I did do some searches here on this topic but most of the threads were a couple of years old; I wondered how things may have changed since then. I am in the market to purchase two 1916-d Mercury dimes (one for myself, one for a friend). I am looking specifically for VG++ grade (must be slabbed, authenticated, and graded by either NGC or PCGS), full rims (which I would assume with VG or better grading but doesn't always seem to be the case), not prior cleaned, and eye appeal. What can I expect to pay? (I have a pretty good idea; just getting others' opinions). Ebay is causing my head to hurt. Here is what I am finding: 1) 98% of the ones on ebay are Fair or AG in grade and are not authenticated (probably many are fakes) 2) Many of the NGC and PCGS slabbed and graded coins to me appear to be "optimistically" graded. I thought that a requirement for grading a merc at VG-8 was a full rim (or almost completely full). Frequently not the case though on these graded coins. What am I missing? 3) Huge price differential between grades (meaning #1 and #2 above are really important to sort out) 4) It appears that the hardest-to-find grades are the ones I'm looking for. 5) Coins graded AG-3 are going for up to $600 on ebay. Based on this, and the few VG to XF coins I've seen there... What are your thoughts on what I should expect to pay? Also, any thoughts on where I should be looking to purchase these? Is ebay the best place? Thank you in advance, and again, I apologize if I missed a similar thread on this topic in my search.
Well, here's the thing. The grade you're seeking is everybody else's happy medium. Collectors want enough detail in the 1916-d to make it identifiable as not only for personal gratification, but to make it an easy for them to sell in the future. So because of this, expect to pay higher than normal money for the VG. How much? Who's to say, depends what dealers or eBay sellers are sleeping at the wheel.
As expected. You're not missing anything, on the contrary you noticed right off what many experienced collectors do miss. The grades assigned are overly generous. And as you continue to gain knowledge you'll find this to be typical with most if not all of the "key" coins. As I have said many times, there is a huge price difference within the same grade, let alone with different grades. Again, something that even experienced collectors often miss. But it is a truism with just about every coin there is - and you would be wise to never forget it ! Of course, because are what most collectors deem to be the highest grade they can afford. These coins are not cheap ! Be smart once again early in your career and forget ebay. At least until your knowledge and experience level increases. By all means, use it as a learning tool, but I'd be hesitant about buying coins there right now. If you haven't already, get registered with Heritage, and use it ! Not only for buying coins, but as a knowledge base, a place to learn. There is so much information that can be learned by using Heritage that it (in my opinion) surpasses any other single place. As to what you should expect to pay, for VG8 and up it's well over $1000. But don't buy or even bid on just any coin in an NGC or PCGS slab that says VG8. Or any other grade for that matter. Look at this link - http://coins.ha.com/common/search_results.php?Ntk=SI_Titles-Desc&Ntt=1916-D%20VG&Nty=1&N=51+790+231+360&chkNotSold=0&Ns= See the huge price differences for coins of the same grade. Well that's what I am talking about. Take 5 coins all graded VG8 and by the same company and you'll see obvious differences in the coins. Some will be nicer than others. And because they are nicer they sell for more - even though they are graded the same. If I was looking to buy the coin you are looking to buy, Heritage is where I would go and start looking. And be patient, don't just buy the the first one that comes along.
Great advice! Helped very much. Thank you! I spent some time on Heritage this afternoon after reading this, and will be spending a lot more time there. Wow, you hit that nail on the head! (Not that I doubted it). But I couldn't believe the difference in price among coins of the same grade. One coin graded G4 sold for almost $2000. Most G4's and even some VG's sold for much less than that. (Still not sure I totally understand all of the things to look for, but this really helped). Thanks for the excellent help. (The only problem is that the more I learn, the pickier I get = the higher quality coins I want)
