1916 D Mercury Dime

It could happen tomorrow.

The 1916-D Mercury Dime is the true key date of the series. The coin has a mintage of just 264,000 pieces, which makes it the lowest of the series. It also represents the only coin of the entire series that had a mintage below the one million mark.

The entire mintage was struck during November 1916. At the end of the month, it was decided that the Denver Mint should focus production on quarters to fulfill a large order from the Treasury Department. The production of all other denominations was suspended through the end of the year. As a result of these circumstances, the Denver Mint’s production of 264,000 dimes became the final mintage.

Many of the 1916-D Mercury Dimes were saved, providing a steady supply of the key date coin for collectors. The popularity of the series and perception of rarity have kept demand for the coin very strong over the years. According to PCGS and NGC population reports, the finest known examples are graded MS67FB. Although the reports show eight coins graded as such, this number is likely inflated by resubmissions.

One of the pieces graded MS67FB with gorgeous toning and CAC verification recently realized a price of $195,500 at an auction held in August 2010. At the other end of the spectrum, prices for well circulated pieces graded G-4 are around the $1,000 level.
 

alaskanfever said:
Hey guys i just bought a bunch of dimes last night a bunch say 100 dollars worth that is all the cash i had on me. But i was hoping to find that one hard to get dime. Has anyone had any luck or heard of anyone finding one of these coins in circulation? :read2:
The NYC subway hoard had a few of these.
A few being 241 of them.
 

On another forum somebody found an AG-3 1914-D Buffalo nickel while roll searching, which is probably a $50 coin. I've also heard of people finding 1914-D cents and 1909 VDB (no S). Those are pretty much the rarest key date coins I've heard of being found. I'm still crossing my fingers for that 1916 SLQ that's out there for me.
 

Rich in Hartford found one awhile ago. Being that he wasn't a coin collector, he wasn't aware of it's unique status. He admitted to selling it with some junk silver. Hopefully, Steve will chime in and set the story straight or perhaps another member can research Rich's past posts and find some evidence of the story.
 

The 1916d would be a life-time find! I once dug a 1921 Mercury at an old school. I had no idea it was a semi-key date. Unfortunately, years ago someone did damage to it looking like poking it hundreds of times with a thumb tack. :-[
 

All roll hunters should educate themselves on the basic key dates of the coins they're searching. I know a lot "only care about silver" but if they find something like a 1916-D, they can easily exchange it for big piles of silver.
 

DigginThePast said:
Diver_Down said:
Rich in Hartford found one awhile ago. Being that he wasn't a coin collector, he wasn't aware of it's unique status. He admitted to selling it with some junk silver. Hopefully, Steve will chime in and set the story straight or perhaps another member can research Rich's past posts and find some evidence of the story.

:thumbsup:

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,284877.msg2038784.html#msg2038784

Thanks, Diggin. I remember the Easy Come, Easy Go part which epitomized his spirit. RIP Rich.
 

captainfwiffo said:
All roll hunters should educate themselves on the basic key dates of the coins they're searching. I know a lot "only care about silver" but if they find something like a 1916-D, they can easily exchange it for big piles of silver.

Whenever I find anything like a Merc, I run a Google on whatever date/mintmark combo I have.
 

I've found a half-dozen 1916 mercs in the last couple years, mostly dug. No D yet. I call the plain 1916 mercs, "heartbreakers."
 

Metal detecting an old park in Nebraska a few years ago, I dug a 1916, a 1916s, and a 1916 Canadian dime. In a couple of hours hunt I had them all but the good one. BTW there are no targets left in that park, I dug every piece of metal, foil, etc.
 

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