1916-D Mercury Dime. MS-62 FB (PCGS).An attractive and highly desirable Mint State example of this fabled key date issue in the Mercury dime series. Satiny surfaces are untoned apart from wisps of iridescent gold that are largely confined to the peripheries. The strike is full not only in the centers -- to confirm the Full Bands designation from PCGS -- but also at the borders, where all peripheral devices are distinct from the rims. Pleasingly smooth in appearance for the assigned numeric grade, and sure to catch the eye of the astute bidder. With only 264,000 pieces produced, the 1916-D has the lowest mintage and is the undisputed key date issue in the circulation strike Mercury dime series. The entire mintage was released in November 1916, after which the Denver Mint received orders from Mint Director F.J.H. von Engelken to suspend dime coinage and concentrate on quarters. The Treasury Department had placed orders with the Mint director for four million quarters, and the Denver Mint duly complied striking new examples of the outgoing Barber type. Indeed, the total mintage of the 1916-D Barber quarter reached 6,540,800 pieces, one of the more respectable totals in its series. By the time the Denver Mint resumed coinage of dimes, 1917-dated dies had arrived and the facility set about striking examples of the 1917-D.Scarce in all but the lowest circulated grades, the 1916-D Mercury dime is particularly desirable in Mint State, as here. Such pieces are often sharply struck, and they always display the textured satin finish that is characteristic of the 1916 hub from which the dies were produced. Expertly produced and nicely preserved, the coin offered here would serve as a highlight in even the finest Mercury dime set.From the John Whitney Walter Collection.
