The Ultimate Guide to Spotting Rare 1929-S DDO Mercury Dimes: My Cherrypicking Journey

Introduction: The Hidden Treasure in Plain Sight

Most people look right past the tiny details that can turn a common item into a rarity worth thousands. As an error coin hunter, I’ve learned that the difference between a $10 Mercury dime and a $10,000 specimen often comes down to recognizing subtle variations that most collectors overlook. My quest for a 1929-S DDO (Double Die Obverse) dime taught me invaluable lessons about identifying die cracks, double dies, mint mark variations, and specific errors that can transform an ordinary coin into a numismatic treasure.

Understanding the 1929-S DDO Mercury Dime

The 1929-S Mercury dime is already a sought-after date in the series, but when you add the DDO variety to the mix, you’re dealing with something truly special. This particular variety features distinct doubling on the obverse (front) of the coin, primarily visible in the date and lettering. What makes this coin particularly challenging to find is that it’s often unattributed in third-party holders, meaning collectors can potentially cherrypick these rarities from unsuspecting sellers.

The Double Die Phenomenon

A double die occurs during the minting process when the die itself receives a doubled impression from the hub. This results in design elements appearing slightly doubled on the finished coin. For the 1929-S DDO, the doubling is most prominent in:

• The date numerals (especially the “29” portion)
• The motto “LIBERTY”
• The designer’s initials “JS” (for Adolph A. Weinman)

My Cherrypicking Journey: From VF35 to MS65FB

When I first started collecting Mercury dime varieties several years ago, I created a targeted list of the most desirable doubled dies in the series. The 1929-S DDO was high on that list, and I was determined to find one in better condition than the typical circulated examples that dominate the market.

The First Discovery: A VF35 Gem

My initial find was a VF35 (Very Fine 35) example that I spotted in a dealer’s inventory. While it might seem excessive to have such a coin graded, I was thrilled to have successfully identified my first cherrypicked doubled die. This coin represented more than just a collectible – it was proof that with knowledge and patience, you can find valuable varieties hiding in plain sight.

Upgrading the Hunt: Seeking AU and Better

As my collecting focus evolved toward higher grades (AU and MS), I realized I needed to upgrade my 1929-S DDO. However, finding already-attributed examples in AU condition proved challenging. The few that appeared on the market were either priced above guide value or had eye appeal issues that made them less desirable.

Identifying Key Markers: The Art of Authentication

Successfully identifying a 1929-S DDO requires understanding the specific markers that distinguish it from normal strikes. Here’s what to look for:

Primary Doubling Characteristics

The most reliable indicators of the 1929-S DDO are found in the date area. The doubling is typically strongest on the numerals “2” and “9” in the date. Look for a clear separation between the doubled images, especially on the right side of these numerals.

Mint Mark Verification

Since this is a San Francisco mint issue, proper identification of the “S” mint mark is crucial. The mint mark should be sharply struck and properly positioned. Any weakness or unusual characteristics in the mint mark could indicate damage or alteration rather than a genuine variety.

Dual Band Assessment

For uncirculated examples, the presence of Full Bands (FB) on the fasces reverse is highly desirable. The horizontal bands should show complete separation with full detail. My MS65FB example demonstrates how important proper lighting and examination is for FB determination.

The eBay Discovery: An Unattributed MS64

The breakthrough in my collecting journey came when I spotted an unattributed 1929-S in an MS64 ANACS holder on eBay. The coin appeared original and problem-free, but lacked attribution for the DDO variety. This is where knowledge becomes your greatest asset – recognizing the characteristics of the variety despite the lack of attribution.

The Importance of Fresh Eyes

Even though the coin was already in a third-party holder, I decided to crack it out for several reasons:

• To remove what appeared to be loose debris on the surfaces
• To give the coin a fresh examination for Full Bands
• To prepare it for proper attribution

Conservation and Preparation

Before submitting the coin for attribution, I performed a careful conservation using acetone. This process revealed several important discoveries:

The Acetone Bath Revelation

Initially, I noticed what appeared to be black flecks on the coin’s surface. After the acetone bath, not only did these flecks come off easily, but I discovered there had been an underlying film of gunk that was affecting the coin’s true appearance. The result was a coin that looked far more brilliant and pristine than before – a reminder that proper conservation can reveal a coin’s true character.

Third-Party Grading and Attribution

After conservation, I submitted the coin to CACG (Certified Acceptance Corporation Grading). The results exceeded my expectations:

The Grading Results

• Upgraded from MS64 to MS65
• Received Full Bands designation
• Proper attribution as 1929-S DDO

Population Report Analysis

Understanding the rarity of your find is crucial for appreciating its significance. For the 1929-S DDO in MS65FB condition, the population is remarkably low:

• PCGS: 3 specimens in MS65FB, 3 finer
• NGC: 0 specimens in MS65FB
• CACG: 1 specimen in MS65FB, 1 finer

This places my coin among the top 8 known examples of this variety in the highest grade with Full Bands – a truly remarkable achievement for a cherrypicked coin.

Key Lessons for Error Coin Hunters

Patience and Persistence Pay Off

My journey from a VF35 example to an MS65FB specimen took years of searching and waiting for the right opportunity. The key is to remain persistent and not settle for less than what you’re seeking.

Knowledge is Your Greatest Tool

Understanding the specific characteristics of the variety you’re seeking is crucial. Study attribution guides, examine certified examples, and learn to recognize the key markers that distinguish genuine varieties from normal strikes or post-mint damage.

Don’t Overlook Unattributed Coins

Many valuable varieties sit in third-party holders without proper attribution. Learning to recognize these unattributed rarities can lead to significant finds at reasonable prices.

Conservation Can Reveal Hidden Beauty

Proper, careful conservation can sometimes reveal a coin’s true character. However, this should only be done when you understand the process and potential risks involved.

Conclusion: The Thrill of the Hunt

My journey from a modest VF35 1929-S DDO to an MS65FB example represents the ultimate success story for a cherrypicker. It demonstrates that with knowledge, patience, and persistence, collectors can find extraordinary coins hiding in plain sight. The 1929-S DDO Mercury dime is a perfect example of how understanding die varieties, recognizing key markers, and being willing to take calculated risks can lead to numismatic treasures that might otherwise remain undiscovered.

For error coin hunters, the lesson is clear: keep studying, keep searching, and never underestimate the potential of unattributed coins. Your next great find might be just one careful examination away.

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