My Encounter with That Suspicious 1916-D Dime on eBay: A Collector’s Alert

As a longtime coin collector, I recently spotted an eBay listing for a 1916-D Mercury Dime that made my spidey senses tingle. Taking a closer look, I uncovered a minefield of warning signs that remind us how risky online purchases can be – especially for big-ticket rarities like this beauty.

The Telltale Signs on That Suspicious 1916-D

When I studied the listing, several things just didn’t add up. Here’s what jumped out at me:

• The coin had that artificially “aged” look fakes often show, not the natural wear you’d expect from circulation
• The PCGS slab label was slightly misaligned – tiny details matter with authentic holders
• Greysheet/CPG values this dime around $8,600-$11,000, but they priced it at just $4,000 – way too cheap to be real
• Design elements like the lettering and olive branch were noticeably off-center
• A shockingly short 7-day auction for such a rare piece (serious coins usually get more time)
• When I scanned the barcode? It pulled up an 1893-S Morgan dollar – total mismatch

Honestly, what chilled me was how convincing this fake appeared at first glance. The toning almost passed muster, but dead giveaways like the rim slicing through the “O” in “One” revealed its true nature.

Staying Safe When Hunting Online

After this close call, I’ve tightened up my own vetting routine. Here’s what works for me:

• Scan every barcode: Free QR apps are essential – mismatches mean trouble
• Compare with known real examples: PCGS TruView or past auction photos help spot differences in wear and design
• Dig into seller history: This guy had multiple shady listings, including 1889-CC Morgans with invalid certs – nearly $18k in potential fraud!
• Question the grading: If a coin looks too perfect or shows artificial toning like this dime, be skeptical
• Trust your gut on pricing: Deals that seem too good usually are

I always report suspicious listings, though eBay’s system dismissed this one immediately – frustrating when platforms accidentally enable fraud. Remember to use the question mark icon on desktop to flag issues.

Why This Matters to All of Us

Fakes like this 1916-D dime poison our hobby. They scare off new collectors and undermine trust in the market. Stick with reputable dealers, verify everything, and keep reporting problem listings – even when it feels like shouting into the void. Staying sharp helps protect what we love about coin collecting.