In the last ten years or so much attention has been directed to the reverse of Weiman dimes and the blurry centers.  This is particularly so with the regard to the horizontal thongs or bands holding the rods of the Roman fasces.   In fact, specimens with completed bands (split bands) bring high premiums, especially for the 100%, split bands.

More recently, partial split bands have bee commanding premiums since the supply of 100% bands is very limited.

The diagram below shows how to determine the percentage of split bands.  As Breen, in his encyclopedia of U.S. Coins notes, exaggeration is common and in some cases the separation has been fraudently retooled to enhance the price of the coin.  Thus, it seems prudent to have 100% split bands authenicated by a reliable grading service.

[---     ----]  50%

[- -    -- --]  50% 

[-- --  ----]  75%

[-----  ----]  90%

 [-----------] 100%