Collectors didn’t have a lot of time on Thursday to order the new 2016-W Mercury Dime Centennial Gold Coin. The 24-karat gold coin went on back order after about 20 minutes and then became unavailable by the 40-minute mark.
"The status of the Mercury Dime 2016 Centennial Gold Coin will remain as currently unavailable until all order reconciliations and order cancellations have been processed," U.S. Mint spokesman Michael White said in a brief statement.
The U.S. Mint set the mintage of the highly-anticipated collectible to 125,000 and it imposed a household ordering limit of 10 pieces.
Many who ordered or tried needed patience. A number of buyers described their difficulties in ordering online because of the volume of traffic, saying they experienced website sluggishness and connection timeouts — especially within the first 10 to 15 minutes.
Curiously, Mint officials didn’t have significant stats available for CoinNews at this writing, such as how many coins sold in the very early going or how many were at its fulfillment warehouse for shipping. We’ll offer more information here as it becomes available.
At $205 per coin, excluding shipping and if they all sold out, the United States Mint would take in orders totaling more than $25.6 million. The collector coins are already selling in the secondary market at significant premiums. Those in original packing have prices from around $295 to $350 while early release MS70s are listed from around $400 to $600.
The gold Mercury dime is one of three .9999 fine gold coins the U.S. Mint will release in 2016 to celebrate popular designs introduced 100 year ago. Launching later in the year are the gold Standing Liberty quarter and the gold Walking Liberty half-dollar. (See mock-ups of these gold coins.)
The centennial issues are struck to weights of 1/10 oz. gold for the dime, 1/4 oz. gold for the quarter, and 1/2 oz. gold for the half-dollar. The 1916-dated coins bearing the original designs have a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper.
Thought this was considered mint state and the next two will be proofs.
Roxie –
The three gold 2016 centennial coins from U.S. Mint are all Uncirculated (Mint State) regular business strike coins within no special finish according to the U.S. Mint’s website & earlier press release about the 3-coin program this year. They are NOT “Specimen” coins & are NOT Proof coins according to the U.S. Mint. Don’t be fooled by NGC which is grading them as specimens (SP). PCGS, the top grading service, is grading them correctly as Mint State (MS) coins.
Happy collecting Roxie!
-NumisDudeTX
I just received confirmation that all of my orders have been “Shipped.”
njpba600, You didn’t mention if you were able to buy one. I’m guessing not.
My first ever comment. I ordered three. Got notice of shipping today. Was excited because I’ve collected coins 60 years and am passing the collection onto my “three” grandchildren thus the three ordered. No greed involved here as only want to pass my passion onto three new collectors. Hope some of you do the same.
That is awesome!!! That’s how I got started. My grandfather’s collection went to my mom. And when she passed on I inherited her collection. When I was little she would get me coins and we will talk about them. It was wonderful. When I have kids I plan on doing the same thing for them.
njpba600, This coin is not a “specimen!” The mint did not use special striking for it. The U.S. Mint never said it was a specimen. Why NGC is using SP for grading this true business strike is only for sales, IMO. That is why I’m not buying this coin graded by NGC. That is if I even buy a graded one. “Investor Education” ????? Someone needs to educate you! I’m sorry but, REALLY???? I am a collector of coins, die cast cars and model cars. I’m not an investor so maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about. But I… Read more »
njpba600,
I do agree with the other “4” of the 5 on your list.
njpba600 – the point which was left out of your comment is the gold Mercury Dime is the most affordable of the 2016 three gold commemoratives. This means the coin’s price is within the reach of more collectors – which will serve to maintain demand for it.
To all the responders on my post. It was not my comment or opinion and the words are not mine. I only found the info online and re-posted it here word for word just for conversational purposes. I’ve been a serious collector/investor of coins & bullion for about 40+ years and I like the coin and tried to purchase one of them but I never received the notice from the mint that I asked for (as I posted here earlier). The prices on eBay will eventually come down a bit for awhile after the frenzy and I’ll possibly get one… Read more »
My 3 gold dimes shipped yesterday 4-25 by UPS Next Day by 10:30am with adult signature required for delivery on 4-26 (yes, I paid extra for expedited shipping for peace of mind). Can’t wait to see them in person later this morning! It will be interesting to see if they have Full Split Bands since the Mint’s photos are not clear enough to tell. You would think with 24k gold being the most malleable precious metal & these were each struck twice according to the Mint (but are not Proofs) that they would have Full Bands. Please let me know… Read more »
Sadly still waiting. Getting early order means nothing as relates to shipping. #04118XXX and still in PROCESSING.
Seth looked forward to what you think of them.
Boy this fed ex “smart post” takes forever…I hope i’ll still be around to receive it.
I could croak by then.. sheeeesh 🙁
I have seen some of the Mercury coins on Ebay certified by PCGS that are also graded as SP. Not just NGC doing this.
