I don't own this rainbow-toned Mercury dime ....... yet. Should I?

[James_OldeTowne]

My digital camera just went kaput over the weekend, but before it did, I was able to burn off these two images, each taken under a different lighting angle. What's your opinion of this Merc? Should I get it, or pass? Technical grade is about MS-63, excellent FSB.

 

 

Thanks!

 

James

[errorist]

More like MS 67 or 68 FSB.

[CarlWohlforth]

I like it and would buy it if the price was right. It does look better than a 63 from here The bands look very well struck, the lettering at the edge don't seem as well struck.

[airplanenut]

Looks like a pretty coin--I won't venture a grade since usually marks are hidden when the toning, not lustre, is accented in the picture.

[jom]

It isn't the marks you can't see that hinders being able to grade this. It is the LUSTER you can't see in the picture. The grade on this particular coin will depend heavily on how nice the luster is....

 

jom

[James_OldeTowne]

Actually, I'm not so concerned about the absolute grade. It's a technical MS-63, with light bagmarks and very good cartwheel luster consistent with a Choice grade. I'm more interested in whether you think the toning is just OK, very nice, or mind-boggling! How strong a premium should I pay? I already know I'll be over trends.

 

The images accurately depict the color and contrast of the toning - almost perfectly symmetrical from side to side except it's a tad weaker on the right.

 

Thanks all!

 

James

[BillJones]

My comments are based on the photo. If I saw it in person, I might say something else.

 

I think that the toning is OK, but nothing outstanding. The toning collectors are looking for something that is more colorful.

 

As for weather on not its original, I can't say for sure, but my first reaction is "original now." By that I mean that it might have been dipped some time ago and has acquired this toning. It does not look like the doctored type stuff that is done in a matter of minutes.

 

It is certainly a decent looking coin, and it's a full Mint State piece. It just depends how much you have to pay for it.

[Hoot]

I really like the piece and it's exactly what I'd look for for my album collection of Mercs. I like the subtle thin bands of toning and the coppery surfaces in the center of both obv/rev. The device details are excellent with just a little peripheral weakness in ONE. If the price is right, I'd be a taker.

 

Hoot

[James_OldeTowne]

All right, guess I'll spill the beans! Would this be a good buy at $100?

 

James

[Hoot]

If the coin is a 63FSB, it would have to LEAP at me for the $100 price. As a 64FSB, it would have to strike me as superior. By the photos, I think it looks quite nice.

 

Hoot

[TomB]

It's tough to tell much from the images even though they appear to be quite good. I wouldn't pay $100 for that coin, though, as it doesn't have the eye appeal I would pay for. By the way, it seems to have a partial print on the obverse in front of Ms Liberty's chin.

[Strat-migration]

I like the coin, thinking it's attractive, but not spectacular. I also would have trouble paying a $100 price for a 63/64 FB example. Hope that helps.

[BillJones]

A hundred bucks is pretty stiff for that coin.

[James_OldeTowne]

I've decided to trade for the coin instead of buying it outright, so my "cost" is a choice, original XF bust half in exchange for the merc. Thanks for all the valuable insights and suggestions.

 

James