny I thought it was flawless. It was later revealed to be polished. Now I don’t leave home without my 10x loupe! For those starting out, I can’t stress this enough: invest in quality tools! 
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Thanks for sharing, @SilverSeeker42! It’s interesting how a simple garage sale can lead to such valuable lessons. I agree with you about the importance of doing proper research and the value of refraining from impulse buying!
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Oh boy, where do I start? I think the biggest mistake I made was buying based on emotion. There was this gorgeous 1945 FB dime I just had to have, which I bought for $50. Only after I got it home did I realize it had been cleaned—something I completely overlooked in my excitement! Before that experience, I never paid much attention to the grading scale, especially the differences between MS and AU. Nowadays, I take my time with purchases and always verify with at least one third-party grading service. To every beginner, learn from us seasoned collectors!
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Great point, @DimeDiva91! I also realized how much of a difference a good coin microscope makes when grading. If you’re serious about collecting FB dimes, check out these affordable options online. The detail you miss with the naked eye can be astounding!
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I’m still laughing at my first mistake! I once bought a ‘rare’ 1941-D for $25 from a flea market just to find out they meant the reverse was clean and marked! I guess I learned the hard way to check both sides, haha. Now I always make the seller show me both sides before buying—a simple step that saved me from that embarrassment again! 
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@OldTimerNumismatist, your story is so relatable! Impulse buying is one of the toughest habits to break. What I found helpful was creating a checklist before I go to a coin show. It includes checking the condition, pricing, and even seller reputation. It’s amazing how much more focused my buying is when I have that list in hand! If anyone’s interested, I’d be happy to share my checklist layout. It’s a game changer!
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Thanks for sharing all this wisdom! I’m just getting started and I think I have a decent collection, but I haven’t made many purchases yet. How do you find trustworthy dealers? Any tips from experienced collectors would be appreciated! @DimeDiva91, @CoinExpert88!
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@NewbieCollector, great question! I usually start by checking local coin shops and looking for those who are members of the American Numismatic Association. They often have a solid reputation. Plus, online reviews can tell you a lot about their past customers’ experiences. The key is to trust your gut! If something feels off, it probably is.
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@NewbieCollector, I forgot to mention that events like coin shows can be fantastic! You can meet dealers in person, which gives you a chance to ask questions and inspect the coins before buying. Just make sure to do your homework—like researching their pricing and reputation—before you go. It can lead to much better deals and trustworthy transactions. Welcome to the community!
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Thanks everyone for the fantastic insights! It’s clear we’ve all learned valuable lessons through our experiences. Let’s keep this discussion going—what are some hidden gems you’ve found in your journeys? Looking forward to hearing your stories!