1961 Dime - Gem Grade?

Is this Roosevelt not a MSFT-65 or better? I'm kinda new, am I missing anything? Working up a submission and I'd like to include it, but not to come back worth 9 bucks. Thanks!

 

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It would be a waste of money to grade that dime. I’ve purchased better looking coins graded and slabbed by PCGS for $5.00.

 

Totally agree.

 

I appreciate the input. What's wrong with it? It's uncirculated, it's not scratched or damaged, it's has full luster, and full bands. It looks every bit as good or better than the Photograde examples at PCGS in the mid to upper 60s to me. What am I missing? Thanks.

 

Besides large hits, the quality of luster, minor contact marks, hairlines, eye appeal and strike also contribute to the grade. From the pictures it looks like it's lacking the quality of luster required for grades above MS-66.


Go the PCGS Photograde and check out the difference of the luster between the MS-60 and MS-68 Wheat Cents.
https://www.pcgs.com/photograde/#/Lincoln/Grades

 

It’s also a very common date and common date coins don’t bring good prices unless the grade is very high and only a few are graded that high.

 

I was comparing it to the MS dime pictures at Photograde, and it's a little hard to tell in those photos once you get past about MS-63. I think I need to work on my photo-taking skills. There are some die marks under the UNUM that concern me. Otherwise, I can't see anything that would would place it below MS-65, but I'm just an amateur. NCG's price guide puts MSFT-65 at $90, MSFT-66 at $265, and MSFT-67 at $1,400. PCGS put an MSFB-65 at 20 to 65 bucks. I think I'll continue examining the roll of 1961 BUs I got; I'm pretty sure there are some gems in there. If I'm out 5 bucks net to learn something and find out, I'm ok with that. What about the torch? Does anyone dispute that it's FB/FT? Thanks for the input, I appreciate the time and it's very helpful to me.

 

Don't spend the money on a TPG. I see very small probs with the hair in the temple and the middle of the flame of the torch. Just put it away as an excellent coin.

 

And keep this in mind. Those high figures you see are a very limited market. It is only the registry set builders that pay those large figures for high grade moderns. Even if you achieve the grade you are hoping for, it is likely your local coin shop won’t pay you a premium….. I am always picking up slabbed moderns for the grandkids at coin shows for five or ten bucks. And they can all be traced back to a guy with a dream. Save your submission money for something more deserving.

 

I took a closer look and I’m seeing signs of a worn die minted this coin. The bands in the torch are not separated enough. Both of these were graded for a cheap price as they are “SAMPLE” slabs. They both have a grade of MS-64. No FB, no SB, yet both are very nice looking coins. I’ll try to find a few more examples for you. Hope this helps.

 

I just realized I goofed with the date on this. It's a 1962 and not a 1961, reducing the value threshold considerably. I have a roll of BU 1963-D and one of BU 1959-D to check too. Hopeful for something in the '63-Ds. Might as well finish checking the '62s with a more critical eye. Thanks for the insights.

 

Even if it was a 65 which it doesn't look to be, common coins
you really need to be in the 68 area. Which are much rarer and have value. Most MS silver dimes aren't really worth much more than melt
and they aren't worth grading.