Ebay Purchase: 1945-S Mercury Dime In ICG Slab.

Very nice! Yes, strike is a bit weak--perhaps struck using end-of-life dies. Agree, not full bands. Wing feathers (obverse) appear to have taken a lateral hit or rub. I could see MS65+.

I can't see this being more than a MS-62, just my opinion.

I appreciate everyone's feedback. It's a little puzzling that the grade estimates are so far apart.



That's true. It is, however, an FS-504 inverted knob-S mint mark.


That presents a conundrum. Ignoring the wildly inaccurate price guide estimates, actual ebay results show a PCGS graded MS65 IMM is worth around $150. I don't think that would even cover the cost of grading and attribution (which is itself bizarre).

Did I make a mistake on this one?

I suppose the demand for this variety is just not great enough to warrant most Mercury dime collectors enthusiasm in general, I believe the 42 inverted S has a better following, because just the nature of how 42 inverted S easily identified with its serif character.

MS 65 coin struck from extremely worn dies. I think if you PCGS it, you get a straight graded 65 back, but I'm not sure it would be worth the cost, even if PCGS attributes it on the holder.

I'm also at 64.

Luster is a function of the surfaces of the coin. The heavy flow lines induced during the striking process may be disturbing the apparent luster and in that case any dullness would not be due to handling. I'd be at 65 technical grade, but 64 net seems reasonable enough.