I took a $20 gamble on variety coin -- Outcome Revealed

Shurke

A couple of weeks ago on eBay, I came across a variety Merc I've been hunting for a little bit. It's the 1941-D DDO & DDR FS-101/801. The DDR is super, super minor, but the obverse doubling is pretty neat. Normally I wouldn't buy a coin with pics as terrible as these, but this summer I landed a few nice cherrypicks in quick succession, and guess I was feeling lucky. I figured at $21.49 all-in, in the absolute worse case scenario--say the coin was horribly cleaned or damaged--I would be out about $19.50 having gained a somewhat interesting bullion dime.

I thought it would be more fun to run this thread before I knew the outcome, but I ended up not doing that as I didn't want to announce a cherrypick before I had it in hand. So, with apologies, I already know how this turned out.

Anyway. Here are the pics:

The seller's rather sparse description says only, "BU 1941 D Silver Mercury Dime Nice FSBs See Photos." Well, the photos don't really tell much about the coin. And the word "Nice" here is doing a lot of very subjective heavy lifting. The seller has 100% positive feedback, which as we all know doesn't necessarily mean anything, but at least doesn't raise immediate red flags. And when I checked his other coins for sale, all his silver has equally overexposed photos. So, I gave it a little thought, then I rolled the dice.

When I clicked the buy-it-now button, I figured there were a few likely outcomes, which I've listed in the poll. Personally, I thought I was most likely to receive a slider AU coin.

How do you think I did?

AngryTurtle

BU, but it's either not choice or not with full bands

Can you describe the pick up points for the DDR and DDO? I see what looks like the DDR, but would not have found the DDO. Editied to add - just saw the doubled nose.

oldabeintx

How about no clue?

dcarr

@AngryTurtle said:
Can you describe the pick up points for the DDR and DDO? I see what looks like the DDR, but would not have found the DDO. Editied to add - just saw the doubled nose.

.

The obverse pick-up point that is most visible seems to be the "WA" designer's initials.
Note how "fat" the left side of the "W" is. Somewhat minor doubled die overall, I would say.

.

Shurke

AU slider

For pickup points on the obverse: the date, monogram, and legend all have considerable thickening. But my favorite pickup point is the 4 of the date. In addition to the extra thickness, the crossbar has a really strong split at the top right corner.

The reverse doubling is minor enough that even with 20X magnification, my reaction is, "I guess I can maybe kind of see it." According to the Cherrypickers' Guide, the DDR is most visible on "OF AMERICA."

But overall, @dcarr is absolutely correct. Like almost all Mercury dime doubled dies, it's a fairly minor variety.

Shurke

AU slider

Looks like this thread has run its course. So, now for the big reveal:

@Mizzou, @MrSpud, and @hummingbird_coins have it right. To my pleasant surprise, the dime came as advertised -- it's a choice BU coin with full bands. It's completely original and has nice surfaces. I think it will grade out MS 64FB. There's some haze on the obverse that didn't come off with an acetone bath, but it doesn't detract much from the overall eye appeal.

Here are my own subpar pics:

Thanks for playing, everyone.

Mr_Spud

It's as described -- a choice BU dime with full bands

I’m glad it worked out well for you, nice coin 👍🏼

Shurke

AU slider

Thanks!

jesbroken

BU, but it's either not choice or not with full bands

Not fair to present a photo without full bands then one with full bands as the outcome. lol
Jim

Shurke

AU slider

Lol! That really surprised me. I thought for sure I was getting a non-FB dime.

johnny9434

BU, but it's either not choice or not with full bands

This works for me