Winged Liberty Head/
"Mercury" Dimes
(1916-1945)

Illustrated Grading Standards

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Coins with Full Bands (FB)

The main device on the reverse of the Winged Liberty dime is a fasces, consisting of a bundle of vertical sticks or rods with an ax head at upper left, all bound by a strap that is wrapped three times around the top of the device, twice around the middle, and twice around the bottom. To receive a “Full Bands” (FB) designation, there must be full separation between the bands in each group, especially the middle pair.

Note: Grading services may differ in their criteria; consult your service’s grading standards for more information. In all cases, beware of coins that have been altered to give the appearance of Full Bands.

G-4 — Good

^{1916-D. Graded G-4.}

Letters and date clear. Lines and bands in fasces obliterated.

VG-8 — Very Good

^{1916-D. Graded VG-8.}

Half of sticks discernable in fasces.

F-12 — Fine

^{1916-D. Graded F-12.}

All sticks in fasces defined. Diagonal bands worn nearly flat.

VF-20 — Very Fine

^{1942, 2 Over 1. Graded VF-20.}

Diagonal bands definitely visible.

EF-40 — Extremely Fine

^{1921. Graded EF-40.}

Only slight wear on diagonal bands. Braids and hair before ear clearly visible.

AU-50 — About Uncirculated

^{1942, 2 Over 1. Graded AU-50.}

Slight trace of wear. Most mint luster present.

MS-63—Choice Uncirculated

^{1921-D. Graded MS-63.}

No trace of wear. Light blemishes. Attractive mint luster.

MS-63 FB Example

Close-up of the middle bands from an MS-63 FB example.

MS-65—Gem Uncirculated

^{1916-D. Graded MS-65.}

Only light, scattered marks that are not distracting. Strong luster, good eye appeal.

MS-65 FB Example

Close-up of the middle bands from an MS-65 FB example.