JCR's Mercury Dimes including major varieties
Private
Updated:
12/23/2025
Views: 2,440
After the Lincoln Wheat cent, the Mercury Dime is the second series I collected, I got a 1943 Mercury Dime in change in around 1969 when I was about 9 years old and was absolutely thrilled. I have always liked the design, and it is one of my fav series. Initially I had completed this set in a Dansco Album, but utilizing some grading credits, in late 2023 I had decided to complete a Certified Set to compliment my already complete Proof Mercury Dime Set. As far as the post 1934 issues, with the exception of the 2 overrates, the 1945 micro–S and a couple other exceptions, I did not see the value in sending these late date issues in for grading. I did send in many of the pre 1934 coins and about 50% of those that are in this set, are from my original Dansco Album collection. Interesting side note, both of my over dates had been in PCGS holders, and my 1921 P had been in an NGC holder all 3 came back cleaned on this submission (I did not touch them) an expensive lesson about cracking a coin out of a holder, it also lends value at least to me, of the benefit of another third party (CAC) giving a second opinion of sorts. That said I would much rather have a coin graded by NGC or PCGS with a CAC sticker than one graded by CACG of the same grade, again for reasons of having 2 opinions. Coins that where part of my original Dansco Album are noted in comments with a DL. As much as I would love this set to be competitive as a number 1 or even a top 10 ranking with all FB coins, my budget does not allow this, unless perhaps I cannibalized the rest of my collection. Instead, I have done my best to put together the best set within my budget and taking advise from Q David Bowers in many cases where FB coins are very expensive, I have opted for examples that have great detail overall but don't quite make the FB designation. As one looks through these coins, they would notice that originality with untouched original skin is my preference over coins that have likely been given a quick bath and are blast white. With the possible exception of the 1916 issue in which many were saved as a novelty I would expect that very few of the pre 1931 issues would be blast white without some meddling. As of August of 2024, this set is complete however I will be looking for opportunities to upgrade in several cases. The set is handicapped in terms of registry points as I have elected to keep 4 Gold CACs in the set, a decision I am fine with, but it sure hurts my point total. One last point, while I completed this set in about 10 months once I decided to complete the Certified Mercury Dime set, that is only partially true as a couple of coins in this set have been in my possession for over 50 years, and quite a few others for well over 10 years including the 1916 D which is one I originally purchased about 12 years ago in an NGC holder, cracked out to display in my album and resubmitted. Thankfully that one kept its grade. It's been a fun and educational journey.
5/2025 update, as I have been upgrading this set, I came to the point where I decided I cared more about maximizing set quality and less about sentimental coins from my youth, while I kept many of those coins I have in most cases replaced them in this set. At this point I only have 2 coins left from my original Dansco set in this collection. I still have 3 coins I would still like to upgrade, the 1926 S, and especially the 1927 D and 1927 S, though I do like the eye appeal of the 1927 D. In addition, I have replaced one of my gold CAC coins, the 1944 S, a beautiful coin housed in an old NGC holder, but felt it was too easy to replace with an equally attractive coin with Full Bands.
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JCR's Mercury Dimes including major varieties
By tsevni2
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