Point and shoot camera with macro capabilities will do you.......and lots of practice/shots till ya find the one one that's fitting.
I think Chris is correct. My readings on modern coins seem to point to the uncirculated as the FT qualifier. PF's are struck several times to ensure a full strike. I found a 1969 that had a full strike but a big scratch right across the torch....hence the full package of FT and a great coin is quite elusive. That said, I'm a newbie, but until I get a greater appreciation of the ginormous world of coins, I've been focusing on learning about the moderns.
Yes, my hands shake. My phone sucks. I sold my macro lens for my camera. My 1 y/o is crying, my 2 y/o peed her pants which isn't normal for her. The dog is barking, ants are starting to come inside and the 6 y/o is roller blading playing hockey. What were we talking about again?
LOL! 4 kids myself! Believe I hear ya brother! I use a mini tripod, and Xanax when I can't fine the tripod! I've taken so many bad pictures but have read enough posts to understand good pics are everything when asking for opinions.
You've just described my life from twenty years ago. Hang in there dear fellow.....things do get better.
My understanding is that the key is the separation of the bands. You'll want to see full separation without interruption. That said, I'm not sure if proofs fall into that category. I'll take a pic of my 69 as an example tomorrow under natural lighting.
I do wish to throw my two cents out there in that I believe the full torch designation is only for those intended for circulation. I will also state with relative certainty that full torch designations are applicable to special mint set dimes. Hope this helps!
Ok, so the SMS dimes I have could have a good chance of having FT's although my camera can't catch what my eyes see... I may even have a 1946 P with FT.
As has been mentioned, the proof in the OP would not be designated as FS. However, the strike is good: look for a strike like that on a business strike, and that would be a FT coin. As for the 46 - there appears to be weakness on the lower set of bands, and the verticals are not complete. My understanding is that PCGS only cares about the horizontal bands, but NGC requires both the bands and the fasces to be complete. Your coin does not appear to meet either.
Then how did this SMS receive the full torch? http://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-ROOSEV...594751?hash=item5d49b5923f:g:JfYAAOSwj0NUkxnU
NGC must choose not to give SMS coins the same assumption of quality as Proofs. Note they bestow "MS" grades on them.
PCGS gives the SMS the SP designation and doesn't look like they bother with the FB for those. Kind of surprised NGC goes with MS over SP for those
I honestly have no idea. The NGC census has no listing for FT's in regard to SMS Roosevelt's, but they do with all other non SMS coins. The only designation listed for SMS Roosevelt's are Cameo and Ultra Cameo.