GRADING STANDARDS

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Mercury Dimes


GOOD:

OBVERSE: Entire design well worn with very little detail remaining. Legend and date are weak but visible. Rim is visible.

REVERSE: Fasces is worn nearly flat but is completely outlined. Sticks and bands are worn smooth.


VERY GOOD:

OBVERSE: Entire head is weak, and most detail in the wing are worn smooth. All letters and date are clear. Rim is complete.

REVERSE: About half the vertical lines in the fasces are visible. Rim is complete.


FINE:

OBVERSE: Some details show in hair. All feathers are weak but partially visible. Hair braid is nearly worn away.

REVERSE: Vertical lines are all visible but lack sharpness. Diagonal bands show on fasces but one is worn smooth at midpoint.


VERY FINE:

OBVERSE: Three-quarters of the details still show in feathers. Hair worn but bold. Some details in hair braid are visible.

REVERSE: Wear shows on two diagonal bands but most details are visible. All vertical lines are sharp. All details in branch are clear.


EXTREMELY FINE:

OBVERSE: Wear shows on high points of feathers, hair, and at neckline.

REVERSE: High points of fasces bands are worn, but all details are clearly defined and partially separated. Traces of mint luster still show.


ABOUT UNCIRCULATED:

OBVERSE: Traces of wear show along face, above forehead, and in front of ear.

REVERSE: Traces of wear show on the fasces bands but edges are sharply defined. Half of mint luster is still present.



Grading Standards are set by the American Numismatic Association as outlined in the Official A.N.A. Grading Standards for United States Coins, Fifth Edition, copyright © 1996. This reference book is available for purchase for $13.95. Hyperlink to our Coin Supplies Page for more information.

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