On the right is an example of a full split bands Mercury Dime. The center bands are fully split and rounded.

Ever wonder what people are talking about when they describe a Mercury dime as having full bands? Here is a great example above to show you what to look for. This little detail can mean a price difference of hundreds and even thousands of dollars in price. The photos to the left would not rate a FB designation. For example a MS65 1945 P Mercury is worth about $22.00, but with the full bands designation it is worth $12,000 according to the PCGS price guide. Check them 45 P's for split bands and you might strike gold.

Also referred to as FB, FSB, or Full Split bands.

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COIN ABBREVIATIONS AND COLLECTOR'S JARGON

DMPL Deep mirror proof-like

FBL Full bell lines Franklin Half

DCAM Deep cameo

FS Full steps Jefferson Nickel

CN Copper Nickel 1859-64 Indian Cents

BN Brown Referring to a Brown Copper Coin

RD Referring to a Red Bright Copper Coin

AT Artificial Toning

CDN Coin Dealer Newsletter

PQ Premium Quality

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What is Grading?

Grading is a way of determining the condition of a given coin. The late Dr. William H. Sheldon devised a grading scale of 1-70, with 1 being a barely identifiable piece and 70 being a flawless specimen. This basic grading scale has been widely used since. All of the third-party grading services that I know of, as well as the American Numismatic Association and virtually every rare coin dealer that I've ever met, have all adopted this grading system.

Grading is Subjective

Beginners will have the hardest time with uncirculated grades. An uncirculated coin doesn't necessarily mean that its never been touched by human hands. How did it get made then? No, it means that the coin didn't actually perform its intended function in the channels of commerce, i.e. it did not circulate. Uncirculated coins have different grades based on how the coin was treated once minted. Some have a lot of bag marks from being tossed in a bag with others...and possibly taken on a 200 mile stagecoach ride to the bank of destination.

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