Lot 686
1916-D. PCGS graded MS-66 Full Bands. Here is a gorgeous antique toned gem of the key date of the Mercury dime series. The strike is needle sharp throughout, including the all important central bands on the reverse. The toning is a blend of greenish gold and russet, organzied in patches over the fields and devices from long and careful storage. Liberty's cheek is virtually untouched by handling along with her sculptured neck. For the reverse the lettering and devices are all crisp and toned with matching hues to the obverse.
When the Mercury dime was first conceived, the usual difficulties of delayed initial production. Curiously the wide adoption of vending machines required very specific rims and letters away from these rims to properly work in these vending machines. The initial prototype Mercury dimes required minor revisions. Thus the initial pattern Mercury dimes would not have been suitable to these vending marchines, so slight alterations were required to the master hubs before working dies could be made. This gave Denver a late start in 1916, and after 264,000 Denver dimes were struck, the Denver Mint was told to focus on the production of quarters instead. This continued until the end of the year and key date, low mintage issue of the Mercury dime series was born. Today these are sought out in all grades and have remained in strong demand for generations. To find a mint state coin requires considerable wealth and effort, with gems like this all but unheard of available only when major collections are sold. So, if you have been seeking one of these prized rarities in MS-66 FB, then look no furtherr than this lot. Well struck and nicely toned. Popular key date. Pop 20; 14 finer, 4 in 66+ FB, 10 in 67 FB. (PCGS # 4907) Estimated Value $45,000 - UP
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