1916 Mercury Dime question

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by bigbobh, Feb 23, 2009.

  1. bigbobh

    bigbobh Junior Member

    I have found a badly worn 1916 dime in a can of coins I have had for many many years. The date is barely visible but pretty sure it is 1916 problem is the mint mark is completly obscured. Of course I would like to know if it is a 1916D . Is there any way to bring out mint mark and if so any suggestions. I am new at this and if I have posted in wrong area I hope someone will guide me. Thank you in advance.
     
  2. Avatar

    Guest User Guest



    to hide this ad.
  3. borgovan

    borgovan Supporter**

    There's not a way. Typically, though, coins with mintmarks left at least some remnant. So, if you can't see it, it's probably not there.
     
  4. bigbobh

    bigbobh Junior Member

    Thanks for reply. In reading further on this forum I see a mention of a liquid that brings out the date on old coins. Assume that will not work for mint mark?
    Thanks rgds
     
  5. borgovan

    borgovan Supporter**

    Nic-a-date only works on nickels.

    I did see in another thread here a claim that soaking the coin in vinegar might bring out some details. I can't guarantee it will work, but you won't be doing much damage to the coin. Right now it's worth about a buck for silver melt value, and it'll be worth the same when you're done, unless, of course, there actually is a D there.

    I'd try the vinegar, but only because this is a low value coin at this point.
     
  6. bigbobh

    bigbobh Junior Member

    Thanks will try that. Like you say at this point nothing to lose. My old eyes not what they used to be who knows it just might be a D.
     
  7. FreakyGarrettC

    FreakyGarrettC Wise young snail

  8. bigbobh

    bigbobh Junior Member

    pics

    Tried sending pics dont see that they went through will try again here.
     

    Attached Files:

  9. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank

    bigbobh

    Little chance of seeing a MM there.

    I had a better one that I thought was good.

    Sent it to ANACS, and now I have the world's lowest grade (FA-2) 1916 P slabbed coin.

    and most expensive, since it is only worth melt.

    any offers out there?
     
  10. borgovan

    borgovan Supporter**

    I'd make a humorous offer, but I don't want the admins to get out the ruler, so...

    Sorry. Humor is cancelled for today.
     
  11. bigbobh

    bigbobh Junior Member

    Do you think that ANACS might be able to see something that I cannot see in the coin ?
    Thanks rgds
     
  12. Hobo

    Hobo Squirrel Hater

    Do we have any Merc specialists here? If so, maybe they know of some differences to look for between a '16 and a '16-D Merc. Something like the differences between the rim of a '28 and '28-S Peace Dollar.(However, minute differences will likely be lost on a coin in the condition of your dime.)
     
  13. the_man12

    the_man12 Amateur Photographer

    Vinegar is the way to go IMO. I would be one 1913 buffalo less rich were it not for it. I have a dateless Standing Liberty Quarter soaking right now, which will probably increase in price if I find a date.
     
  14. bqcoins

    bqcoins Olympic Figure Skating Scoring System Expert

    What you couldn't get a 1.
     
  15. borgovan

    borgovan Supporter**

    I've got a sweet coin that I know ANACS would grade PO-1 DAMAGED, to boot. It's an 1806 bust quarter that has part of the outline of Liberty, and a partial date on the obverse, but not a thing on the reverse. And it's holed to boot.

    Hey, don't judge. Where else are you gonna get an 1806 bust quarter for ten bucks???
     
  16. borgovan

    borgovan Supporter**

    Finest known...in all of it's glory.

    [​IMG]
     
  17. Fullbands

    Fullbands Certified Authentic Details

    I can never seem to find my PCGS Counterfeit guide when I need it. It has all the die diagnostics and such. So I'll just take a flying run at it. Most of the diagnostics on 16Ds deal with the mintmark shape since most fakes are transplants from other dates. I THINK there is also a die crack on the reverse for one of the 4 die varieties but I can't recall that specifically. All I can really tell you is that it is NOT one of the 1916 patterns released into circulation. The date sticks out past the bottom of the bust. So bummer. Pretty much everything that needs to be seen on this coin is lost to history. Better luck next time!

    Rick L.
     
  18. bigbobh

    bigbobh Junior Member

    Ok Thank y'all very much . I really did not hold out much hope for it and it doesnt matter how many times I put it under my giant magnifying glass I cannot bring out a D on it.

    Rgds

    Bob H.
     
  19. the_man12

    the_man12 Amateur Photographer

    That's why there is vinegar!:desk:
     
  20. bigbobh

    bigbobh Junior Member

    soaked it in vinegar for 3 days
     
  21. thevishy

    thevishy Member

Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page