FSB picture help

I have only been collecting Mercury dimes now for about 2 years and sometimes I run across the FSB, or Full Split Bands, designation. I understand what this means, but does anyone here have any high resolution pictures so that I could see what the difference is between a FSB and a non FSB? Can someone with 20/20 vision see a FSB dime with the naked eye assuming that the coin is of high enough quality, or is magnification needed to truly see the FSB?

Thanks

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

....this may help. the arrows point to what is supposed to be split.

 

Thanks for the help.

 

I wouldn't try to naked-eye them, as it is my understanding that a single, small contact mark could take away the FSB designation.

 

Here are pictures of a PCGS (top) and an NCG (bottom) full band Mercuries. Pictures courtesy of Heritage. If memory serves me correctly, NCG is more strict on their separation requirements. Not my area, so I could be wrong.

 

Not my area either, but if memory serves me correctly, doesn't at least one of the major TPGs if not all of them only require the center bands to be intact in order to receive the designation?

 

It's pretty much just the center bands that matter not the top and bottom like on Rosies.
As for naked eye you could see them if you had great vision but I always use a loop just to be sure.

 

My recollection is that NCG requires the center bands to be full and PCGS ignores the center band.

 

RLM I think your confusing Merc's with Franklins.
The middle band is all that matters with both of them.

On Franklins the lower is all that matters with PCGS.

 

I was close. Here is the expert's quote.

 

The reason why PCGS only requires the central bands to be fully separated can be seen below.


FSB




NOT FSB




Notice that the upper and lower bands on both coins show full separation. It is rare to find the central band split and the upper or lower not.

 

As would be expected, Paul - the center bands are opposite Miss Liberty's cheek. When the two high points are directly opposite each other, you often have an area of weakness. The distinction between NGC and PCGS is much less distinct for FSB than for Franklin FBL - where NGC is distinctly superior.

I'll add my own FSB to the mix, recently purchased from leeg. This coin is graded MS-66FB, and in my opinion just barely makes it. The bands are rather weak.

The bottom coin is in an old NGC fatty, graded MS-67 from a time before the FSB designation existed - if resubmitted today I believe it would come back 67 * FSB.

 

Aren't these just called FB, not FSB?

 

FSB and FB are generally interchangeable. Both TPG's use FB for Mercs.

 

I have two NGC MS66 FB mercury dimes, not FSB, and I see PCGS roosevelt dimes have FB, http://www.teletrade.com/coins/lot.asp?auction=2796&lot=1270, while NGC roosevelts have FT, http://www.teletrade.com/coins/lot.asp?auction=2796&lot=1274. I have never seen FSB on a NGC or PCGS label.

LouieLot

 

Sorry I posted before you edited.:smile

 

Fsb

Great info on Mercs on FSB !!!!! Could we get something similiar on Frankies on Fbl's for us beginners

Thanks in advance

 

Excellent info in this thread. Thanks for answering all of my questions!

 

Silver Goose...there is some good posts already here just use the search function.
Cause the difference between NGC and PCGS is much more with the Franklins.

 

Sorry, I posted before I fact-checked. Then had to edit when I found I was remembering incorrectly.