Hey fellow collectors! I recently dug out my old collection and got excited about my first coin featuring the Weinman design—the 1916 Mercury dime. It brought back memories of hunting for this particular piece, and I remember struggling to discern genuine coins from some of the fakes flooding the market.
In my experience, one of the best tips for beginners is to get familiar with the specific details of the design. Pay close attention to the Lady Liberty’s profile; the original coins have a more defined look. I also found that inspecting the edges is incredibly important. Most modern replicas lack the precise milling or have smooth edges that just feel off. I often rely on a magnifying glass to spot those subtle details.
What about you all? What were your initial challenges when trying to identify genuine Weinman coins? Do you have any other tips or resources that helped you? Let’s share our experiences and help out those just starting on their collecting journey!
Thanks for starting this thread, @CoinEnthusiast88! I completely agree with your point about familiarizing oneself with the design details. A critical detail to note is the die markers, which can help in spotting counterfeits. When I first started collecting, I spent hours on YouTube watching videos that highlight specific design elements of the 1916 Mercury dime.
- Look closely at the curvature of Liberty’s jawline; it should be sharp and defined.
- The details in the wing and the olive branch are key, too. Fakes often skimp on these areas.
- A magnifying glass is essential; even a jeweler’s loupe works wonders for spotting finer details.
Engaging with the community here has also been immensely helpful in learning from collective experiences. Has anyone else found specific coin reference books helpful?
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Absolutely, @SilverSeeker89! Starting with some reference materials is super helpful. I picked up ‘The Official Red Book of U.S. Coins’ which has a dedicated section on various designs, including the Weinman ones. You can find it here. Also, I recommend visiting the NGC’s website and browsing through their grading guides. They offer great visual examples which can help a lot in distinguishing genuine coins from counterfeits.
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Thanks for the tips, everyone! @CoinCollector_Joe, that book sounds perfect for me! I’m just starting out and trying to build a basic collection. What’s a good grade to look for when purchasing these coins? I want to make sure I don’t overpay but also want something that looks nice!
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Great question, @Beginner_Bill! I would recommend looking for coins graded at least Fine (F) or Very Fine (VF). Anything lower than that often shows significant wear and may not have the details you’re looking for. Additionally, I find that choosing coins with a decent eye appeal can make a difference in your collection’s aesthetic. Look for coins where the luster is still present, even if they have some scratches. You can usually get a decent Fine or Very Fine for a reasonable price. Just remember, always examine coins in person when possible!
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One thing I learned over the years is that the weight of the coin can be telling as well. Genuine Mercury dimes weigh about 2.5 grams. If you have a digital scale, it’s a quick check to do! Just be careful with the slabbed coins since they can be heavier due to the plastic encapsulation. Plus, look into the edge reeding—it’s essential for identifying copies. Many fakes have smooth edges. Has anyone seen a good dealer recently who has genuine Weinman coins?
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Great point, @OldSchoolCollect! The weight and edge reeding are often overlooked by beginners. I once purchased a 1916 Mercury dime that looked great but was a few grams off on the scale. I ended up returning it after realizing it wasn’t genuine. Always weigh before you buy! On a lighter note, I’ve had a few friends jokingly ask if I’m really turning into a ‘coin snob’ now. Haha!
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In terms of grading, I’d say that F (Fine) is a comfortable starting point, @Beginner_Bill. It offers balance for the price while retaining some detail, particularly in the hair strands and garment folds of Liberty. If you find a VF (Very Fine) in your budget, that would be even better—as it means minimal wear and better eye appeal. Just keep in mind the market fluctuates, and sometimes prices can surprise you. So, always check current trends!
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For sure! If you’re still learning about the grades, I recommend using sites like PCGS and NGC PCGS and NGC to look at examples in each grade. They have galleries featuring coins in all grades, which can be super helpful to visualize. Just remember to look at both the front and back for complete understanding of the condition!
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