I've been promising pics, so here they are: http://i38.tinypic.com/2n7kt4n.jpg http://i38.tinypic.com/11waj9z.jpg http://i36.tinypic.com/vii0kl.jpg http://i36.tinypic.com/m7ytd0.jpg I've read a little about "gradeflation" in the market, and as I look at this coin (graded G-06) and compare it to "Grading Coins by Photographs" by Q. David Bowers, I think it might be a candidate to re-grade at VG-08. I typically buy higher grade coins, but as you know this particular coin can be a bit pricey. It was the best grade I could afford. Please keep in mind these pics were taken with a little point-and-shoot digital camera through a magnifying glass. They show the wear accurately, but the pics are a bit fuzzy. The luster is also a little nicer in hand than in the photos, but I couldn't get a decent picture with the flash on. Do you think NGC might bump it up to a VG-08?
You might check out the online PCGS photo grade and compare your coin and see the difference between your coin and the next grade up. http://www.pcgs.com/photograde/#/Mercury/Grades Note the G-04 no division on the center of the head. G-06 looks like your coin and the VG-08 has much less wear then your coin. Handy guide. When you start noticing details from the images, you can see how this will help with grading.
I find that TPGs are way too lenient when grading key dates. Such as, the '16D. Notice how on the reverse the rim is either incomplete or almost incomplete near "AMERICA". That should warrant a AG3 (at least, in my book)
Three possible outcomes if you resubmit it: 1. It would come back VG-8 (IMO this is the LEAST possible outcome. I used the ANA Grading Guide to make this judgment.) 2. It would remain G-6 (If this happened you would have spent the better part of $100 and gone from PCGS to NGC.) 3. It would come back G-4 (IMO more likely than getting a VG-8.) I'm ignoring the possibility that it would come back in a DETAILS slab.
Maybe, but you are not the one grading it. Look at the photograde pictures. It looks properly graded to me. I think kanga's analysis is quite accurate.
NGC is often actually stricter on 1916-d dimes than PCGS believe it or not. If I were you, I'd definitely keep that coin in the slab it's in. Your coin is a very attractive and original looking example, so congratulations on your purchase! These coins will always have value, I just dont think yours would ever grade higher than G-6. I also doubt it would drop down to a 4, I think it's right on the money. Here is my NGC VG08 1916-d for comparison.
This is a very helpful guide. Based on this I think the G-06 is a perfect grade. If you look at the VG-08 it has almost the same rim wear on the reverse as mine; however, there is a lot less wear on the obverse (esp. the wing / hair border). The previous claim of an AG-03 is quite near ridiculous, IMO.
VG: "The rim is complete, or it may be slightly worn away in areas. Only a few traces of the vertical sticks remain in the fasces..." G: "The rim is worn away, as are the outer parts of the letters. The fasces is flat..." One can't make up one's own standards! I believe my example is half-way between these two descriptions, hence the -06 rating instead of -04 or -08.
Well, apparently a lot of people do :too-funny: Anyway, thanks for correcting my mistake on grading. I don't remember where I read that if the rim is incomplete it grades AG-3
I totaly agree. I have compared many pcgs and ngc 1916 d dimes and the ngc ones all look far better than thier pcgs counterparts. IMO the pcgs dime should be a G4
