1916-D Mercury Dime - NGC - Updated With Results

I'll break with the crowd and say G6. Looks like a nice 1916-D.

So this was a swing and a miss for the folks on here and myself......I bought this back in November at a local, in-person coin auction. Not an expert on these and I had about 10 minutes to study the coin before the auction. The coins in the auction had been in a collection for a good number of years. Knowing the volume of counterfeits out there I was a little hesitant, but trusted my assessment, the content of the auction materials, etc. Reinforced when it was only myself and a known dealer bidding on it. Paid $600, but I thought based on what I had studied on these it would go G-4 all day long so long as it was genuine. I was probably 80%-90% that it was genuine, but sent it off for final verification....

I just do not see/get the grade on this one. This coin is better than half or more of the G-4 graded 16-D I can see online in the market and on the PCGS app. The 6 is clear of the rim on the obverse, and there is a little detail/separation of the wing on Liberty's head. Obverse to clear G-4 to me possibly G-6. On the reverse, clear rim along ONE*UNITED*STATES*OF.....maybe 10% into the AMERICA*DIME. Easily better than half of the G-4s out there in slabs. Now trying to understand, my only thought is...it is a well worn coin no doubt and possibly an old cleaning, maybe the alternative was a Good Details if not the assigned AG-3? Still though, seen a lot of slabbed G-4 that reflect an older/light cleaning. Obviously confirmed as genuine removed any small lingering doubt on my end or a future buyer so there is value there. Likely one of the best slabbed AG-3 out there so for folks following the mantra...."Buy the Coin, Not the Slab" this one would likely fetch a premium for AG-3. My investment on this one was still OK. I am a collector and do not acquire to sell but do look at it as an investment for my family down the road to enjoy or sell if they prefer.

As initially stated my experience with my first direct submission ended neutral. This is the one that took be down from a positive. I shared because I thought maybe I was off but I think the responses from some very experienced folks here reinforced where I was. I have a few dozen more raw coins (key dates) similar to these that I want to send off so this was my initial test. May take a swing at PCGS just to have an experience to compare to. We'll see when I get these back as I am contemplating sending the 16-D to them to see it they would bump it up one.

Thanks for all the input everyone!

Yes, 3 seems a bit draconian.

Ouch! I don't agree with 03 at all! (But who am I? )

Wow! Really a G3, come on NGC.

You have a top tier TPG certified key date coin which is widely counterfeited - so why quibble with a subjective grade point?

I say rejoice in what you have and move on to the next coin in your collection pursuit.

I am not shocked at all. It does not have full rims which is a requirement for Good. Very attractive key date.