PCGS is easier than just about everybody else - so maybe. In my opinion, it's kinda iffy - based on the pics.
Is the qualification for FSB just the center line? Or do the bands have to be rounded at the high points or something? I don't do mercs, so I honestly don't know.
Nevermind, found it: From the PCGS site: "To PCGS graders, a Mercury dime with full band details will have fully separated horizontal bands on the central part of the fasces (the bundle of rods on the reverse). In addition, there can be no interruption on the trough (depression) of the bands due to strike, contact, planchet problems or any other damage, whether mint caused or not, if the coin is to obtain the PCGS Full Band designation."
NGC is tough on FSB - they require well-developed verticals in addition to full horizontal bands - and I guess ANACS hews closer to that standard than PCGS, who seem to want to offer FSB. This looks like a pretty old die pair (despite the good strike), and (from what I can see) the right end of the center band is questionable.
Please clarify to a dumbbell like me. Does this mean that the top and bottom bands DO NOT have to be separated ?
Based on my understanding of the posted standard, I would say a close call. Let us know what PCGS says. It could teach us all something.
Nothing jumps out at me that would disqualify it from full bands, but if there's a hit on the bands that doesn't show up in the pictures, it's a no-go. Top and bottom bands aren't typically the issue concerning strike.
Yup. I would note that, if the central bands are fb, the bottom and top bands will also be split 99% of the time. In contrast, it is not uncommon for fb coins to have weak lettering or weak hair/feathering, so it is important not to judge strike solely by fb designation. I have several coins that barely miss fb but have better overall strikes than my fb coins.
To be honest, the special designations are pretty much meaningless when it comes to quality of strike. In other words, none of them actually provide any indication that a coin is well struck.
I agree with you in part. On average, I find FB mercs have a much stronger strike than non-FB coins. So the FB designation does provide some indication of quality of overall strike in that sense. However, I agree that it is very dangerous to rely on this designation alone; there are plenty of non-FB coins that are very well struck and plenty of FB coins with a weak strike. In the market for merc dimes, though, many collectors don't seem to care.
