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Learning to grade Mercury Dimes some opinions on these two

MorganmanicMorganmanic Posts: 1,343
in U.S. Coin Forum
I am trying to get my eyes around gradeing Mercs but I am having a hard time with the hair braid and the wing to head connection. Photograde tries to provide a detailed photo but to me it is still unclear. In my novice atempt at gradeing I feel these both make the EF-40 grade? Am I close or way off base?
image
image

image
image

Thanks for any guidence
RACC
I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then question the manner in which I provide it. I prefer you said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand to post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to!

Comments

  • tightbudgettightbudget Posts: 7,299 ✭✭✭
    Cleaned AUs?
  • MorganmanicMorganmanic Posts: 1,343
    Cleaned really? I am not seeing any polish marks (rubs, polish scratches) 16X loop. Or are you saying dipped. Please explain so I can know what I am looking for.
    RACC
    I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then question the manner in which I provide it. I prefer you said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand to post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to!
  • seemyauctionseemyauction Posts: 3,655 ✭
    It's tuff to tell, but tightbudget probably was meaning dipped.....

    If they were it looks like they are starting to tone again....

    They are XF ish to me....


    Alan
    imageCoinZip.com
  • ModernCrapNutModernCrapNut Posts: 2,086 ✭
    I would say 40 on the first and 30 on the 2nd.


    image
  • Type2Type2 Posts: 13,985 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Cleaned AUs? >>

    image the spots that the Cleaner did ot remove you can see it on bouth coins but nice coins if not Cleaned they may have a good shot at EF-40. put them in acetone it may fix the spots.


    Hoard the keys.
  • BruceswarBruceswar Posts: 2,869
    Both are in the AU range... They are just common circulation marks.
    The Bruce Lee Collection


    image
  • Steve27Steve27 Posts: 13,275 ✭✭✭
    The first is AU and the second is XF.
    "It's far easier to fight for principles, than to live up to them." Adlai Stevenson
  • FairlanemanFairlaneman Posts: 10,426 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Make me laugh on the cleaned comments...image The top coin is AU easily and the bottom coin could be AU if the coin does have the right amount of luster left.

    On Mercs that have seen circulation I usually grade them by the reverse band detail left and with the luster left if the coin is indeed AU. Worn bands that show a break never get a grade above XF from my standpoint.

    Ken
  • OldFishingLuresOldFishingLures Posts: 54
    Thanks for posting this thread. I was given 650 mercs; in trade from a lure collector friend who had them in his safe deposit box for 40 years; this last week and Ive gone through some but was confused as to grading the band as well and some of the dark marks . This will help me as a guide to toss the ones that are only billion value aside vs the ones that might have some collector value even though most all mine are common dates, may have a over date in the group as I think there are about 80-100 1942s.

    Matt
    My Ebay Auctions
    Antique Fishing Lures
  • au58au58 Posts: 1,288 ✭✭✭
    The first one is 50+. The second one is 45, with machine doubling at the date (44).
  • RollermanRollerman Posts: 1,897 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The first one is 50+. The second one is 45, with machine doubling at the date (44). >>



    image
    "Ain't None of Them play like him (Bix Beiderbecke) Yet."
    Louis Armstrong
  • TomBTomB Posts: 22,091 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The first appears AU while the second appears strong EF. Neither appear to have been cleaned or dipped; they simply look like lightly circulated Mercs that were stored in an environment that allowed them to acquire a spotty toning pattern. The marks in the fields look to be typical marks left from light circulation.
    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

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

    image

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