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Elusive 1945 MS67 Dime With Full Bands
The Finest NGC-Certified
1945 10C MS67 Full Bands NGC. The 1945 Full Bands dime is the most famous "strike rarity" in American numismatics. Mint State 1945 dimes are sufficiently common that they are sometimes available by the roll. But invariably, the majority of pieces are weakly defined on the all-important central bands. This issue has an original mintage exceeding 159 million pieces, but Full Bands examples account for a tiny percentage of all Mint State survivors. Specifically, NGC and PCGS combined have certified fewer than 125 1945 dimes with Full Bands, primarily in the near-Gem to Gem levels of preservation (6/09). Needless to say, high-grade, sharply struck, pristine 1945 examples are among the more highly prized coins in this 20th century series.
The present 1945 Full Bands offering in the lofty grade of MS67 may well be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Mercury dime aficionado. It is the finest Full Bands specimen graded by NGC, and one of the four finest seen by both services. An exacting strike results not only in full delineation on the middle bands but on the other design elements as well. For example, the diagonal bands are full, as are all of the peripheral features. In other words, all are bold and completely separated from the rim. Both sides are awash with powerful luster and each is imbued with hints of soft yellow-gold and violet. Close inspection reveals immaculately preserved surfaces. Indeed, we are hard pressed to identify pedigree markers. A faint graze in the right middle obverse field might help in this regard. It is difficult to imagine locating a '45 Full Bands dime with the technical quality and aesthetic appeal possessed by this magnificent specimen.(Registry values: N4719) (#5057)