How scarce are PL Mercury Dimes?

[JIM F.]

I was fortunate enough to pick this one up, but don't seem to see them available on the market. Are these sleepers?

[Coindude]

I'm waiting for Jason to chime in on this one.

[brg5658]

Well, from the NGC populations as of today (Aug 1, 2011), there have been the following:

 

ALL YEARS 1916-1945:

 

Non-full band examples:

Total graded: 63,618

Total with PL attrib: 15

Percent with PL attrib: 0.023% (one in every 4241 coins)

 

Full band examples:

Total graded: 46,568

Total with PL attrib: 35

Percent with PL attrib: 0.075% (one in every 1331 coins)

 

TOTALS (FB and non-FB):

Total graded: 110,186

Total with PL attrib: 50

Percent with PL attrib: 0.045% (one in every 2204 coins)

 

Based on this, I would say they are pretty rare!

(Edit) BUT, 29 of those 35 FB PL coins are the 1941-S!!

[physics-fan3.14]

PL Mercs are fairly common, as far as prooflikes go. Actually, they are among the easiest non-modern series to get prooflike (besides the obvious Morgan). As BRG pointed out, most of them are 41S. I used to own a 65 FB PL, but traded it up for a 67 FB PL. I also bought a 1940D that is 64 * FB, but is almost fully prooflike.

 

In the 1940's and 1950's, many dates of S mint coins (from all series) exhibit prooflike fields. These coins are almost always characterised by strong die polish. The larger devices are usually reflective as well as the fields, showing no cameo contrast. This differs from the 19th century's cameo'd prooflikes which were created from basining the dies.

 

PL Mercs are consistently attractive. The mirrors are usually not as deep as a true proof, but the majority of them are well struck and make a great presentation. They come up for auction several times a year, so are quite easy to find if you keep your eye out. There is a 68 FB PL for sale on Heritage right now, actually. Anyways, enough talking, here is the 65 that I used to own:

 

 

And the 1940D:

 

[mkman123]

Wow Pl mercs are nice!

[JIM F.]

Just for fun, let me post these gold PL's! I couldn't resist.

[physics-fan3.14]

Wow Pl mercs are nice!

 

Just for fun, I'll post my 67 FB PL also: