What Held This 1921 D Mercury Dime Back

The link takes us to "all" 1921-D but since the top one that's the only one graded, I would guess that is the one you are asking about.

Especially considering that coin does show a slightly better than G reverse. Quite often when there is a split grade with the obverse or the reverse being slightly better, the TPG's will almost always fall back to the lesser of the two sides. for their final judgement.

VG-08 certainly isn't out of line. But for whatever odd reason both TPG's seem to like killing the lower grades, even on key and semi-key dates.

VG here too.

The under and over grading of coins by TPG's is a common phenomenon. Astute collectors can often profit in the process. On high-end, mint state coins, the stakes can be high, so dealers and collectors may repeatedly resubmit a coin, hoping to profit from a higher grade.

Welcome to the CCF, SemCents. Enjoy the ride ...

IMHO, the subject coin, a 1921-D dime, showing partial cross-bands, should warrant a F-12 grade. Compare it to this NGC 1916-D that's called "Fine" details:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1916-D-Merc...AOSwVL1WCbPd

Then too, compare it to this NGC VG-8 1921-D:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1921-D-NGC-...638875&rt=nc

One_Fine_Dime - IMHO, there's a good deal of inconsistency when it comes to TPG's grading these lower end Mercury dimes. Here are two 1916-D PCGS VG-8's:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1916-D-Merc...AOSw~otWcu9z

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1916-D-10C-...AOSw5VFWMUiv

Personally, that NGC 1921-D VG-8 looks a grade higher than these 16-D's to me.

I went for this one raw @ 45.69 shipped, should be here in a couple days and hoping it looks as good as I think it might. I'd say this one makes a VG-8 from the sellers pictures. I went back to buy the NGC G-6 but I was too late, already gone.

Very nice SCDave. That coin was on my watch list and I actually asked the seller a few questions. I didn't bid on it for a few reasons: 1) I thought the photo was a bit blurry and had bad lighting; 2) I couldn't even really see the mintmark; and 3) being in NY as well, I would have had to pay state sales tax (can actually save $ buying a coin from an out of state seller vs one in state).

Would you post some better photos once you get the coin in hand - I'd really like to see it in all its glory? I agree it could totally be VG-8, though the rim is wearing into "UNITED" and "ONE" a bit.