need help finding coin

armat · February 10, 2008 3:09PM

First let me say that I am new to this. My darling husband collects coins. He does not have a large collection, but he is proud of what he has/had. He has had to sell a few of them to help out our family in bad times. These were coins he purchased before we ever met. So now I feel extremely guilty that he made such a sacrifice for us. I would like to "pay him back". With a coin that is. Other ways have been taken care of lol

I have read some of the books he has, trying to educate myself on buying coins. Every year for Christmas, his birthday and our anniversary I ask him what would he like. He ALWAYS replies the same... "a 1916 D dime". Well, after a little homework on my part, I have found that this is a rare and pricey dime. I want to find him this dime and purchase it for him. Can someone please help me? I do not know where to begin. I know ebay has a lot of coins, but I am scared to spend that amount of money on something that I'm not sure of. I don't know what grade I should be searching for. I have an amount in mind that I'm willing to spend but I don't want to get ripped off because I don't know. My husband's 40th birthday is in April. I want to give him this dime. He has given so much to our family. This is the least I can do for him. Can someone please help me and give me some pointers? Is it reasonable to think I can find one of these dimes? If so, can I find a nice (i'm not expecting mint here) dime for 1-2k?
Thanks for any help.

Shutterlife · February 10, 2008 3:24PM

I'm no expert. but to prevent from getting ripped off, try getting a coin grade by a TPG. If they can't point out a counterfeit from a authentic, then we are all in trouble. the only other solutions is to let your husband know that he is given the opportunity to by the coin himself without remorse.

BBN · February 10, 2008 3:25PM

Start a "Wanted" thread in the "Buy, Sell & Trade Coins" forum. You shouldn't have trouble getting responses. Be sure to list the amount you are willing to spend and make sure to get it in a certfied plastic case. Too many 1916D fakes out there. Best of luck

beep · February 10, 2008 3:25PM

Hi. You are in the right place. I can't help help you with a nice dime dealer but the members of this forum will chime in. Brian

And yeah try the bst for coins for a nice dime.

Boothill40 · February 10, 2008 3:30PM

I agree with BBN start a WTB (want to buy) thread on the buy sell and trade board, you'll get a response and can check out the seller via these boards as to reputation.

sinin1 · February 10, 2008 3:32PM

I would get it in either PCGS or NGC

and probably from an auction house like Heritage or Teletrade

unless you are close to a big town that has coin shows all the time
then you probably could get one at the show

do NOT buy this coin raw (uncertified by PCGS,NGC,ANACS,ICG - others are bad)
as there are many altered and added mintmark coins around

it is a Mercury Dime, and although rare - there are plenty around and always available for a price

savoyspecial · February 10, 2008 3:38PM

if you decide to go to the BST (buy sell trade) board on this forum then go to your profile settings first to turn on your PM function so you can receive replies......only purchase this coin if its certified by PCGS, NGC, ANACS or ICG as there are many fakes out there

greg

slothman2000 · February 10, 2008 3:40PM

I don't have the coin that your lookin for but I would suggest that you go to the "profile" tab on the top of the page a go down and turn on your private message function....and also I agree with others to go to the Buy, Sell and Trade-coins forum and place a "wanted to buy" thread....someone on here prob has what you are looking for.....and good luck!!!

pursuitofliberty · February 10, 2008 3:45PM

armat,

Welcome!

I do not know of anyone who has one for sale in that range, but you sould be able to find one through a little help here. Within your budget a g6 to vg8 coin is probably as good as you can get. A vg10 might be doable if anyone has one for sale, but I think that would be at the top of the range.

There a more than a few of these to be found (because of their price tag), so be picky. Maybe someone can show a choice VG example (any date will do) for comparison.

IMO stick with a PCGS coin ... or as a second choice, an NGC one. Too many fakes ... and too many bad coins for this date. These should not be bright ... they should look dirty gray ... but a nice one won't have any big hits (gouges) or scrapes ... ideally it would be darker gray in the fields and lighter at on the devices (Liberty's face, reverse facses).

If you want a second opinion on a coin you find, drop me a message though our PM system (you'll have to turn yours on) ... or I can give you my email. I'd be glad to offer a little assistance.

Be patient ... and good luck!

