-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 57102
Checkout
The Certified 1935 Mercury Dime graded MS66FB by NGC is a stunning example of mid-series excellence from one of the most artistically acclaimed coin types in U.S. numismatics. With its near-Gem condition, brilliant luster, and the coveted Full Bands (FB) designation, this piece represents not only outstanding preservation but also exceptional strike quality—attributes that elevate it far above average specimens from the same issue. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint during a time of national recovery from the Great Depression, this dime is a tangible artifact of American resilience, and in this superior state of preservation, it becomes a premier choice for collectors and investors alike.
The Mercury dime, officially named the Winged Liberty Head dime, was designed by Adolph A. Weinman and issued from 1916 to 1945. It features one of the most beloved designs in U.S. coinage, with Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap symbolizing freedom of thought. The obverse includes the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “1935.” The reverse is dominated by a fasces—an ancient Roman symbol of collective strength—wrapped in an olive branch to represent peace. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE DIME” complete the composition. The coin’s graceful yet powerful imagery places it among the finest achievements of America’s early 20th-century coinage renaissance.
The 1935 Mercury dime was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which did not use a mintmark on coins during this period. With a total mintage of 58,830,000 dimes for the year, the issue is considered common in circulated grades and relatively accessible in lower uncirculated conditions. However, as with most Mercury dimes, the difficulty arises in locating coins that not only exhibit high grades but also feature the desirable Full Bands strike designation. Many 1935 dimes were weakly struck through the central reverse, making sharp, fully separated bands on the fasces a relatively uncommon trait. This makes any MS66FB example both desirable and significantly scarcer than a typical Mint State coin.
The “Full Bands” (FB) designation awarded by NGC refers to the horizontal bands that wrap around the central portion of the fasces on the reverse of the coin. To earn this designation, the central bands must be sharply struck and completely separated, with no merging or weakness. This attribute is not just a technical marker but also an indicator of superior die alignment, press pressure, and planchet quality at the time of striking. The presence of the FB designation can dramatically increase the coin’s appeal and market value, as collectors of high-grade Mercury dimes often build complete sets based on this criterion alone.
In the MS66 grade, this 1935 Mercury dime is considered a Premium Gem. It exhibits no trace of circulation wear and boasts strong eye appeal, full mint luster, and minimal marks. The obverse displays Liberty’s features in sharp relief, including the delicate curls of her hair and the individual feathers in her winged cap. The word “LIBERTY” is bold and undistorted, while the date is crisp and perfectly aligned. On the reverse, the vertical rods of the fasces, the axe blade, and the surrounding olive branch show exemplary detail, and most critically, the bands are distinct and fully separated—meeting the criteria for the FB designation with authority.
The surfaces of this coin retain their original mint luster, likely with a satiny or frosty finish that creates radiant cartwheel effects when viewed under light. The fields are clean and undisturbed, displaying only the most trivial contact marks that are well within the tolerance for the MS66 grade. Some examples may exhibit attractive peripheral toning—shades of gold, amber, or soft blue—which can further enhance the visual character of the coin without compromising its technical grade. This coin’s preservation over nearly a century is a testament to careful storage and limited handling since its minting in 1935.
The year 1935 marked a period of recovery for the United States. After the worst years of the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies had begun to restore economic stability. Coinage production resumed at stronger levels, and the Mercury dime, with its themes of liberty and unity, resonated with the public’s renewed hope. This dime circulated heavily across the country, making high-grade survivors relatively scarce. A piece like this, untouched by circulation and preserved in pristine condition, offers not only numismatic value but also historical perspective on a pivotal time in American life.
NGC certification of this Mercury dime offers an additional layer of security and trust. As one of the most respected third-party grading services, NGC guarantees the authenticity, strike attribution, and condition of the coin, ensuring its status as a genuine Mint State 66 Full Bands example. The encapsulated holder protects the coin from future environmental damage and facilitates display, trade, or storage within an advanced collection. Collectors and investors alike value such certification for the accuracy, consistency, and market confidence it provides.
This MS66FB example serves multiple collecting goals. For those pursuing a date-and-mintmark set of Mercury dimes, it represents one of the more visually impressive issues from the 1930s. For Full Bands specialists, it offers a high-grade coin that can hold its own in a registry-quality set. For type collectors, it’s a beautiful and representative example of Weinman’s work in a condition that highlights every detail of his artistry. And for investors, it’s a premium-quality silver coin with both intrinsic metal value and long-term collector demand.
In conclusion, the Certified 1935 Mercury Dime MS66FB by NGC is a premium specimen of one of America’s most celebrated coin designs. With sharp detail, brilliant luster, and the elusive Full Bands strike, this coin embodies the highest standards of U.S. Mint craftsmanship from the interwar period. Its historical context, aesthetic appeal, and technical excellence make it an ideal choice for a wide range of collectors and a worthy highlight of any high-grade silver coin collection. In a series known for beauty and challenge, this Gem-quality 1935 example stands as a proud and enduring representation of American numismatic artistry.