Is Your 1944-S Mercury Dime PCGS MS65FB Real? Authentication Guide

Introduction

With sophisticated counterfeits flooding the market, knowing the specific diagnostic points for this iconic coin is absolutely critical. The 1944-S Mercury Dime in PCGS MS65FB holder has become a prime target for counterfeiters, particularly as its numismatic value has soared with collector demand. This authentication guide will walk you through the essential testing methods and key markers to verify authenticity with confidence.

Historical Context

The 1944-S Mercury Dime represents a fascinating period in American numismatic history. Minted at the San Francisco facility during World War II, this coin was part of the massive silver production that year. The “FB” designation (Full Bands) indicates the horizontal bands on the reverse fasces are fully separated – a highly desirable attribute that significantly enhances collectibility and market value.

According to the Long Beach Expo report from February 2026, collectors should be particularly vigilant when examining coins in older holders. The report mentioned a 1944-S 10C PCGS MS65FB that was discovered in a Gen 4.X PCGS holder with a 109 serial number, highlighting how even seemingly legitimate holders can sometimes contain questionable coins.

Weight Verification

Authentic 1944-S Mercury Dimes should weigh precisely 2.5 grams. This is a critical first test that counterfeiters often get wrong. Use a precision scale calibrated to 0.01 grams for accurate measurement. Any deviation beyond +/- 0.1 grams should raise immediate suspicion.

The coin’s composition is 90% silver and 10% copper, which gives it a distinctive heft compared to modern clad coins. When you handle an authentic specimen, it should feel noticeably heavier than a post-1964 dime due to the precious metal content and the satisfying weight of history in your hand.

Magnetic Properties Test

A genuine 1944-S Mercury Dime should show no magnetic attraction whatsoever. The 90% silver and 10% copper alloy is non-magnetic. If a magnet shows any pull toward the coin, this is an immediate red flag indicating either a clad counterfeit or a coin with incorrect metal composition.

Perform this test by placing a strong neodymium magnet near the coin’s surface without touching it. The magnet should show zero movement or attraction. Some sophisticated fakes use steel cores with silver plating, which will exhibit magnetic properties and can be easily detected with this simple test.

Die Markers and Design Details

Obverse Examination

The obverse features Liberty wearing a winged cap. Key diagnostic points include:

• The hair detail should show fine, crisp lines without mushiness – the strike quality should be evident even to the naked eye
• The wing feathers should have clear separation and definition, with each barb visible under magnification
• The date “1944” should be sharply struck with full serifs, showing no signs of tooling or alteration
• The “S” mint mark should be properly positioned below the wreath bow, with the characteristic San Francisco style and depth

Reverse Examination

The reverse features a fasces with an olive branch. For the FB (Full Bands) designation, examine:

• The horizontal bands on the fasces must show complete separation – this is the defining characteristic of the FB grade
• The central bands should be fully split with no merging, displaying the full strike that collectors prize
• The vertical lines on the fasces should be parallel and evenly spaced, showing the precision of the original dies
• The olive leaves should show individual definition, with each vein visible under magnification

Common Fakes and Their Characteristics

Based on market observations, several types of counterfeits have been identified:

Altered Date Fakes

Some counterfeiters alter common date Mercury Dimes to appear as the more valuable 1944-S. Look for:

• Tool marks around the date – these often appear as tiny scratches or depressions
• Inconsistent patina between the date and surrounding areas – genuine coins develop even toning
• Incorrect font style or spacing – compare with known genuine examples

Cast Counterfeits

Lower-quality fakes made from casts often show:

• Loss of fine detail, especially in hair and feather areas where the casting process cannot capture sharp detail
• Surface porosity or bubble marks – these appear as tiny depressions across the surface
• Incorrect weight (usually too light) due to metal shrinkage during cooling
• Soft, indistinct edges that lack the sharpness of a struck coin

Transfer Die Fakes

More sophisticated counterfeits use transfer dies and may include:

• Correct weight and dimensions that pass basic tests
• Surface irregularities from the transfer process – look for subtle differences in texture
• Minor design elements that don’t match genuine dies – even small deviations can be revealing

Professional Testing Methods

Specific Gravity Test

This non-destructive test verifies the coin’s composition by measuring density. The specific gravity of a genuine 90% silver Mercury Dime should be approximately 10.3-10.5 g/cm³. This test requires a precision scale, a water container, and suspension equipment, but provides excellent confirmation of silver content.

Microscopic Examination

Under 10x-30x magnification, examine:

• The edge reeding for consistency and sharpness – genuine reeding is uniform and well-defined
• The surface luster and originality – authentic coins show natural mint luster with proper cartwheel effect
• Any signs of tooling or alteration – look for work marks under magnification
• The quality of the strike and metal flow lines – genuine coins show radial flow lines from the striking process

Professional Authentication

For high-value specimens, consider professional authentication from PCGS, NGC, or ANACS. These services use advanced techniques including:

• High-resolution imaging that can detect minute differences invisible to the naked eye
• Metallurgical analysis to verify exact composition
• Die state comparison with known genuine examples using extensive databases

Holder Verification

The Long Beach report highlighted an important point about holder verification. The 1944-S Mercury Dime was found in a Gen 4.X PCGS holder with a 109 serial number. However, as noted by forum member lermish, “The rattlers had 7 digit cert numbers and this is 8 digits. Just a coincidence.”

Always verify that the holder matches the certification number format for the stated generation. PCGS has changed their serial number formats multiple times throughout their history, and mismatches can indicate holder tampering or re-encapsulation of questionable coins. This simple verification step can prevent costly mistakes.

Market Observations

The February 2026 Long Beach Expo report provides valuable market context. The show saw “relatively low volume of higher quality material overall in dealer cases” and “one of the lowest turnouts for CAC stickered coins throughout cases at any Long Beach I can remember in several years.”

This scarcity of high-grade material, combined with hot precious metals prices, creates conditions where collectors may become less discerning, potentially overlooking authentication issues in their enthusiasm to acquire quality coins. Stay vigilant even when the market is hot.

Conclusion

The 1944-S Mercury Dime in PCGS MS65FB holder represents both a significant numismatic prize and a potential counterfeit target. By understanding the specific diagnostic points covered in this guide – weight verification, magnetic properties, die markers, and common fake characteristics – collectors can protect themselves from costly mistakes and build collections with confidence.

Remember that authentication is a multi-faceted process. No single test is definitive; rather, it’s the convergence of multiple positive indicators that builds confidence in a coin’s authenticity. When in doubt, seek professional authentication, especially for coins with significant value or those that show any warning signs during your examination.

The numismatic market continues to evolve, and so do counterfeiting techniques. Stay informed, use proper testing methods, and when you find that exceptional specimen like the cherry-picked 1944-S mentioned in the Long Beach report, you’ll have the confidence that comes from knowing exactly what to look for. The satisfaction of discovering and authenticating a genuine treasure makes all the careful examination worthwhile.

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