Can someone take a shot at grading this 1921 Mercury Dime?

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jafo50
jafo50 Posts: 331 ✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum

It's been in my collection for decades and I've never had it graded but I'm thinking of submitting it. Any insights are appreciated.
This is a cell phone photo.


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  • RogerB
    RogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Too much artificial sharpening and contrast to be a usable photo.

  • jafo50
    jafo50 Posts: 331 ✭✭✭
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    I didn't sharpen it but just cropped the original which tends to blow it up. I can try taking them again.

    Thanks for the response.

    Successful BST transactions with lordmarcovan, Moldnut, erwindoc

  • KollectorKing
    KollectorKing Posts: 4,820 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I like the coin at any grade.

  • BryceM
    BryceM Posts: 11,940 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 16, 2017 3:51PM
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    The obverse is poorly lit but well-focused. The reverse is well lit but out of focus. From what I think I see, I’d guess lower mint-state in the range of MS62-3. It could easily be AU58 - hard to tell. I can’t see Liberty’s neck & chin well. Looks to have FSB. Very difficult to evaluate the surfaces & judge luster from these photos.

    Certainly worthy of submitting unless there’s some issue I can’t see.

    Edited to add:
    Looking at it on a big monitor, I'd say more likely to be circulated or even cleaned than a straight-grade MS, but again, hard to see from the photos. Something just looks "off" from the obverse.

  • Hydrant
    Hydrant Posts: 7,773 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Not me.

  • logger7
    logger7 Posts: 9,861 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Above average Unc. fsb?

  • MikeInFL
    MikeInFL Posts: 10,192 ✭✭✭✭
    edited December 16, 2017 4:20PM
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    Giving the coin the benefit of the doubt, I'd guess 63 FB. Could realistically be anywhere from high AU to 64, depending on the coin in-hand.

    Collector of Large Cents, US Type, and modern pocket change.
  • jafo50
    jafo50 Posts: 331 ✭✭✭
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    Thanks for all of your responses. I think it's worth submitting to see what grade it gets.

    Successful BST transactions with lordmarcovan, Moldnut, erwindoc

  • BuffaloIronTail
    BuffaloIronTail Posts: 7,766 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @MikeInFL said:
    Giving the coin the benefit of the doubt, I'd guess 63 FB. Could realistically be anywhere from high AU to 64, depending on the coin in-hand.

    I agree, Mike. Might even go 64FB (but slight chance, IMHOP)

    Pete

    "I tell them there's no problems.....only solutions" - John Lennon
  • Babboonbobo69
    Babboonbobo69 Posts: 85 ✭✭✭
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    63fb would be my guess?

  • Raybo
    Raybo Posts: 5,362 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    It's a very nice '21 so you have to submit....right?

  • jafo50
    jafo50 Posts: 331 ✭✭✭
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    @Raybo said:
    It's a very nice '21 so you have to submit....right?

    I've never submitted a coin for grading before. Would you recommend NGC or PGCS? Do they both offer conservation services?

    Successful BST transactions with lordmarcovan, Moldnut, erwindoc

  • amwldcoin
    amwldcoin Posts: 11,269 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Can't grade it from the pictures but see enough to say it is worth submitting!

  • ms70
    ms70 Posts: 13,958 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    58

  • Unknown
    Unknown
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  • Raybo
    Raybo Posts: 5,362 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 16, 2017 11:12PM
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    @jafo50 said:

    @Raybo said:
    It's a very nice '21 so you have to submit....right?

    I've never submitted a coin for grading before. Would you recommend NGC or PGCS? Do they both offer conservation services?

    Doesn't matter, the coin is nice enough for either one of the services. :#

  • RogerB
    RogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 16, 2017 11:58PM
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    @MikeInFL said:
    Giving the coin the benefit of the doubt, I'd guess 63 FB. Could realistically be anywhere from high AU to 64, depending on the coin in-hand.

    Can you take it to a competent professional coin dealer first and get an opinion ? That could save you a lot of money and possible disappointment.

  • ColonelJessup
    ColonelJessup Posts: 6,442 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @RogerB said:

    @MikeInFL said:
    Giving the coin the benefit of the doubt, I'd guess 63 FB. Could realistically be anywhere from high AU to 64, depending on the coin in-hand.

    Can you take it to a competent professional coin dealer first and get an opinion ? That could save you a lot of money and possible disappointment.