Best Regards,

BXBOY143 · February 10, 2008 5:26PM

not sure what you are looking for but these are on HA.
hope this helps

-Paul

1916-d PCGS AG3

1916-d ANACS AG3

lordmarcovan · February 10, 2008 5:44PM

With a $2K budgetary ceiling, it looks like the best grade you'll be able to afford is a VG8.

Here's the Numismedia trendsheet for Mercury dimes, to assist you..
(The PCGS priceguide is also accessible via the "PCGS" link at the top of this page).

Buy a third-party certified coin, as the others have mentioned, but be aware that there are many fly-by-night "grading services" whose opinion is worth zero in the marketplace, and whose authentication skills are not to be trusted. Stick with a top-tier service like PCGS or NGC, or at least a respectable second-tier service like ANACS or ICG.

Do not, repeat, DO NOT buy one raw and uncertified, and do not buy one in a "third world" slab. Normally I advocate the "buy the coin and not the holder" philosophy, but in this case, since you are a non-numismatist seeking one of the most sought-after twentieth-century rarities, you want to go brand-name with your grading service.

Buy him the best looking one you can afford within your budget. Try to get a G4 or VG8 if you can. The previous post includes some AG3 coins and a 1916-D dime is still acceptable in that grade, but AG3 is a very low grade- if you can afford to go G4 at least, I would recommend you do so. G4, while still a low grade, is "respectable" in a 1916-D dime, and if you can get a G6 or VG8, so much the better. You would be lucky indeed to get a VG10 within the $2K budget.

Let me say welcome to you, first of all.

I'll second that by saying that any wife who would not only buy her numismatist husband a 1916-D dime, but seek proper advice on doing so instead of potentially buying a fake on eBay without consulting anyone, deserves a tip of my ol' Holey Gold Hat.

Hats off to you.

droopyd · February 10, 2008 9:10PM

<< only purchase this coin if its certified by PCGS, NGC, ANACS or ICG as there are many fakes out there >>

This particular date is widely counterfeited due to its high demand and relative rarity (which equal high cost). If you get a coin that it certified by one of these companies, you'll make sure you get the "real deal."

I personally would favor PCGS or NGC because I am familiar enough with their consistency in grading. ICG is well-regarded but I don't have any personal experience with them. ANACS is OK for certifying authenticity, but their grading can be suspect.

Also, with ANACS you can get a coin that has been damaged in some way. They usually note this on the grading insert on the plastic slab, and provide a corresponding "net" grade, but should your husband decide to dispose of the coin at a later date (because he's planning to upgrade it, of course

) it will be easier to sell if it's in a PCGS or NGC slab.

However, if your husband intends to hold onto this particular coin for a relatively long time (at least a decade), and would rather put the coin in an album, you always have the option of "cracking" out the coin from the plastic. This can be done without damaging the coin, although if you've never done it you should have someone who's experienced at it do it for you as it can be tricky. This way, you'll be assured of authenticity and have a professiojal opinion as to grade and value.

Should your husband decide to sell at a later date, you can always pay to get the coin re-certified -- well worth the extra expense fior this particular date due to the counterfeiting problems.

For about $1500 you should be able to get this particular coin in in a grade of "very good" or "VG8." I'd avoid the "about good" or "AG3" grade if possible, as your budget can afford a nicer coin and the nicer coin will be more aesthetically pleasing and (likely) increase in value somewhat faster.

You can buy from an eBay seller, from a coin shop or at a coin show, or from someone here on the BST (buy, sell & trade) board. Make sure that the seller has a clear and unconditional return policy to allow you a chance to examine the coin. Don't feel pressured to buy a particular coin or buy within a certain timeframe -- sometimes it takes a bit of searching to find the right coin at the right price. However, despite the rarity and expense, there are usually several coins of this date available at any given time on eBay or at a coin show.

Whike it might be nice to "surprise" your husband with this coin, it might be wiser to include him in on your plans so that he can help pick out one that he likes, since he probably knows a bit more about what to look for and how it would fit in with the rest of his collection. Otherwise, make sure you get opinions from several other people. As you may have noticed, you can post pictures here and people will provide their unvarnished opinions.

Best of luck with your search -- your husband is a lucky man to be married to someone as thoughtful and considerate as you seem to be!

