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The Certified Mercury Dime 1937-D MS65 FB NGC represents a beautifully preserved example of one of America’s most beloved coin designs, struck during the later years of the Great Depression. Graded Mint State 65 by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) and designated “FB” (Full Bands), this specimen combines strong strike quality, original mint luster, and eye appeal. The “Full Bands” designation refers specifically to the horizontal lines across the fasces on the reverse, indicating that they are completely separated and distinct—an important strike characteristic that elevates the desirability and value of Mint State Mercury dimes among collectors.
The Mercury dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, was designed by famed sculptor Adolph A. Weinman and struck from 1916 to 1945. Its obverse features Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. Because of the resemblance to the Roman god Mercury, the coin quickly became known by its enduring nickname. The 1937-D issue was struck at the Denver Mint, and like all Mercury dimes, it is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, measuring 17.9 mm in diameter with a reeded edge.
On the obverse of this 1937-D example, Liberty faces left, with her hair bundled under a Phrygian cap adorned with wings. The inscription “LIBERTY” arcs around the top, “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears to the lower left, and the date “1937” is placed at the lower right. In MS65 condition, this coin shows a crisp strike and bold features in Liberty’s hair, cap, and facial details. The fields exhibit frosty mint luster with minimal contact marks, typical of a coin that has never circulated and has been preserved carefully for over 85 years. The surface may show subtle toning, such as golden hues or pale iridescence, enhancing its vintage charm.
The reverse of the Mercury dime features a Roman fasces—symbolizing unity and strength—surrounded by olive branches that represent peace. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DIME” frame the design, with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” to the right of the fasces. The small “D” mintmark, indicating the Denver Mint, is located to the left of the fasces near the bottom. The Full Bands (FB) designation confirms that the horizontal bands near the center of the fasces are fully struck and not worn or weakly rendered. On this MS65 FB example, those bands are sharp and complete, testifying to the exceptional strike and die condition at the time of minting.
The 1937-D issue is not among the rarest of Mercury dimes, but fully struck examples with the FB designation are significantly scarcer. Many dimes of the 1930s were not fully struck due to worn dies or insufficient striking pressure, so finding a piece like this with fully defined central details is noteworthy. According to population reports from NGC and other grading services, MS65 FB is a high-grade plateau for this issue, with far fewer coins achieving Full Bands status than generic Mint State grades.
The Denver Mint produced 14,146,000 Mercury dimes in 1937, a substantial mintage reflecting the economy’s gradual recovery following the depths of the Great Depression. Still, as with most issues of the period, a large percentage entered circulation and saw decades of use. Only a small portion survived in pristine condition, and an even smaller subset retained the level of strike necessary to merit the FB designation. The MS65 grade means the coin shows only minor, non-distracting abrasions and offers strong visual appeal—qualities that attract both registry set builders and advanced collectors alike.
Certified and encapsulated by NGC, one of the most trusted third-party grading services, this coin benefits from guaranteed authenticity, accurate grading, and long-term preservation. The NGC holder protects the coin from environmental factors while displaying the grade and Full Bands designation prominently for collectors and dealers. Coins like this often trade at a premium over non-FB or lower-grade examples, particularly when housed in high-grade slabs from reputable services.
From an investment and collector standpoint, the Mercury dime series remains one of the most actively pursued in U.S. numismatics. Its aesthetic beauty, historical resonance, and the challenge of completing a full set—especially with FB examples—make it perennially popular. The 1937-D in MS65 FB sits in a desirable position within the series: affordable enough for serious collectors, yet scarce and high-grade enough to hold long-term value and interest.
Visually, this coin likely displays a blend of satiny and frosty luster across both obverse and reverse, with minimal marks and strong, unbroken design elements. The strike is bold in the key areas—Liberty’s hair, the cap’s wing tips, and of course, the horizontal bands of the fasces—making it a textbook example of what collectors look for in a Full Bands Mercury dime.
The Certified Mercury Dime 1937-D MS65 FB NGC is a prime representative of American coinage artistry from the early 20th century. With its classic design, strong strike, certified quality, and desirable Full Bands designation, it appeals equally to those building a registry set, assembling a date/mintmark collection, or simply seeking a stunning silver dime from a transformative era in U.S. history. This coin combines technical merit with historical richness, making it a standout addition to any well-curated numismatic collection.