1916D Mercury - Genuine or Not?

I bought this coin about 35 years ago when I was fairly new to collecting. It was from a well known coin shop in El Paso, TX. I paid what I thought was a reasonable price, considering its condition, and never really considered the fact it might be counterfeit. Before I submit it to a third party for verification, I wanted to see if I was wasting my time. What do you think? Thanks for the help.

 

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Looks real to me, just not in great condition but in today’s market, it’s tough to find one for under $750.00

 

Might be worth the effort (to slab) if only to justify authenticity.

 

It wouldn’t straight grade so not worth it to do so but ai know what you mean. It’s been defaced, unfortunately.

 

Quite so, but these coins go for big bucks in just about any shape.....if one has the means, it may be worthwhile as there will be no question about it if the coin were to be sold again.

 

Whenever I see a coin with an X scratched into it like that, I worry that someone else decided it was a fake...

 

A bit rough, worn, and PMD. May look better in hand, good luck.

 

I would send it in just to be sure it's real.
Plus it would be easer to sell.

 

I would send it to NGC or PCGS and sell it.

 

I own a contemporary 16-D counterfeit. The "D" was added and the counterfeiter did a very good job but made two errors. He slightly misplaced the added "D"... And try as he might, he was unable to remove the telltale black solder shadow around the added "D" and I believe that I may see the same on yours.

 

Tricky stuff on these more desirable coins. Slabbing will authenticate the coin. But I agree that it won't straight grade. Randy raises the same concern I had when I first looked at it. If it looks like the usual grimy buildup, then you may have the authentic item. If it looks like flux/heat, then the counterfeiter almost pulled it off.

Leaning that it's the real deal. But this date/mm is not my expertise as I only casually collect Mercury Dimes.

 

I had mine graded by PCGS just for the verification. AG3:

 

Agreed.... And I would consider this one to be a valid gamble. As I understand, ICG will slab a piece quite affordably. Sure they will detail the coin, but if it does come back genuine, the reward in value is enormous. I have quite a few of my more desirable pieces (mostly late 18th century) slabbed in genuine/detail slabs and I knew full well going in that they would be detailed. But I don't sell coins so I figure I am doing my inheritors a favor.

 

5X held to screen does not support genuine piece.

 

You're not wasting your time. You'll get a details on the grade for the X but you'll at least get it authenticated.

 

Before seeing your post, @Randy Abercrombie I thought the same thing. You articulated it perfectly and I see exactly what you're seeing. My shortcomings are that this series and specifically this rare date are not a specialty of mine.

Very curious if the PMD 'X' graffiti is a previous owner warning a future owner of the knowledge that it's counterfeit.

I'd love to know the outcome of a TPG authentication though.

Good luck. I hope you find it to be genuine.

 

UPDATE: I took the advice offered and sent it to ANACS. It's genuine, but I got a laugh out of the way they described what was wrong with it. They were thorough, that's for sure. Thanks again for the help.

 

They pulled every description out on that one…. Still very worthwhile. That’s cool. I would like to have it just for that wonky label!

 

Congrats! Even with all those issues on the label it was still well worth getting it authenticated.

 

And now you know. If nothing else, you have a rather unique description. Congratulations!