(Edited to change "con shop" to "coin shop" -- must be a Freudian slip there....)

vplite · February 10, 2008 9:59PM

While it might be nice to "surprise" your husband with this coin, it might be wiser to include him in on your plans so that he can help pick out one that he likes, since he probably knows a bit more about what to look for and how it would fit in with the rest of his collection.

You are a good wife. Each collector has their own preference as to the exact coin they would spend that kind of money on, so if I were you I would never depend on my own judgment in this area. The comments posted here have been sage, but for the price of a nice vacation, please be certain your husband ends up with exactly what he wants.

nutz4coinz · February 10, 2008 11:14PM

VERY honorable and loving thing you want to do for him! You came to the right place. I agree with droopyd....While it might be nice to "surprise" your husband with this coin, it might be wiser to include him in on your plans so that he can help pick out one that he likes, since he probably knows a bit more about what to look for and how it would fit in with the rest of his collection. Otherwise, make sure you get opinions from several other people. As you may have noticed, you can post pictures here and people will provide their unvarnished opinions....

Also, if I werent married, I'd be askin' if you had any sisters!!!!!! LOL GOOD GIRL, wonderful, appreciative, caring wife...he's a lucky man, but from what you say, you seem pretty lucky yourself! Find him that '16-D he will love!

And as an aside, a coin like the '16-D, to us coin geeks, can be ALMOST as good as "Other ways have been taken care of lol " ALMOST!!!! LOL

tmcsr69 · February 11, 2008 5:14AM

Here is one on ebay you might want to look at. Seller appears good and the coin is graded by the best and so far the price is right. Like many others, sure wish I had a wife who would take this much time and effort to purchase a gift.

1916-D Mercury Dime

tahoe98 · February 11, 2008 5:19AM

armat!

armat · February 11, 2008 9:17AM

Wow! What great info! Thanks everyone so much. I am learning lots. I started looking a couple of months early because I know I want to find the right coin for him. And for those of you who said to get him involved, I can't do that. If you knew him, he would say no, spend the money on us. So the only way it will happen is to just do it! I'll risk it not being the right coin....because I honestly think he would be happy that I got him the coin, because I always joke to him and say it will never happen. I use to tell him I could not understand how he could spend so much on a coin. He paid about $400 for a coin once. He took it and had PCGS grade it, and turned around and sold it for over a thousand. So I know there is alot of money in them. I am a very lucky woman to be married to such a giving man. I can't wait to give him this coin. Hopefully then I won't have to hear "a 1916d dime" anymore. He always says that jokingly knowing there would be no way to get one....until now. Then it will be some other coin to yearn for I'm sure lol.
Thanks again everyone! I surely appreciate everyone's help! I have no sisters, but I do have a beautiful single Mom lol!

lope208 · February 11, 2008 9:47AM

Wow, my girlfriend always hears me talking about coins and calls me a dork. I'm not sure she would go through all the trouble that you are. Granted, I haven't been asking for "a 1916-D dime" for years either...

Funny how she laughs at my coins until I (half) jokingly said one day "Maybe I should just sell all my coins to get a down payment for a house." Her ears perked up real fast

Good luck with the hunt and I'm sure we'd all love to hear/see your progress and what coin you ultimately decide on!

lope208 · February 11, 2008 9:49AM

<< Hopefully then I won't have to hear "a 1916d dime" anymore. He always says that jokingly knowing there would be no way to get one....until now. Then it will be some other coin to yearn for I'm sure lol. >>

Next you'll start hearing "I always wanted that 1877 Indian Head Cent..." lol

droopyd · February 11, 2008 10:11AM

<< And for those of you who said to get him involved, I can't do that. If you knew him, he would say no, spend the money on us. So the only way it will happen is to just do it! >>

Then definitely get a "numismatic buddy" to help you out as far as selecting the right piece. Where do you live? There is undoubtedly someone on the board here who lives near you who would be happy to help you out.

I for one would be tickled to be able to spend someone else's money on a nice coin, even if I wouldn't be able to keep it for myself!

droopyd · February 11, 2008 10:12AM

<< Next you'll start hearing "I always wanted that 1877 Indian Head Cent..." lol >>

I was thinking that too!

droopyd · February 11, 2008 10:13AM

<< Next you'll start hearing "I always wanted that 1877 Indian Head Cent..." lol >>

I was thinking that too!

