Mercury Dimes

Just a couple of questions about some Mercury Dimes I saw online:

First, what the heck caused this, really worn dies?


Secondly is this a FSB?

 

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If you are referring to the lines in the field, yes they are usually caused by a worn die.

 

Yes and yes.

 

Yes,and maybe?? The specimen shown was struck with a worn die, full ban maybe ,depending on who grades it...it's close but I'm not seeing a total split on that middle ban.

 

I thought that maybe someone had poured some liquid Mercury on it...

 

Q: with the horizontal marks from the cheek, chin, fields all the way to the L in Liberty and down to the IN GOD; aren't those related to cleaning marks ?

 

Yes Paddyman, that Mercury does make them shine. A dealer tried to sell me a beautiful collection, older coins in excellent shape, but they had shined the coins with Mercury. I think they ruined the coins - at least for me.

 

Those are from polishing the die, they are raised.

 

I am with Paddy, I am not sure if the middle band is complete, very close though.

 

You would think the dealer would know the coins were ruined if mercury was added to them, and why would he even have such a thing for sale?

 

Excellent question.

 

I'm not sure what you are looking at. Look pretty normal to me.

 

As, I look at that strike. I see a coin that hit the sander after a clash,
the polish lines run through the devices, yes, it is a late die state, but, MS, non the less.

 

@Kentucky, If that was in my hand. I'd prolly snag it up!

 

Definitely a die freshened up after a clash. You can tell by the elevation of the upper bridge of the nose compared to the adjacent field.
And, a '45-P FSB is not an easy one to come by.

 

Maybe, if the cleaner was armed with some sort of wire brush.

 

BTW, they are two different coins. I was just looking at the obverse photograph and wondering what caused that wavey line watery effect. Almost hurts your eyes when you enlarge it. The reverse is of a different '45 dime, but that is about as close to a fsb as I have seen on a merc. To be honest, it was only $14 and I jumped on it. When I get it, I'll try and post some pictures. This might be the first coin I have had that I would consider slabbing.

 

Watson, I do believe the game's afoot!