Grading My Quest to Cherrypick a Nice 1929-S DDO Dime: The Difference Between $10 and $1,000

The 1929-S DDO: A Cherrypicker’s Dream

In the world of numismatics, condition is everything. When examining a Mercury dime for grade determination, particularly one with a doubled die obverse (DDO) variety like the 1929-S, the difference between a VF35 and an MS65 can represent thousands of dollars in value. Let me walk you through the critical elements that separate the grades and explain why this particular coin journey is so remarkable.

Historical Significance of the 1929-S Mercury Dime

The Mercury dime series, minted from 1916 to 1945, represents one of America’s most beloved coin designs. The 1929-S issue from the San Francisco Mint had a mintage of just 6,634,000 pieces, making it a relatively common date. However, the doubled die obverse variety is exceptionally scarce, with the doubling most visible on the date and Liberty’s profile.

Wear Patterns: The Foundation of Grading

When examining wear patterns on a Mercury dime, professional graders focus on several key areas:

• The Full Bands (FB) on the reverse fasces – This is perhaps the most critical element for Mercury dimes. The horizontal bands holding the rods together must show complete separation with no merging or weakness
• Liberty’s winged cap – The high points include the hair curls above the ear and the wing feathers
• The central devices – The cheek, jaw, and neck area show wear first on circulated coins
• The fields – These should remain free of significant marks or abrasions in higher grades

Luster Quality Assessment

The luster on a Mercury dime tells the story of its preservation. In the case of the 1929-S DDO discussed here, the original poster noted significant improvement after removing contaminants. This highlights an important grading consideration:

The presence of film, residue, or foreign substances can mask the true luster quality of a coin. Professional graders look for original mint luster that is complete, unbroken, and shows the characteristic “cartwheel” effect when rotated under light.

Strike Quality: The San Francisco Advantage

San Francisco Mint coins are typically known for their sharp strikes, and this 1929-S DDO is no exception. The doubling itself is a product of the hubbing process, but the overall strike quality affects how well the doubling is displayed. A well-struck coin will show:

• Crisp detail in the feathers of Liberty’s winged cap
• Clear separation in the bands on the reverse
• Sharp definition in the leaves and branches

Eye Appeal: The X-Factor

Eye appeal encompasses several elements that go beyond technical grading:

• Color and toning – Original, even toning enhances eye appeal, while uneven or harsh toning can detract
• Surface quality – The absence of distracting marks, scratches, or spots
• Overall presentation – How the coin appears when viewed as a whole

PCGS/NGC Standards for Mercury Dimes

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) use similar standards for Mercury dimes. For the FB designation specifically:

• Full Bands requires complete separation of all four horizontal bands on the reverse
• Full Split Bands is the older terminology still used by some services

The Grading Journey: VF35 to MS65

The progression from a VF35 to an MS65 represents a dramatic improvement in both technical grade and market value. At VF35, the coin shows moderate wear with all major elements still visible but flattened on the high points. By MS65, the coin should have:

• No trace of wear
• Original mint luster nearly complete
• Very minor contact marks visible only under magnification
• Excellent eye appeal

Population Reports and Rarity

The population data shared for the MS66FB grade provides crucial context:

PCGS: 3/3, NGC: 0/0, CACG: 1/1

This indicates extreme rarity at the MS66FB level, with only three known examples across all major grading services. The CACG population of 1/1 means this is the only example certified by Certified Acceptance Corporation at this grade level.

Authentication and Attribution

The journey of this coin through different holders (ANACS to CACG) demonstrates the importance of proper attribution. The doubled die variety required expert examination to confirm, and the upgrade from MS64 to MS65 shows how different grading services can evaluate the same coin differently.

Market Implications

The significant price difference between grades cannot be overstated. A 1929-S DDO in VF35 might trade for $50-$100, while an MS65FB example could command $1,000-$2,000 or more, depending on the specific market conditions and buyer interest.

Conclusion: The Art and Science of Grading

This collector’s journey from a VF35 example to an MS65FB represents the pinnacle of what many numismatists strive for: finding exceptional quality in unexpected places. The combination of variety attribution, high technical grade, and full bands designation makes this particular 1929-S DDO one of the most significant examples known. For serious Mercury dime collectors, coins of this caliber represent the ultimate prize in their collecting journey.

The story also serves as an excellent case study in the importance of proper conservation, expert attribution, and understanding the nuances of grading standards. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your numismatic journey, the lessons from this 1929-S DDO provide valuable insights into what makes certain coins truly special.

Related Resources

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