(edited to add: now how did that happen?)

tombr · February 11, 2008 10:19AM

I agree--get a certified one, PCGS. There are alot of fakes out there. DO NOT buy one raw except from a reputable dealer. J. J. Teaparty in Boston comes to mind.

armat · February 11, 2008 7:46PM

We are in the North Texas area....A suburb of Dallas....so I am taking offers...but I am willing to fly somewhere if I need to, to get the right coin. I work for Southwest Airlines so I can fly for free...nope, not a flight attendant nor a pilot...I wish. I would love their pay lol....
I will keep everyone posted on progress....thanks again.

armat · February 11, 2008 7:47PM

What does "raw" mean? I'm going to guess not graded?

ahooka454 · February 11, 2008 8:16PM

Correct, not graded. But on ebay this could mean a segs holder or afew other third world graders.

tahoe98 · February 12, 2008 3:50AM

<< What does "raw" mean? I'm going to guess not graded? >>

NOT COOKED!

droopyd · February 12, 2008 4:02AM

<< We are in the North Texas area....A suburb of Dallas....so I am taking offers...but I am willing to fly somewhere if I need to, to get the right coin. >>

You shouldn't have to travel far to get the 16-D.

There is a coin show in Ft. Worth on March 8 & 9: Fort Worth Coin Club Spring Show -- it's a rather small show with only 48 tables, but there's a good chance someone there will have a 16-D.

If you can wait until May, a better show would be the Texas Sate Coin & Currency Show -- 220 tables so should be lots to choose from.

Here's a list of all the upcoming coin shows in Texas in case you don't mind traveling.

There's a huge national coin show in Phoenix March 7-9 if you want to take a quick trip -- this may be your best bet.

If you go to a coin show, get there when they open on the first day. That way you'll have a better shot of getting the coin you want. Also, go with a friend who knows something about coins.

There are lots of coin shops in the Dallas area, you might want to visit a few to check out their stock (with no obligation to purchase).

Follow the advice of the posters on this board and you should do just fine!

armat · March 14, 2008 9:01AM

I think I am going to try to go to the coin show in Grapevine TX on March 28th. Now what is this Early bird thing all about? Should I expect to find my dime there?
thanks

Fairlaneman · March 14, 2008 9:18AM

A 16D in the price range you want is always available. They have came out of the woodwork during this coin surge we are in. If the hubby is not in too much of a hurry for the coin just wait untill the coins market goes into its downward sprial again and then buy the coin. More bang for the buck will be had with some patience. IMO this is a date that is way overpriced in the lower grades.

Maybe buy him a beautiful different date mercury dime and include a note that something much better will come in the future.

Ken

AUandAG · March 14, 2008 9:38AM

Boy, great advice from all above (TPG = Third Party Grading company). If you dump him how about you
and me hooking up????? I'd like a wife that thinks like you! You are special and I hope he knows that
(seems he does).
bob

armat · March 14, 2008 2:17PM

awww, thanks

ChrisRx · March 14, 2008 2:20PM

You came to the right place for advice, Tamra!

armat · March 15, 2008 6:26PM

ok, now i have another question....hubby has me trained well to look at my change...and tonight i noticed a 1981 dime, and the mint mark is a blob. there appears to be no damage to the dime in this area (some surface scratches) but a blob where the mint mark should be...just curious about this dime. hubby will be proud of me for at least noticing something lol.
thanks

nutz4coinz · March 15, 2008 7:13PM

Armat, you get your hubby his '16-D (and it should be graded by a major TPG, as suggested), and you wont have to do much for him for awhile!!!

And I'd ask how well trained, but I am a gentleman!!

armat · March 29, 2008 9:31AM

Well,
I went to a coin show this weekend by myself. I did find a few. One was uncertified, listed as AU (don't remember the number) and way out of my budget, but cheaper than what it would have cost had it been certified. I found another VF30 (i believe it was) and he wanted $4750 for it....out of my budget...beautiful coin, but I think overpriced. Then I found AG04...did not purchase that one.....
So, I made a couple of contacts, left my number with them and hopefully I'll hear back from them. Any other suggestions yall?
Thanks,
Armat

rgCoinGuy · March 29, 2008 9:43AM

Not sure what your budget is, but

Here is one

You may check Heritage, David Lawrence Rare Coins, and Teletrade also.

lordmarcovan · March 29, 2008 9:44AM

It's great of you to be going through so much legwork for him. He's a lucky fella.

