Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Mercury Dime

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Expert: - 9/13/2010


Question

Mercury Dime
Hello Ronald,
In my collection I have 1 Mercury Dime that does not have a date on it. I have used super magnification on it and there is no evidence that there was ever one on the coin. What should I do with it? Is there a value to an old coin with a mint error? Your expertise will be appreciated. Thank You

Answer
Hi Karen:

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to answer your question.

It's likely you may have a filled die. A filled die occurs when grease, dirt and metal particles compact into a die. The dies that strike coins are recessed so that when they strike a planchet (a metal blank), the metal of the planchet rises to fill in the die. That's why letters, numbers, words and designs are raised on coins. If the recesses of the die fill up with sludge, (which is a very common occurrence in a factory like the Mint), this sludge will prevent letters or numbers from forming during the strike.

A filled die is a very common form of minor error and does not add significant numismatic value to the coin. Filled die errors are known on every series and denomination of coin ever struck by the U.S. Mint, from the very first large cent to the Presidential Dollars being struck today. Judging from your photo, your coin would likely bring between $10 to $25 from an interested error collector.

You may want to check US coin listings under errors on ebay from time to time to see if your error is listed what this type of error brings.

Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your coins to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentVery pleased with the entire experience. Will definetly return with any questions I may have. Thank you!!


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Ronald Fern

Expertise

I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.

Experience

Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.

Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG

Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News

Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964 BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968

Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.

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