Mercury Dime Set Advice Needed

That depends on the qualities you're looking for, but IMO anything above 1931 is best to collect in full bands, as majority is still affordable in MS65-67, except for the elusive one's.

I believe that value wise over time, this is the way to go, below that year, cost can be challenging.

Thanks!
I wish I could spend more than in my inventory. I am having a tough time taking pictures, maybe scanning it, but lacks qualities of the actual coin.

Mercs were first set I completed. Lots of fun completing it. Mid grade set w/ 1916d ag. Hope to upgrade it soon. Mercs have a lot of character. Liberty with a winged cap representing freedom of thought. Too cool.

I like your site to Macmercury!

The 1916-d is worth more than the rest of the set combined in any circulated grade. It is very important that you only buy a 16-d certified by NGC, PCGS, ANACS, or ICG unless you really know the diagnostics. There are more fakes then genuine examples. This is the one that most sets lack, and will always be the crown jewel of a merc dime collection. Good luck!

Some people will start with the Key dates, as those can increase in value over time, and the sooner you get them the chances are you might get them at the best price you can early on while working on the set.

Some people will collect by what comes available, and then upgrade as better coins come available. There is no right or wrong way, do what you feel comfortable with.

If you are considering a complete uncirculated set buy the best quality you can afford. Some of the early dates are rare in higher uncirculated grades. When I did my complete uncirulated set (all in PCGS holders) my goal was to have coins with a minimum of MS63, with the exception of the 1916-D which I settled for AU-50; my set ranges from MS-63 to MS-68 with a mixture of no bands and full bands again the lone exception is the 16-D in AU-50.

Some people like a well matched set and put everything together in one solid grade, so all the coins are something like VF-30 or all coins in MS66FB.

The grading companies seem to be tougher on uncirculated early date Mercury dimes and about right on later dates.

My goal with my variety set (I currently have the #1 complete variety set -no bands- at PCGS site) was to have the first completed set in any grade, so some of my variety coins are circulated. I will upgrade as uncirculated coins become available.

It is a fun set to put together and I hope you have fun doing it no matter what way you decide to go. Winged Liberty Dimes are the prettiest US minor coin the mint has ever produced.

Here is one for you to ponder.
1919-S MS66+ PCGS Graged.

My advice would be to buy 1934 and above first because a. They're the cheapest and b. They all can be found in ms and full bands (other than 1945) for a reasonable cost. Also, this way you will learn how to grade and a mistake will not be too costly. please stick to a PCGS or NGC certified 1916-d as there are way too many fakes, some of which are 50 years old and have been intentionally worn to AG condition.

I need more time to spend on my site, but job and family matters is getting in the way.