TexasNationals · March 29, 2008 10:01AM

I live in the North Dallas area and could probally track one down for you, I am pretty well connected down here. Let me know.

Boom · March 29, 2008 10:12AM

Another reason to buy "certified" vs "raw/ uncertified" ..... if it hasn't already been posted, IS

the fact that coins like this are known to be counterfeit.

There is no reason to spend good money to later discover you've bought a counterfeit with an "Added D".

I know I would NOT buy any expensive Key date coin worth a substantial amount, unless

certified by PCGS or NGC.

It stands to reason that if a coin is worth a goodly amount that the owner/ seller would WANT TO realize

as much for it as possible and would therefore have it professionally graded.

Good Luck!

SeattleSlammer · March 29, 2008 10:35AM

what a wife!

derryb · March 29, 2008 10:56AM

One of the most trusted and respected forum members here has one (PCGS FR02) listed on ebay for $1,000. His name is Brandon, Anaconda Rare Coins. If you go to his website:

1916 D

You will see that you can get it there for 950.00 or best offer. I don't know Brandon but what I have learned about him from here, he will give you the best price he can, especially when he learns why you are buying it. If you desire a higher grade at a higher cost I would contact Brandon and see what he can find for you. While there, check out the other coins on his website. Beautiful stuff. Bless you and good luck.

derryb · March 29, 2008 11:04AM

<< what a wife! >>

What an expensive coin, don't do mercurys, looks like i never will!

rsdoug81 · March 29, 2008 11:18AM

An excellent example here:

1916-D PCGS G06

It's right in the middle of your budget, and it's got a great look and color. JJTeaparty is a great dealer with an excellent reputation here on the board.

Good luck, and this is a great thing you're doing!

armat · March 29, 2008 12:21PM

<< One of the most trusted and respected forum members here has one (PCGS FR02) listed on ebay for $1,000. His name is Brandon, Anaconda Rare Coins. If you go to his website:

1916 D

You will see that you can get it there for 950.00 or best offer. I don't know Brandon but what I have learned about him from here, he will give you the best price he can, especially when he learns why you are buying it. If you desire a higher grade at a higher cost I would contact Brandon and see what he can find for you. While there, check out the other coins on his website. Beautiful stuff. Bless you and good luck. >>

what is fr02?
thanks.

NHSBaseball · March 29, 2008 12:25PM

Fair- it means that there is significant wear on the coin, and the rims are pretty much gone.

armat · March 29, 2008 12:27PM

i have seen the one jj teaparty has online. i would rather find one that is not so worn down on the sides. I can pay a bit more. i wish i could just give someone the $'s and let them do this for me lol....but then that would be the easy thing to do right? lol.
i will keep searching.
Thanks again all!!!!!

rsdoug81 · March 29, 2008 12:29PM

<< i have seen the one jj teaparty has online. i would rather find one that is not so worn down on the sides. I can pay a bit more. i wish i could just give someone the $'s and let them do this for me lol....but then that would be the easy thing to do right? lol.
i will keep searching.
Thanks again all!!!!! >>

One more...a Very Good 8 for $2350.

Steve Estes Merc

derryb · March 29, 2008 2:20PM

<< i have seen the one jj teaparty has online. i would rather find one that is not so worn down on the sides. I can pay a bit more. i wish i could just give someone the $'s and let them do this for me lol....but then that would be the easy thing to do right? lol.
i will keep searching.
Thanks again all!!!!! >>

I think your husband wants a 1916 D because he knows by the time you find the right one you will be a coin collector too!

AskRaq · March 29, 2008 3:43PM

This might be worth a shot.... (old?) PCGS VG-8(*)... nice detail... but it does have a couple obverse marks...?

armat · March 30, 2008 8:23AM

<< 

<< i have seen the one jj teaparty has online. i would rather find one that is not so worn down on the sides. I can pay a bit more. i wish i could just give someone the $'s and let them do this for me lol....but then that would be the easy thing to do right? lol.
i will keep searching.
Thanks again all!!!!! >>

I think your husband wants a 1916 D because he knows by the time you find the right one you will be a coin collector too! >>

well, i'm trying to learn. lol. he would love it if i got "into coins" like he is...or wishes he was lol. i have tagged along with him to coin shows and he was like a kid in a candy store.

need help finding coin

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