I ordered my coin at 9:04 on Thursday. It shipped yesterday as FedEx Smartpost with delivery shown as 4/30.
I received my 3 gold 2016-W “Mercury” dimes by UPS Next Day Expedited shipping from the Mint this morning at 9:30am CT. They look great! They have an even coloration with a slight satin look to the surfaces. But, the bands on the fasces on the reverse are not Full Split Bands (FSB or FB depending on the grading services abbreviations they use for this important feature). On all 3 coins I got, the top two bands are flat & the bottom band has some separation on the band as originally designed on the original 1916 Winged Liberty Head dime.… Read more »
Happy to hear the good news Seth. My 1 coin should be arriving Thursday, And hope it’s a beauty.
I called my local Fed ex about Smart post. They said the final delivery for Smart post is by USPS. Never used Smart post so has anyone experienced this type delivery on a FedEx Smart post?
I’ve had packages through Fed Ex Smart Post. If you use the lowest level shipping, they will ship it through Fed Ex. Once Fed Ex receives it, they deliver it to your local post office where they sort it and deliver it. I suppose they do that to save money and for the insurance. You won’t be able to track it through USPS tracking, you’ll have to track it through Fed Ex.
I have Rick. Mine is being delivered by smartpost as well, Then switches to usps.
It’s ok if you have the patience. It’s very very very very slow…
I received my mine today by UPS. I was very excited to see what it looked like.
Unfortunately, the strike seems soft. Not a lot of detail for what is supposed to be a collector coin. As Seth said about his, the top and middle bands are flat with a hint of separation on the lower band. A pretty coin with no visible marks but a soft strike on both the obverse and the reverse.
That’s a shame.
As I explained here a few days ago, I always pay extra for expedited shipping by UPS Next Day by 10:30am since it gets to me overnight with signature required once it is ready to ship from warehouse. On one very small order little over 2 years ago, when this new company took over the call center & fulfillment center warehouse, I used the $4.95 budget shipping option & I learned what Fed Ex SmartPost is. It took 12 days from the day it shipped from Memphis, Tennessee to get to me in Austin, Texas! (I can drive to Memphis… Read more »
Thanks for the feedback on your coins Seth. Glad you are happy with them.
Finally happy to report just received shipped email for my 12:05p confirmed order #04118xxx.
I received my first one today. That one I will keep sealed.
The second one (due tomorrow or Thursday) I will open and hopefully enjoy.
Seth Riesling,
Happy to hear that at least one collector did receive the coin and was pleased with it without having to go to the secondary market. Perhaps your two older nephews will be collectors too.
I was surprised thou that your order did not ship on Friday (4/22); were you?
Things sure are quiet about sales etc from the mint. You would think there should be a press release or something by now from them.
Will the mint change plans for the next two? Will be interesting.
Christopher Williams,
Glad you got part of your order. When you open one, please let us know your thoughts too.
Chuck-
I certainly will.
njpba600,
Sorry about that. I will look that up and let them know. Sorry to hear you were not able to get one. I also believe the prices will drop. How much?? I don’t know since I’m just a collector.
I bought one and it will ship UPS Ground but it is still in the “processing” stage. I wonder when it will ship? I can’t get any answers out of the Mint.
Roxie – Congrats on getting your shipping confirmation finally. I hope you get a problem-free beautiful coin! Chuck – I wasn’t surprised that my 3 coins didn’t ship on Friday since my order was at 12:06 & they sold almost all the 125,000 coins I hear from a very reliable source. So they had tons of packages to fill & ship & they don’t ship on Saturday or Sunday. For some reason the Mint has not issued an official statement of exactly how many coins have sold. Hopefully there are a few left to offer soon (I hear there may… Read more »
Thx Seth. I’m excited. I also hope no issues with shipping and the quality especially due to the cost. Haven’t felt this excited since 25th anniversary AST set. I missed out on 2008 au fractional buffs. This one won’t be as rare but it is my most favorite coin design. I hope to be able to afford a couple of the next 2 but concerned due to higher cost and lower mintage will be a challenge to add to collection. No matter I’m very happy with this purchase and look forward to seeing them. Anyone really think any of these… Read more »
With regards to the Mint shipping; I did get my coins today also. It was sent UPS Ground. I did not pay any extra for shipping. I never do. here is the reason. First of all when you pay for overnight shipping like you did Seth your package showed up today. So did mine and I paid nothing extra. The Mint sells these coins on a Thursday. It takes a day or 2 to process which takes you into the weekend. No shipping there unless it is USPS. The Mint does not ship USPS on packages I think over 250?.… Read more »
Jp – Congrats on getting your coin quickly! It has been my experience that I get orders placed by around noon, by the next morning. I ordered once at around 2pm & had my order the next morning by UPS by 10:30 overnight with signature required. I usually order multiple different items so it only adds about $3 to each item for the expedited shipping. The old company that had the Mint’s call center & warehouse in Indiana for 8 years used to upgrade orders over $300 to expedited status for free, but this new company & new Mint procedures… Read more »
Seth, I miss the old “upgrade” also. Lord knows the Mint makes enough money on these coins, they could cover the cost of shipping.
