Posted 07/17/2008 12:37 pm
Hi Shatsi,
I hate to see grading posts go unanswered! So what if I don't know much about Mercury dimes?
Your 1941-S appears to have enough detail to qualify for AU-50. I don't see obvious hairline scratches from a harsh cleaning, but the luster seems pretty much gone. With this much detail I'd expect more luster, so you are probably right that it has been cleaned in some manner that damaged the luster. "Over-dipping" can have this effect.
Your 1942-S has stronger detail and better luster. There are a few hits and minor scratches but it doesn't look cleaned. I'd guess AU-53 for this one.
The 1944-S has near-uncirculated detail and strong luster, with some darkening in the fields that I assume is due to light rub. I'd call this AU-55. I don't really see any obvious evidence of cleaning.
None of these coins would qualify for "full band" (FB) status due to the incomplete separation of the central bands on the reverse fasces.
Say, it was convenient that you arranged these coins in order of increasing grade!
I hate to see grading posts go unanswered! So what if I don't know much about Mercury dimes?
Your 1941-S appears to have enough detail to qualify for AU-50. I don't see obvious hairline scratches from a harsh cleaning, but the luster seems pretty much gone. With this much detail I'd expect more luster, so you are probably right that it has been cleaned in some manner that damaged the luster. "Over-dipping" can have this effect.
Your 1942-S has stronger detail and better luster. There are a few hits and minor scratches but it doesn't look cleaned. I'd guess AU-53 for this one.
The 1944-S has near-uncirculated detail and strong luster, with some darkening in the fields that I assume is due to light rub. I'd call this AU-55. I don't really see any obvious evidence of cleaning.
None of these coins would qualify for "full band" (FB) status due to the incomplete separation of the central bands on the reverse fasces.
Say, it was convenient that you arranged these coins in order of increasing grade!
