What do these Merc Dimes grade?

stumpy041486 · 11-07-2009, 03:08 PM

Are any of these MS? Most appear to have good luster.
1939 D

1936 S

1929 S

1935 D

1945 D, possible full band?

**Phil Ham** · 11-07-2009, 04:06 PM

I'm not an expert in grading; especially mercs but here's my thoughts:

39D: XF40
36S: XF40
29S: VF20
35D: F12
45D: F12

rlm's cents · 11-07-2009, 04:27 PM

I am not an expert either, but;

39D - XF-40 cleaned
36S - XF-45/AU cleaned
29S - VF-20 probably cleaned
35D - XF-40
45D - Might be unc, Can't tell if it is AU or unc.

johnny54321 · 11-07-2009, 04:29 PM

I agree with rlm for the most part. Phil, why did you grade the 45-d as F-12? It looks closer to the uncirculated range to me, but we are all entitled to our opinion.

Lehigh96 · 11-07-2009, 04:38 PM

1939-D: Polished XF details
1936-S: Polished XF details
1929-S: Polished VF details
1935-D: Damaged (large scratches reverse) XF details
1945-D: AU53 This is the only one that might not be a problem coin but the luster looks impaired and it might have environmental damage. It is hard to tell from the photo

Based on your comments, I believe that you are mistaking the shiny appearance of a polished coin for mint luster. If you rotate the coin under a light source, you will not see the cartwheel luster on a polished coin, just an even shine with wear on the high points.

In answer to your question, no, none of your coins are MS.

**Phil Ham** · 11-07-2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnny54321

I agree with rlm for the most part. Phil, why did you grade the 45-d as F-12? It looks closer to the uncirculated range to me, but we are all entitled to our opinion.

Again, I'm not an expert grader but I just didn't like the luster. It has a scratch on the obverse and poor luster (perhaps the light) while the reverse has black smudges. I know I'm probably in the minority; but I find the coin is not very attractive. Thus, I'm taking off lots of points for eye appeal. My first thoughts were F12 but I might be convinced to go as high as VF20. I'm sure I won't get a job at ANACS anytime soon.

rlm's cents · 11-07-2009, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Ham

Again, I'm not an expert grader but I just didn't like the luster. It has a scratch on the obverse and poor luster (perhaps the light) while the reverse has black smudges. I know I'm probably in the minority; but I find the coin is not very attractive. Thus, I'm taking off lots of points for eye appeal. My first thoughts were F12 but I might be convinced to go as high as VF20. I'm sure I won't get a job at ANACS anytime soon.

And you definitely will not get a job at SGS!