FB (full bands)

How to read it

The reverse of the Mercury dime (1916 to 1945) shows a fasces, a bundle of rods held together by bands at the top, center and bottom. The designation records whether the strike brought the bands up fully. PCGS gives FB when the central band is fully separated, with no disturbance of the separation. NGC asks for full separation of the two central bands and separation in the top and bottom groups too, and CAC Grading for fully split center bands uninterrupted by weakness or marks. NGC's example of how rare it can be: more than a third of the 1945-D Mercury dimes it has graded qualify, against fewer than 30 of a similar number of 1945 dimes. Proof dimes do not get it; NGC says they are assumed to have been well struck. It is one of several strike designations, with FS on Jefferson nickels and FBL on Franklin halves.

Also searched as: FB dime, FT, full bands, full torch.

FB or FT on a Roosevelt dime

The Roosevelt dime (1946 to date) has a torch on the reverse with bands at the top and bottom. PCGS applies FB to Roosevelt dimes that show full separation in both the upper and lower pair of crossbands. NGC gives these dimes FT, full torch, and asks that the vertical lines of the torch be defined as well. CAC Grading lists FB for business strike Mercury dimes only, and excludes the 2016 centennial Mercury dimes.

Mint state is not required

NGC says a dime need not be mint state to qualify for FB or FT, though most that do are.