To Grade, Mercury dimes involves understanding detailed criteria to determine their condition and value. The most reliable way to assess these coins is using the Sheldon grading scale, which spans 70 points and defines the coin’s condition from worn to perfect mint state.
Dimes from the first set, minted in 1916, are highly desirable for collectors. Even the last set, issued in 1945, has important value because of its years. However, age alone doesn’t evaluate a coin’s value. For an exact assessment, sending your Mercury dime to a professional grading service is recommended.
Grading Standards for Mercury Dimes
Collectors usually prefer buying Mercury dimes that have been professionally graded. This step is extremely important for rare, high-value coins or those with unique errors. Grading determines a coin’s market value and expected price range, regarding aspects like the coin’s condition, mint mark, date, and any minting errors.
Coins are placed lower on the 70-point Sheldon scale if there is visible wear on their surface. Mint state coins have their grading nuances, and even minor imperfections can guide important differences in value.
Understanding the Grading Scale
The Importance of the Sheldon Grading Scale
The Sheldon scale is essential for determining the specific grade of a coin. Before diving into grading Mercury dimes, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with this scale.
Key Factors in Grading Mercury Dimes
Mercury dimes, composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, have intrinsic value due to their silver content. However, the softness of silver can make grading tricky, as coins are more easy to wear.
Circulated vs. Mint State
The first step in grading is determining whether your dime has been circulated or is always in a mint state. Circulated coins, especially heavily worn ones, can be challenging to grade. Complicating matters further, some Mercury dimes do not wear uniformly. In many cases, the reverse side of the coin shows more wear than the obverse, especially in grades below Very Fine.
Mercury Dime Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
Face Value | Ten cents ($0.10) |
| Composition | 0.900 silver, 0.100 copper |
| Weight | 0.080 troy ounces (2.5 g) |
| Diameter | 0.705 inches (17.91 mm) |
| Thickness | 0.053 inches (1.35 mm) |
Detailed Grading Breakdown
1. About Good (AG3)
Mercury dimes graded as About Good (AG3) are heavily worn, with only important details always visible.
Obverse Features:
- Lady Liberty’s head is visible but the surroundings are bland.
- The edge and lettering blend, but all letters are readable.
- The date and Adolph Weinman’s initial (W) are always identifiable.
Reverse Features:
- The design is worn down, especially the fasces and olive branches.
- Vertical lines and bands are not real.
- Some of the legends may blend with the edge, making it partially unreadable.
2. Good (G, G4)
Coins in this category offer significant wear but have a readable date and some defining features.
Obverse Features:
- Liberty’s head design is flat the only main details included.
- The edge is not completed, and the letters in LIBERTY near the edge are readable..
- The cap and wing on her head are worn smooth.
Reverse Features:
- The fasces outline remains but lacks detail.
- The mint mark is intact, but most of the lettering appears smooth yet legible.
3. Very Good (VG, VG8, VG10)
These dimes are still well-worn but have more described features, making them attractive to some collectors.
Obverse Features:
- The edge is complete, and the letters in LIBERTY stand apart from it.
- Liberty’s head and cap display some outline, although details remain flat.
- The wing shows basic outlines, albeit lacking fine detail.
Reverse Features:
- More irregular than half of the vertical fasces stripes are visible.
- The lettering is clear and separate from the rim.
4. Fine (F, F12, F15)
Dimes in fine condition show moderate wear, with dates and major design elements visible.
Obverse Features:
- A complete edge and small details in Liberty’s hair.
- Some feather details in the wing are visible.
- Curls in the hair are recognizable but combined with the face.
Reverse Features:
- Vertical fasces lines are more evident but lack sharpness.
- Horizontal and diagonal bands show some definition.
- All letters and the mint mark remain clear.
5. Very Fine (VF, VF20, VF25, VF30, VF35)
Dimes graded as Very Fine (VF) exhibit moderate wear with defined primary details.
Obverse Features:
- Liberty’s hair is detailed, with about 75% of the wing’s feathers visible.
- Hair curls are defined but lack depth.
- The separation between the hair and cap is clear.
Reverse Features:
- Most vertical fasces lines are visible, though some are smooth.
- Horizontal bands are present but slightly worn.
- Letters and the mint mark are well-defined.
Higher Grade Details
6. Extra Fine (EF40, EF45)
Coins in this grade show minimal wear, with most details remaining sharp and some mint luster visible.
Obverse Features:
- Detailed hair and wing on the cap.
- Curls at the neck and forehead are real.
- Small wear is visible at high points.
Reverse Features:
- Fasces are different, with small flattening on high points.
- All bands are clear, though main bands may show minimal wear.
- Olive leaves are different and rounded.
7. About Uncirculated (AU50, AU55, AU58)
About Uncirculated dimes have a nearly complete mint luster and show only minor wear.
Obverse Features:
- Defined and sharp details, including Liberty’s hair and cap.
- Minimal wear around the ear and cheek.
Reverse Features:
- Fasces are intact, with only small smoothing.
- All bands, including diagonal ones, are described.
- Leaves remain fully shaped and distinct.
8. Mint State (MS60 to MS70)
Mint state dimes are uncirculated and free from wear.
Obverse Features:
- The highest points, like Liberty’s cheek and jawline, remain sharp.
- Full, even mint luster across the surface.
Reverse Features:
- Bands binding the fasces are crisp.
- All design details are sharp and clear.
- No signs of wear or imperfections.
Special Considerations
- Worn Dies: Be careful of Mercury dimes struck from worn dies, as they usually lack sharp luster and typically don’t grade above MS60. This issue is particularly common with coins minted in San Francisco and Denver during the 1920s.
- Rare Features: Full Bands (FB) are mainly prized on dimes minted in 1945 from Philadelphia, making these pieces valuable and rare compared to their Denver counterparts.
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Conclusion
Mercury dimes are a timeless coin of American numismatic history, offering value across all grades. While coins from the 1940s are more readily graded by collectors, those minted before 1934 often require expert appraisal for accurate valuation. Understanding the Sheldon grading scale and familiarizing yourself with grading standards can help you assess your collection more effectively.