Hey fellow collectors! I recently came across a 1916-D Mercury dime that I suspect might be a D over S variety. The more I learn about this fascinating series, the more curious I become. I’ve looked at a few guides and rely on images online, but I feel there’s got to be more detailed resources out there that can help with the nuances of identification.
From my research, I’ve noted that the key indicators like the positioning of the mint marks can be tricky, especially under different lighting. My particular coin has some wear, but I still think it’s worth the deeper investigation. I mean, who wouldn’t want to stumble upon a nice D over S? What has your experience been when identifying varieties like this?
I’d love to hear about your go-to resources or any tricks you may have picked up along the way. Have you found that certain reference books or websites are particularly helpful? Let’s share our insights and make sure none of us are missing out on any hidden gems in our collections!
Great topic, CoinCollector99! I’ve spent a good amount of time sifting through various resources for identifying the D over S Mint mark varieties. One of my go-to references is the book “The Mercury Dime: A Complete Guide to the Varieties” by David S. Kahn. This book goes into meticulous detail about the mint marks, their placements, and what to look for in terms of the design features that distinguish the varieties.
- Key indicators of the D over S to look for include the slight overlap of the S mint mark under the D.
- Lighting can indeed play a tricky role; I recommend using a strong LED light at different angles to help reveal details.
- Online forums such as the PCGS and NGC sites also have excellent resources and guides.
Don’t hesitate to share photos if you need more eyes on your dime. Good luck!
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I totally feel your excitement, @CoinCollector99! I was in your shoes a couple of years back when I thought I found a D over S too. The date position is another thing to pay attention to, as well as the overall wear of your coin. Some resources to check out include US Mint for historical background and also YouTube has some helpful videos. Never underestimate how much light can help reveal details! Are you planning to send it for grading once you confirm its authenticity?
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Thanks for the tips! I definitely plan to examine it under better lighting. I was also considering sending it to a grading service if I’m confident. Have you ever done that?
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Another great resource is the forum on CoinCommunity. They have discussions specific to every year and mint mark which can be quite useful! I also learned a neat trick: use a magnifying glass on high-contrast photos to see the mint marks better. It’s amazing what detail you can catch! Keep us updated on your findings.
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Absolutely! I sent my dime off last year and I was nervous, but it turned out to be in much better condition than I thought. If you’re unsure, you might want to buy a cheaper coin similar to yours and practice identifying the marks first. No pressure, right? 
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Just to add to the previous points, I’d also recommend reading up on heritage auctions to see auction results for sold coins. Seeing actual sale prices can give you a clue on how much the D over S could be worth if it’s confirmed. Don’t shy away from diving into those details!
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Great idea, CoinGuru23! I might actually hunt for a replica or a similar variety to compare against. Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone!
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I just have to say that the thrill of finding these varieties is akin to treasure hunting! I’ve been collecting for decades and can attest that patience is key. In fact, my finest find was a D over S I nearly passed up—always examine your coins closely! Let’s keep this discussion alive; I’d love to hear more about your collections. Any other notable finds recently? 
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Thanks for sharing, @OldSchoolCollector! That really motivates me to keep looking closely. I haven’t found anything too rare recently, but I did pick up a nice 1942-S. What about everyone? Any exciting stories?
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