Help with 1916-D Mercury dime

dcarr

I will, most likely, have the opportunity to purchase a small coin collection that has a couple key-day coins in it (1916-D dime, 1909-S VDB cent). I've never owned either coin before, and I've never really studied the '16-D dime. Can anyone point me to an on-line reference or pictures that show the genuine mint mark style and placement ? As I understand it, there are 4 dies (4 mint mark placements ?). I seem to remember something about genuine coins having a "triangular" shaped opening in the D. Is that true for all four dies ? Where might I find a good picture of the "trangle" ? The D on this coin looked a little odd to me, but I didn't see any obvious signs of tampering under 16x magnification.

Also, are there any diagnostics that I should look for on the 1909-S VDB ? I'll probably need to make a "yes" or "no" decision on buying the collection tomorrow.

Thanks for any assistance.

coinbuf

If you have the PCGS guide to counterfit detection it shows the correct placement and style.

Chris

dcarr

<< <i>If you have the PCGS guide to counterfit detection it shows the correct placement and style.

Chris >>



Thanks, I should get that book.

But,
I looked in an old pile of papers I had and found some old articles from the "Numismatist" magazine. I found an article with pictures of all four mint marks on the '16-D. I'll take that article with me when I go look at the coins again.

I also found pictures of the 1909-S VDB. I remember the coin I looked at had strong die erosion lines running through the mint mark area, and it matches the picture of a genuine coin exactly, as pictured in another Numismatist article.

gregormendel

Try this article. (has pix)

dcarr

<< <i>Try this article. (has pix) >>



Thanks,
That article only shows fakes and not any of the four genuine dies, but it was still helpful.

I think they got the captions switched on the two pictures.

The coin I looked at, as I rememer, looked suspiciously like the top photo in that article.

dorkkarl

the interior of the d mintmark has a distinctive look. once you've seen what it's supposed to look like, you won't forget. suggest you find some real coins to study, & compare to the 1 you're buying..

K S

UncleJoe

IMO this is an excellent reason why you purchase a coin such as a 16-D Merc in a PCGS holder.

A little bit of knowledge can be harmful. How long will it take for you to become expert enough to really know if you have bought a counterfeit or not? For such a coin I would suggest that you not take the chance. No upside IMO purchasing it on your own. But by purchasing it in a PCGS slab you have the backing and guarantee from PCGS.

Joe.

cosmicdebris

How's this one?

dorkkarl

BOGUS!

K S