Home U.S. Coin Forum

1916 S Mercury Dime Help with Grade?

I am having a hard time again with the grade of this coin. This time I think I’ve done a better job with the photos. I do believe there is a nick on the middle band, but is it enough to keep it from FSB? Thank you for your input.


Comments

  • pursuitoflibertypursuitofliberty Posts: 6,877 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Pretty tough to tell from the pictures as it almost doesn't look natural.

    I think it might have been cleaned / lightly polished (but that could be the images). Either that or it's naturally PL (doubtful).

    It has some noticeable scruff on the cheek, hair and base of the wing, so grade would be 55 or less IMO. Definitely AU details, and nice split bands on the reverse.


    “We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”

    Todd - BHNC #242
  • Thank you but what exactly do you “see” as a cleaning polished as I am relatively new at collecting. Isn’t that just the orange peel effect? Anyway, I purchased it as BU I am wondering if I was ripped off?

  • TomBTomB Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭

    The photos in your threads are really oddly lit, which makes determination of the coin's surfaces and/or grade near impossible. Are you using some type of diffusion or dome lighting? Regardless, the coin looks like an AU to me. If you are this afraid of what you purchase raw, perhaps you should purchase certified?

    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • I just used my phone, could someone show me what a good picture is? Seriously, I’m at a loss. And yes I may start to purchase certified but I do like sending my coins off for grading.

  • FairlanemanFairlaneman Posts: 10,422 ✭✭✭✭✭


    Ken

  • Ok thank you! I didn’t use any lighting at all!

  • bsshog40bsshog40 Posts: 3,900 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 22, 2020 11:31AM

    Sometimes using the flash on your phone will cause the picture to be darker, especially when taking pics of something reflective. The fields are dark which is why it gives the dime a cleaned and/or polished look.

  • FairlanemanFairlaneman Posts: 10,422 ✭✭✭✭✭

    AU 1916P to compare your dime to.
    .

    Ken

  • Ok I just dusted off the scope here are some more pics




  • I see some scratches now and I had a hard time adjusting the right amount of light! Sorry again! Maybe I need to find a class somewhere to take pics! Haha

  • Sandman70gtSandman70gt Posts: 995 ✭✭✭✭✭

    It has some wear on the highest points so it cant be a bu. Probably 55 or 58 but the dings in on the cheek are a deal breaker for me. Sorry

    Bst transactions with: dimeman, oih82w8, mercurydimeguy, dunerlaw, Lakesammman, 2ltdjorn, MattTheRiley, dpvilla, drddm, CommemKing, Relaxn, Yorkshireman, Cucamongacoin, jtlee321, greencopper, coin22lover, coinfolio, lindedad, spummybum, Leeroybrown, flackthat, BryceM, Surfinxhi, VanHalen, astrorat, robkool, Wingsrule, PennyGuy, al410, Ilikecolor, Southcounty, Namvet69, Commemdude, oreville, Leebone

  • TomBTomB Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Looks AU all day long in your newest images.

    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • That’s ok it is what it is, on that last pic in the upper left below the AT in States is that a die clash? Or damage? Just wondering

  • pursuitoflibertypursuitofliberty Posts: 6,877 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Just came back on and see there are a lot of comments, and now new pictures.

    Coin is circulated. Looks in the AU range, and now I really think it is cleaned (although not harshly, and not in the same way I originally thought). It also has some minor damage on the reverse.

    Unless you know what you are looking for and have trained your eyes for luster, wear, flow lines, ticks, hits, scrapes, and other more nuanced characteristics ... the best bet is to stick with certified coins from PCGS or NGC for a bit. Your wallet will thank you later.


    “We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”

    Todd - BHNC #242
  • BuffaloIronTailBuffaloIronTail Posts: 7,479 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Looks like it could be a clash. Here's an overlay:

    Pete

    "I tell them there's no problems.....only solutions" - John Lennon
  • Thanks guys!

  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I think it will be a toss up for FSB.... I one picture, no... In the last one, yes.... Good luck and let us know the results if you submit. Cheers, RickO

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file