Which is better?

Hey guys,
I just completed my lincoln cent collection and am starting mercury dimes. Which would be better right now, if I purchased a 16-d in AG-3 or G-4 cleaned? Same price, I feel I'm getting a better deal with the G-4 cleaned, but am I far off?I don't plan on holding it for long, just until I get a little extra cash, sell off the lower grade and use it to buy a G-4 or G-6. So.....which is better?

Thanks, Chas

 

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If you just have to buy now, take the lower grade no problem example. Problem coins are always problem coins, so what may seem like a bargain now can easily turn into a headache when time comes to sell, even with such a popular issue. That said, IMO the smartest move would be to work on the rest of the set and wait until you can afford the coin you really want. Unless you're getting a spanking deal and are positive you can flip at or above what you paid, there is little reason to buy and hold for a short period. Take the safer bet and wait it out.

 

Very interesting question. I am about (3 more coins) complete in my Lincoln set and also plan on moving on to Mercs. I would go with the AG-3 for the above stated purposes. I would also get it first. As you collect the rest of the series, you will certainly see many 16 D's and you might just find a great deal on an upgrade/trade.
Now to see if I will follow my own advice!

 

It depends on the cleaning.

But, I prefer the AG

 

Always problem free if possible. And if you are only going to hold it for a short time I would not purchase it - just save and get the better problem free example to start with.

 

Buy a coin that is certified by either NGC, ANACS, or PCGS. Then buy the coin that makes you happy. If you don't like the coin when you buy it, then you are not going to like it any more in the future.

There is no reason to rush into buying a 16-D. There will be plenty from which you may choose in the future. They do become tough to locate in grades beter than VG-10.

 

Go problem free.

 

I agree. We had a similar question asked recently, but with a much more dramatic grade difference. For "normal" grade difference like you are describing, (AG or G cleaned), I would always choose the AG assuming the D mintmark is in contravertible.

Be careful, when it gets down to AG, people can start arguing if that is really a D or not, regardless of whether its slabbed. I saw a guy trying to sell a AG 16d in NGC plastic about 18 months ago at a show, and the dealer was not interested. I asked him why later and he said he wasn't sure it was a D, regardless of what NGC said. The dealer said if he wasn't positive, potential customers may have the same issue.

Its a lot of money for a tiny mintmark that frequently is half worn off on AG examples. If you have ANY shred of doubt, I would chose C, none of the above, and wait for a non-cleaned G example instead.

 

If the cleaning is a dip, then go G4, if the cleaning goes beyond a dipping, then go AG3. Or, just wait a bit and look for another uncleaned G4 at the price you want to pay now.

 

Most well dipped coins you cannot tell, so if its slabbed G-4 details cleaned I would wager it has scratches.

 

I would agree with that. If the subject coin is slabbed.

 

You will loose money in the upgrade transaction, save your money and get an example that you can live with. If you have to have one now though, take the problem free example it will have a higher trade value.

 

I trust Kirkuleez on this.

 

Thanks for the advice...the dealer and I are friends and we have an upgrade policy he does for me....I did the same with a 14-d and 1909-s indian, and he upgraded me at a very fair price. That is just how I get the keys, as I usually can't put that much money down. Both of the coins are graded by PCGS, both of the mintmarks are evident, and the G-4 details has surface damage, and both are going for $500 if that helps any. Thanks, I value you opinions! -Chas

 

If given the choice of a "problem" and a "non problem" coin at the same price, I'll take the "non problem" coin every time.

Said a bit differently, when I look back on my coin mistakes over the years, it was generally problem coins that stood out as my biggest mistakes.

 

Thanks for the advice!

 

So basically that dealer would never buy any 16-D? Or did he see something "off" about the mint mark?

 

The 1916-D Merc is not rare, it is simply expensive. Therefore, there are always plenty on the market and cleaned examples are often pushed aside for problem-free examples. If you were my client I would strongly advise to you buy a problem-free coin.

 

Sound advice I recommend.

 

non cleaned always and especially if it is a key date in a collection.i would want it graded also and if it said cleaned i would not want it.