Please identify this "1948" Mercury Dime

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by jcz1, Dec 8, 2009.

  1. jcz1

    jcz1 Junior Member

    I bought a bunch of single-coin mercury auctions of the Bay a while back. I didn't think anything of it at the time, having just gotten back into the hobby. But obviously a 1948 Mercury Dime doesn't exist, even though that's what it was sold as.

    Assuming I get the pic to show up here, you can see why at first glance someone might think that. But what date is it really?
     

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  3. Ahab

    Ahab Member

    It's a beat up 1940.;)
     
  4. jcz1

    jcz1 Junior Member

    I really don't think it is a 1940. There is a noticeable line just before it fades into the rim, which is why someone thought it was an 8. The circle on the right curves too fast, and the left circle is actually more straight. Sorry that these things aren't more evident in the picture.
     
  5. borgovan

    borgovan Supporter**

    It's clearly a 1942/1 that somebody is very sorry about.....
     
  6. jcz1

    jcz1 Junior Member

    I was wondering about that possibility. An old Cherrypicker's book I have mentions a diagnostic die gouge on the reverse. Does anyone know of any pics of this?

    Below is a pic of the reverse. Near the center of the pic, between the branch and the fasces, at about the level of the top of the band, you can see a little discoloration. In hand, it sort of looks like a fingernail scratch, but it is so tiny it is hard to tell what it is. If anyone is familiar with this diagnostic, is this the location it would be?
     

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  7. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    Please post a picture of the date from straight on instead of at an angle. Then we can tell what it is.
     
    dwhiz likes this.
  8. jcz1

    jcz1 Junior Member

    These pics are actually scans, with the coin flat on the scan bed. Not sure what I can do differently.
     
  9. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    If you say so, but then how is the scanner picking up the edge of the coin in your first picture ?:confused:

    Can you show us a pic of the entire obverse ?
     
  10. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank

    there is a curve to the last digit.
    So, it can only be a 3.
     
  11. jcz1

    jcz1 Junior Member

    My bad, it was in the 2x2 on the scan bed. Here is the whole obverse:
     

    Attached Files:

  12. ERROR HUNTER

    ERROR HUNTER Coins,Stamps

    Its most likely a 1942, shop around for buffalo nickel date restorer for 5$ it works with other coins.
     
  13. Ladies First

    Ladies First Since 2007

    I'm quite sure it's a 1949
     
  14. Searcher64

    Searcher64 Member

    It's no way that it's a 1949. The last one issued was a 1945. It looks to me, from what I can see, a 1940. Sorry.:)-O)
     
    hotwheelsearl likes this.
  15. AdamL

    AdamL Well-Known Member

    1945 was the last year Mercs were minted.
     
  16. yakpoo

    yakpoo Member

    I would guess 1940.
     
  17. Duke Kavanaugh

    Duke Kavanaugh The Big Coin Hunter

    I think they know and the they last Merc's were in 45 they are just messing around.

    IMO it's a 1940.
     
  18. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    Not much doubt for me anymore - that's a 1940.
     
  19. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank

    I still think it is a 3.

    Look at the angle of the curve, if a 0 it would curve around about 1/2 the size of the 4.
     
  20. jcz1

    jcz1 Junior Member

    Is determining a date something that a TPG would do? I know it would cost several times the value of the coin if it's a 40 or 43, but if it's a 42/1 it would be worthwhile.
     
  21. Ladies First

    Ladies First Since 2007

    As someone who is pretty darn new to CT I must warn you all that I have been known on occasion to sacrifice the appearance of intellegence for the possibility of being humorous.
     
    JPeace$ likes this.
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