Full Bands Or Full "Split" Bands; Which Is It? -Photo Added

Yes, the term "Full Split Bands" means the bands are split, but may or may not be rounded. The top 2 TPGs, PCGS and NGC, use the abbreviation "FB" (Full Bands) which means the same thing - the bands are split. To most people this is good enough, all they want to see is that the bands are indeed separated.

However, to Mercury dime purists, there are degrees to how well the bands are actually split. Ideally, you want the bands to be rounded with high relief. Think of these rounded bands as viewing the McDonald's arches as if you were flying above. I hope that makes sense and I haven't confused you.

StJoeBlues,

I saw the 1944 coin and it looks nice, and as you said the bands don't look split in the picture but I trust you since you have the coin in hand that they are split. Yes, some picky collectors, like myself, would prefer fully rounded and split bands over flat and split bands.

Also, if you are looking for silver content, many coin dealers will sell mercs in bulk depending on the spot price of silver (currently about 11X face). Please understand that I am not recommending investing in silver. All I'm saying is if you choose this route then I don't want you paying a high premium over spot value buying individual coins when you can buy them in bulk for spot or a tiny fraction over spot.

rkp & ShadowCreator - Thanks for the info. Yes, I picked up that Mercury more for the bullion. I got it and a handful of others below spot. When doing that, I search for the best specimens. I also ended up with a 45P that graded out at MS63 or so.

I try to balance my silver stacking with my numismatic hobby, looking for the numi steal when I'm adding "junk", 90% silver to my collection. I've found out that a lot of times the 90% being sold as bullion hasn't been adequately searched for coins with numismatic value. It's possible to pull some nice coins out of bullion buys.

The term full is indicative of a two fold requirement on merc's, not only does it relate to the complete seperation of the bands from one another, but is also indicative of the strike of the coin, a fully stuck merc's bands will be rounded.

a coin that is less than "full" or "fully" struck may show varying degree's of flatness to the bands, especially in reference to the center set of bands, this is the place where the high point (deepest part of the die) of the obverse bust would affect the coin in the stiking up of the coin.

Well done Coop