1916-D Dime... Real or Fake?

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Silversmith221, Mar 25, 2020.

  1. Silversmith221

    Silversmith221 New Member

    Hello all,

    I recently inherited a sizable coin collection. Naturally, my heart stopped when I came across what seems to be a 1916-D Mercury. I have seen the die varieties and am having a hard time coming to a decision. I wanted to get any input I could from you guys to see if it is worth sending off to be preserved/graded. Please forgive the pictures, I am only working with a cellphone and loupe at the moment.

    If fake, why do you think? If real, what grade would it get?

    I have my suspicions, but since this is so often faked, I just want to be sure. Thanks for checking it out!

    Dime1.jpg Dime2.jpg Dime4.jpg 20200325_125102.jpg
     
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  3. paddyman98

    paddyman98 I'm a professional expert in specializing! Supporter

  4. Michael K

    Michael K Well-Known Member

    Looks right. The mm doesn't seem to be added.
    You would have to send it in and hopefully get it verified as authentic.
    For a grade it can't be higher than AG-03. It might grade FR-02. But being the key coin of the series it might get AG-03 bias.
     
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  5. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    I agree nothing would flag me that its a fake. Of coins like this, if you really worry I would get it authenticated just so you know for sure.
     
  6. Silversmith221

    Silversmith221 New Member

    Thanks for the replies guys. That article definitely helped some, its nice to see there's so much out there on these.

    I think this is definitely a candidate to get sent off. My only worry is I am afraid the mintmark looks too high to me, but dimes are not my primary focus.
     
  7. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    Looks like a winner. Nothing makes me think it's fake and the mintmark appears to be normal.
     
  8. Snowman

    Snowman Senior Member

  9. Paddy54

    Paddy54 Well-Known Member

    Dime4~2.jpg Nope does not look kosher to my eyes.
    Especially to the East and South East around the mm the medal is a different color!
    The entire area been worked on.look due SE how the medal is smooth pits and marks are underlaying.
     
    Last edited: Mar 25, 2020
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  10. Silversmith221

    Silversmith221 New Member

  11. Silversmith221

    Silversmith221 New Member

    Agree, although it is much more noticeable now that you point it out!
     
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  12. QuintupleSovereign

    QuintupleSovereign Well-Known Member

    Distrust and verify.
     
  13. juris klavins

    juris klavins Well-Known Member

    The mint mark does stand out as being less worn than the overall coin - submit it to a TPG and know for sure ;)
     
  14. Paddy54

    Paddy54 Well-Known Member

    When ever a mint mark has been messed with,added, tooled, etc....medal moves.....the area once disturbed, heated ,cooled, tooled,etc...the color will be off. Dark from heat, lighten from medal being sanded. The West side the the color is natural is grey pitted , going east the texture of the surface as well the color changes too much to be correct.
     
  15. Mountain Man

    Mountain Man Supporter! Supporter

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  16. ernie11

    ernie11 Member

    Good idea. I owned a raw 16-D for 40+ years before I sent it to ANACS, came back authenticated. I think it costs $19, plus insurance / shipping.

    My guess is AG-03 on yours.
     
  17. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    Wow, tough board. I stand by my assertion nothing looks terribly untoward on the coin. Low grade examples are numerous, having handled quite a few myself.

    Please let us know what a TPG says about authenticity OP. I would agree with the ANACS suggestion. You are looking for authenticity opinion really, not grade.
     
  18. LRC-Tom

    LRC-Tom Been around the block...

    I agree that this mint mark location does not match any of the four authentic locations. It's well done compared to a lot of them out there, but I think it's an added mint mark.
     
  19. lincoln

    lincoln Large Member

    IMHO, the mint mark should be flattened more than it is.
     
  20. johnmilton

    johnmilton Well-Known Member

  21. Silversmith221

    Silversmith221 New Member

    Hey Guys,

    I really appreciate all of the input. Tough board indeed! I have been personally leaning towards an added MM myself. I will definitely follow up.


    Thanks for the tip, I have not heard of them so I may have to send it out just for the authentication.
     
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