Real Silver coin?

Hi All,

I bought a mercury dime on e-bay and received it today. I know mercury dimes are 90% silver but how can you test it to be sure? Also it came in shiny so it was cleaned but because its silver does it lowers it value?

ThanksJohn

 

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Shiny doesn't always mean cleaned, pictures would help us give you a better idea as far as condition and value.

 

Test it with a magnet, put the magnet close to it if it sticks to the magnet its fake, if not the only way to be 100% sure is to measure weight and diameter. If it were me i would just toss it on my scale and if its weight was within specs then i wouldn't give it a second thought.

 

Well, merc's are worth $2.07 melt as of this moment, I'm sure you paid a little more than that, as I see even common dates going for over three bucks BIN. Cleaning a coin that's worth only melt obviously has no effect on the value. As far as authenticity, could you post a pic or link the auction?

 

Unless its a key date I can't imagine it's fake.

 

Sorry everyone here is the link of the dime I purchased.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400421946409?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

 

THe link failed to illustrate the picture. Seller warranted it was an UNC dime. The only way I make certain is to purchase slabbed coins that are graded by the major grading houses. I don't buy the ones inserted into a fold over cardboard holder with an anonymous writer's grade. I could buy any loose coin and do that myself.

Stick to slabbed graded coins which have been graded by the big guys.

http://www.coin-collecting-guide-for-beginners.com/coin-grading-services.html

 

im sorry, but i think this is very bad advice. why would you ONLY buy coins that are already slabbed? if you are unsure about your opinion on a coin you could maybe just research this information superhighway we call the internet and educate yourself a little and save a LOT of money before you go buying every coin you want already slabbed. now if you are buying a very rare variety or the like, yes, maybe you want to buy a slabbed coin, but to say ONLY buy slabbed coins... that's a sentiment a pimp named slickback can not get behind.

 

The link worked fine for me, and let's just say the seller took a rather lenient position in his description.

In regards to only buying slabbed; it is an individual preference. Since the OP is new, slabbed is advisable, especially as a learning tool, but its not an absolute necessity. There are huge numbers of mid MS late date Mercs still out there that can be had at a fraction of what slabbed would cost, and as long as the buyer can grade and identify problems, there is no reason to avoid coins in "fold over cardboard holders".


OP,

The coin is real, but if you are really that worried about buying fake or problem coins, you may want to consider taking the time to educate yourself before jumping in.

 

I agree with riff.... I've never bought a slabbed coin, and never will. That being said, I see no problem whatsoever with the coin the OP purchased; the price wasn't bad, and it doesn't appear to be cleaned. I think you bought a nice, attractive, genuine coin.

 

Sure to each his own I don't disagree about buying unslabbed because I do all the time. I was merely suggesting to be "safe" for investment, slabbed is a good way to go.

 

OP - Coin looks genuine. Picture shows some nicks on it, but in my opinion doesn't look to be cleaned, I don't see any swirls on it, just nicks that could be nothing at all.

 

Thanks all for the input. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all the feedback and insight.

 

With all due respect, sir; slabs are in no way indicative of a "safe" investment. Also, and I just have to ask; what exactly do you mean by saying that you buy raw "[FONT=&amp]all the time[/FONT]" but[FONT=&amp] "don't buy ones inserted into a fold-over card board holder[/FONT]"?


OP,

Once the coin arrives, pay close attention to the obverse relief. Post better photos if you are able.

 

why would someone fake a five dollar coin? Im sure your coin is legit, don't think TOO poorly of your fellow cointards

 

who would counterfeit coins that are worth a few bucks anyways? my heads spinning:dead-horse:

 

Exactly. It wouldn't be cost effective to counterfeit a common coin that's only worth its weight in silver.

 

Well, you can get an entire set of seventy-nine mercs (1916 through 1945, all mint marks) uncirculated, from our Chinese friends for just $149.47 with free shipping. So yes... all dates, all denominations are counterfeited.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/FREE...py-100-coper-manufacturing-UNC/464232861.html

 

[FONT=&amp]Since the OP is new, and considering the constant talk of counterfeit coins, his fear is understandable IMO. In another thread today you spoke of seeing counterfeits on ebay, so is it really that much of a stretch to see that someone unfamiliar with the hobby might take such statements in a very broad sense? There is no reason to contribute to the counterfeit fear and then turn around and knock someone for being fearful.[/FONT]

 

Once again, we can say, "Thank you, Chinese."