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 Replies: 22 / Views: 2,329 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1130 Posts |
Just got this from an area dealer. Never had a dime in my collection before, so I figured might as well start with this. Comments on the grade/condition and authenticity will be appreciated.   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1801 Posts |
My guess is the coin has an added "D" and not genuine. I am not an expert on Mercury dimes but I do know that the D on an original is supposed to be thick (rising high off the surface of the coin) and boxy on the top edge and bottom edge. The picture you have posted shows a curvy D with rounded top and bottom edges. Doesn't look very thick but it is hard to tell in a 2 dimensional photo. My suggestion, since this coin probably set you back a few bucks, is to send to ANACS for authentication and keep your purchase receipt. Can you post a high resolution scan of just the mintmark area for better examination? |
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Valued Member
United States
201 Posts |
I can't comment on its authenticity but it does look heavily cleaned to me.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1130 Posts |
A little better pic of the mintmark.  From ebay. NGC slabbed 16-D  From Heritage.  Edited by 1sikevo
08/08/2008 01:46 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
860 Posts |
Looks like the last one I handled to ICG, same type of MM, came back from ICG as AG-3. Yours looks a touch better grade wise near the rims. Is the cleaning as bad as it looks in the photos?
Jim
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Rest in Peace
United States
2668 Posts |
If such a thing is possible, that dime has some nice wear. It looks like it could have some stories to tell.........
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6381 Posts |
Hi Sikevo,
The location and size of the mintmark look OK. My concern is that the D should have a straight left side with definite horizontal serifs at top and bottom. The D on your coin has a smooth curve from the upper left to lower left corners, with no sign of serifs. However, judging from the slabbed coin photos you posted maybe that is how the mintmark can look after it gets worn down to the Good or About Good level.
I don't think there is any doubt the coin has been cleaned, but I've seen similar coins graded by NGC and PCGS, who seem willing to accept a bit of cleaning on a '16-D. I would send this coin off immediately for grading. ANACS would be my first choice. If they slab it with no "cleaned" designation, it might then be worth sending to PCGS for crossover.
I'm assuming you got an authenticity guarantee from your dealer. I'll keep my fingers crossed!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6381 Posts |
Hi Sikevo,
The location and size of the mintmark look OK. My concern is that the D should have a straight left side with definite horizontal serifs at top and bottom. The D on your coin has a smooth curve from the upper left to lower left corners, with no sign of serifs. However, judging from the slabbed coin photos you posted maybe that is how the mintmark can look after it gets worn down to the Good or About Good level.
I don't think there is any doubt the coin has been cleaned, but I've seen similar coins graded by NGC and PCGS, who seem willing to accept a bit of cleaning on a '16-D. I would send this coin off immediately for grading. ANACS would be my first choice. If they slab it with no "cleaned" designation, it might then be worth sending to PCGS for crossover.
I'm assuming you got an authenticity guarantee from your dealer. I'll keep my fingers crossed!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1130 Posts |
I'll follow Jaobler's advise. I'm doing a big submission to ANACS as soon as my 1928 Peace dollar comes in the mail. I'm also getting a raw 1885 V nickel from the same dealer as soon as he can pull it out of his safe but I'm not sure when I'll see him next. He guarantees all his coins with a 30 day money back and no limit on counterfeits. I paid near VG (wholesale) for it so if it comes back less than that, we'll either credit the difference or I can return it. Edited by 1sikevo
08/08/2008 5:49 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1801 Posts |
Good luck on the submissions and good job getting the dealer on board in advance for no time limit on counterfeits. I have that agreement with the dealer I get most of my coins from, I think all honest dealers will agree to that, but I always ask up front. Keep us posted on the coin, my guess is still altered, but then I am a suspicious person by nature when it comes to 16D dimes.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1130 Posts |
The dealer's name is Gene Henry. He is the largest wholesale coin dealer in the Northwest and a contributor to "The Red Book" and "The Blue Book" since 1968. He has backed me up and acted as an expert opinion in getting my money back on 2 counterfeits from ebay and considered an expert in Counterfeit Detection by local coin dealers. I'm more concerned of the grade since I only saw G4, maybe 6 but he'll work with me if it doesn't grade VG. I'm not sure if those hairlines indicate cleaning or just good old wear. It's not that obvious in hand but amplified by direct halogen lighting I used for the pics. Edited by 1sikevo
08/08/2008 1:12 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2373 Posts |
My opinion is its a bonified coin and will grade G6 at best. The reverse with the flat spots on the rim may be the deciding factor that limit the coin to the G status. nlp
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2443 Posts |
Can't comment on the authenticity but I agree that it looks cleaned, but it still looks nice. Nice coin to get for your first dime.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1984 Posts |
It has an outside shot at VG since the obverse carries the grade, and I've seen coins I thought were more obviously cleaned in top 2 TPG holders. |
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Valued Member
United States
226 Posts |
If this is your first dime, then I can't wait to see your second one  |
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Valued Member
United States
167 Posts |
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Replies: 22 / Views: 2,329 |
Posted 08/08/2008 01:24 am