    $32 fee makes it worth submitting at any conceivable kosher grade.

    "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - Geo. Orwell
  • ricko
    ricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    That would be from 58 to 62..... Worth submitting.... Let us know what results you receive. Cheers, RickO

  • RogerB
    RogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Better to understand what you have before spending the fee plus shipping. Throwing money at an unknown is not a good policy - in coin collecting or anything else.

  • Kkathyl
    Kkathyl Posts: 3,762 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I’m seeing edge issues on the reverse but as long as no signs of cleaning should be high AU or low MS

    Best place to buy !
    Bronze Associate member

  • ColonelJessup
    ColonelJessup Posts: 6,442 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 17, 2017 8:18AM
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    @RogerB said:
    Better to understand what you have before spending the fee plus shipping. Throwing money at an unknown is not a good policy - in coin collecting or anything else.

    In principle, who wouldn't agree. But there are known unknowns and calculable variables

    $1000-$2000 if it's not a no-grade.

    "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - Geo. Orwell
  • RogerB
    RogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Doesn't matter what it might be worth if it is authenticated and graded. A very tiny amount of owner due diligence could avoid wasted money, or give the owner greater confidence in what to expect from authentication. Since it is evident that nothing meaningful can be determined from the posted photos, this is the prudent and reasonable course of action.

    Of course, people are not usually "prudent and reasonable" when it comes to money. As had been repeatedly shown, rational behavior and economics are not linked. [See Nobel Prize for 2017.]

  • Insider2
    Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 18, 2017 9:01AM
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    @RogerB said: "Better to understand what you have before spending the fee plus shipping. Throwing money at an unknown is not a good policy - in coin collecting or anything else."

    @Kkathyl IMO, what you are seeing on the rim is mint produced and is commonly found on these coins.

  • DIMEMAN
    DIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I don't see many marks at all and the bands are full. Just looks dirty. Good that you didn't do anything to "clean" it up.

    Nice coin and definitely worth sending in. My guess is 63FB.

  • ColonelJessup
    ColonelJessup Posts: 6,442 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @RogerB said:
    Doesn't matter what it might be worth if it is authenticated and graded. A very tiny amount of owner due diligence could avoid wasted money, or give the owner greater confidence in what to expect from authentication. Since it is evident that nothing meaningful can be determined from the posted photos, this is the prudent and reasonable course of action.

    Of course, people are not usually "prudent and reasonable" when it comes to money. As had been repeatedly shown, rational behavior and economics are not linked [See Nobel Prize for 2017.

    Not results from an actuarial pool, but an individually-informed decision based on due diligence to mitigate the risk.
    That's why the relatively high potential cost/benefit ratio makes it an assumable risk.

    There's a PCGS dealer list organized for geographical search. Were the OP were to reveal his approximate location, someone might be able to suggest a consulting numismatist within driving distance for an in-hand look.

    "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - Geo. Orwell
  • jafo50
    jafo50 Posts: 331 ✭✭✭
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    @ColonelJessup I'm located in Westchester County, NY. I'm within 25 miles of NYC but would not want to go into the city to have the coin looked at.

    Successful BST transactions with lordmarcovan, Moldnut, erwindoc

  • oih82w8
    oih82w8 Posts: 13,211 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I would give her an AU55/58...

    oih82w8 = Oh I Hate To Wait _defectus patientia_aka...Dr. Defecto - Curator of RMO's

    BST transactions: dbldie55, jayPem, 78saen, UltraHighRelief, nibanny, liefgold, FallGuy, lkeigwin, mbogoman, Sandman70gt, keets, joeykoins, ianrussell (@GC), EagleEye, ThePennyLady, GRANDAM, Ilikecolor, Gluggo, okiedude, Voyageur, LJenkins11, fastfreddie, ms70, pursuitofliberty, ZoidMeister,Coin Finder, GotTheBug, edwardjulio, Coinnmore, Nickpatton, Namvet69,...
  • ColonelJessup
    ColonelJessup Posts: 6,442 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 17, 2017 11:23AM
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    ROFLMAO, mid-town parking is more than the grading fee >:)
    Jon Lerner at Scarsdale Coin is a member here who's well-known nationally for his knowledge and integrity. :)

    "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - Geo. Orwell
  • jafo50
    jafo50 Posts: 331 ✭✭✭
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    @ColonelJessup Thanks. I just looked up his web site and I'll give him a call this week.

