I was just looking at a current eBAY listing which features an 1885-S dime with an altered mintmark (the coin is listed as such). This got me thinking about this coin in my collection, a local coin show purchase from an english seller, many moons ago. Please have a look at this one, i've no doubt that it is OK, at least i hope so. The mintmark on this specimen is much larger than on the altered coin. Your comments and grade estimates are very welcome. Regards, Eduard
greetings! i wish i had more info on this specific series (no reference books for this series). i would need a close up of the mintmark are to see a seam or alteration marks. also, would look on the edge of the coin as some counterfeiters use a way to bore into the edge of the coin, and use a tool to literally raise a mintmark on the coin. as far as just a grade, i would probably assign a vf-30 or 35 (i am not using a grading guide , so this is from memory and personal opinion). i first would have given it a xf40 on the obverse, tho there is a ding on the arm. i had to drop it w/ the wear on the reverse. just too few lines and detail for me to go past a vf. once again....i am by no means the individual whose expertise to rely on....there are so many real numismatist and especially specialists who will be able to comment on your dime. i have seen some of your other coins posted and you have excellent taste!!!!!! thank you for sharing your coin.....best wishes....steve
Thank you Steve for your comments. I will try to take a close-up photo of the mintmark to see if that helps better determine the coin is OK. Regards Ed
Finally, a coin from one of my favorite series! First off, the coin pictured meets all the diagnostics of a genuine 1885 S. One other test you can make is to compare the reeding with an 1885 P mint. The reeding should be finer on the 1885 S. As for grade, I'd give it a VF35 although it would probably slab as an XF40 since the reverse on that issue came weakly struck in relation to the obverse. Very nice coin from a tough series to complete.
Thanks vavet. Glad you like this coin. Guys, here are some close-ups of the edge and reeding (its evening here and not much daylight left, so it was difficult to take the pics). Ed
You're very welcome Eduard. How is your set coming along? I had seven to go when I gave my collection away.
Eduard: Very nice for a very tough coin! For those who don't know, there were only 43,690 minted. Great coin, great condition, could XF.
I was looking at the ANA grading guide, and I would say the obverse is a solid XF40. The reverse, however, is sort of difficult, and maybe it was a weakier strike. It looked VF30ish. Over, a beautiful coin, and quite rare.