    Joe

    Successful BST transactions with lordmarcovan, Moldnut, erwindoc

  • asheland
    asheland Posts: 24,545 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    AU58

    My YouTube Channel

  • TwoSides2aCoin
    TwoSides2aCoin Posts: 45,217 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 18, 2017 7:17AM
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    Join the club. You made it this far. DIY and let our host grade it. There will be some here who will try and convince you it needs a sticker too. Don’t buy that.

    Start here:
    https://www.pcgs.com/onlinesubmission

  • jafo50
    jafo50 Posts: 331 ✭✭✭
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    Update: I met Jon Lerner tonight at a local coin club. Jon's opinion is in line with other opinions offered here. Definitely AU grade, possibly a 58. Another dealer at the club also gave an opinion which was a little higher than Jon's. I got to meet a very nice group of people and plan on going back to their monthly meeting. I'll be submitting this dime for grading and we'll see how it comes back.

    Thanks to everyone who offered an opinion.

    Joe

    Successful BST transactions with lordmarcovan, Moldnut, erwindoc

  • pierre
    pierre Posts: 53 ✭
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    58

  • jdimmick
    jdimmick Posts: 9,992 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    62 FB

    don't take au money , 1500 coin easily

    if you were local, and came to my shop, Id buy it at 1400-1500 easily

  • ChrisH821
    ChrisH821 Posts: 7,147 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    It's nicer than the one I don't have, that's for sure! Make sure to update us once you get results.

    Collector, occasional seller

  • jafo50
    jafo50 Posts: 331 ✭✭✭
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    Just got the results from NGC but I don't have the coin in hand as yet.

    It was graded as MS64 FB.

    I'm extremely happy with this grade. A local coin shop said it worth between $500 and $1000 which was very low and a few years ago a local business that buys gold and silver bullion plus coins graded it by eye at AU and offered me $840. I'm stoked that I didn't sell it plus this is my first TPG coin.

    Joe

    Successful BST transactions with lordmarcovan, Moldnut, erwindoc

  • Azurescens
    Azurescens Posts: 2,907 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Not bad for a first TPG coin!

    Nice 64FB catch.

  • TwoSides2aCoin
    TwoSides2aCoin Posts: 45,217 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Okay, you will do better with the sticker, now. (IMO). If you’re marketing it, that is. (expounding on my last post).

  • abcde12345
    abcde12345 Posts: 3,404 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Looks like the reverse might be broadstriked.

  • DIMEMAN
    DIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Why O Why did you send it to ngc???? That would look so good in a PCGS holder!

  • REALGATOR
    REALGATOR Posts: 2,705 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Well that's a nice lady dime to have lying around. From the pcgs price guide:

  • BuffaloIronTail
    BuffaloIronTail Posts: 7,766 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @BuffaloIronTail said:

    @MikeInFL said:
    Giving the coin the benefit of the doubt, I'd guess 63 FB. Could realistically be anywhere from high AU to 64, depending on the coin in-hand.

    I agree, Mike. Might even go 64FB (but slight chance, IMHOP)

    Pete

    I ALWAYS undergrade..........

    (Slight chance, Huh?)

    Wonderful coin with a wonderful grade.

    Pete

    "I tell them there's no problems.....only solutions" - John Lennon
  • LindeDad
    LindeDad Posts: 18,766 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Good luck getting PCGS price guide for a NGC graded coin.

    My Current project....https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/mysetregistry/album/160794
  • Jimnight
    Jimnight Posts: 10,846 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Nice coin!

  • logger7
    logger7 Posts: 9,861 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    What did the dealer call it when he sold it to you and how much did you pay?

  • Wabbit2313
    Wabbit2313 Posts: 7,268 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Awesome. What else is lying around?

  • jafo50
    jafo50 Posts: 331 ✭✭✭
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    The local dealer just quoted a price range of $500 to $1000 and said he saw some PVC damage. Apparently he was incorrect.

    The gentleman who buys the bullion just said it was AU. I hadn't been involved in the hobby for many many years at that point so I didn't even know to ask about a specific numerical grade. I received a quick education on this forum plus I've been going to a local coin club in my area once a month. I've bought a few books on grading and a new loupe so I'm educating myself slowly.

    Joe

    Successful BST transactions with lordmarcovan, Moldnut, erwindoc

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