Funny as I was opening up the “prize coin”… first the cardboard shipping box(large) then the bubble wrap, then the mint box outer cover, then the mint box, then open that up, then get the white fuzzy wrap out of the way, remove the COA, then the black fuzzy pad…where’s the blasted coin??? oh, there it is. It may be smallish, but it’s a GEM alright. You will all love it for sure.
Jp –
Too funny! So much packaging I noticed too for the smallest “modern” U.S. Mint coin (the 3-cent coins of 1800s were smaller & the silver version was so thin you could easily bend it just handling it wrong!) The Mint never charged shipping & handling until around 1990 or so & then started charging $3.95 & then a few years later $4.95.
They use a ton of cardboard boxes & packaging materials each year – probably wiping out a small forest somewhere each year!
-NumisDudeTX
I think you could get high off the smell of the lacquer of the fancy box too.
Jp –
LMAO! I do the same thing every time I get a U.S. Mint lacquered wooden box made in China – sniff, sniff! It is probably lead-based or has formaldehyde in it & we are slowly getting a hazardous high due to the communist People’s Republic of China! Lol
The 2011 ASE 5-coin set big lacquered wooden boxes (I got 3 sets in one shipment) almost overwhelmed me when I opened the big shipping cardboard box with that lacquer vapor. Talk about a contact high!
I am NOT an addict, I swear. No intervention needed here.
-NumisDudeTX
Seth, You mention the coins had a slight satin finish. Do you think they deserve a SP grading or is it a sells thing for them? I hear PCGS also has some graded SP. Could there be 2 different finishes? I mean with PCGS now also doing some as SP and then others MS on the same coin it’s kind of a, mess, I guess?? What else can I call it? I do plan on sending an email to PCGS and ask about it but since I’m not a member I don’t know if they will take the time to… Read more »
joera – From what I have seen online from about 6 different sources with photos, PCGS is grading these as Mint State (MS) coins since the Mint said & the COA says “business strike” which means a regular Uncirculated strike. These coins were struck on regular planchets that were not polished & with regular dies that were not polished for a special finish. NGC is calling them “Specimens” as a marketing gimmick IMHO. For example, the 2009 UHR $20 gold coin was also a business strike & both PCGS & NGC grade them as Mint State (MS) coins as do… Read more »
Seth, Thanks. I agree and had also posted earlier that I’m going with what the Mint says. Because they are the ones who made the coin. I wish the Mint would address this with the grading companies. But it may not be their place but it should be. I guess it is like the music business was, where they controlled all the music in every way. Even though an artist came up with the song, music and concept. All from the artist’s mind, but yet owned by the record label. And I said “was” because some artist have now taken… Read more »
Info-
Per mint data (sales figures)at 4/24/16 122,510 “mercury” sales.
joera – I still haven’t seen any PCGS labels with SP grade anywhere on these gold dimes, just MS grade. JM Bullion Co. in Dallas for example & MCM in Sarasota has both NGC coins & PCGS coins on their website side by side with grades listed in the description title. NGC is using SP for all these gold dimes & PCGS is using MS for all these dimes. They can’t use both grades at one company because the terms mean different things. Take a look at the dealer websites & you will see the MS versus SP usage by… Read more »
chuck – That is the same sales figure I saw the other day, but the Mint still hasn’t issued an official statement about sales yet. Their spokesman Michael White only made a very short statement on first day April 21 that they are currently unavailable & they were reconciling the sales figures for basically credit card problems & cancellations. Very strange that they haven’t issued an official statement about exact sales figures & if there are really any left for sale at some later date. I hope so, for those who were not able to get one. They are beautiful… Read more »
Seth Riesling, The “sales” figure is from the mint web site under:” Numismatic Products: Cumulative Sales” through 4/24. However, as you know such figures are often later adjusted. That is one thing I do not like as there are different numbers from different sources i.e. 5 oz “P” ATB coins and to date there are no “final” figures for some that were sold 4 years or more ago? Can see adjustments for awhile but 4 years is—. Also, my memory (might be wrong as did not keep a list of which one(s)) is that there were instances where the “sales”… Read more »
chuck – Thanks. You are totally right about the Mint taking a looooong time ( average two years) to issue final official audited sales figures on their coins & sets. It was the 2014 National Baseball Hall of Fame $5 gold commemorative coins with a Public Law mintage limit of 50,000 gold coins across both options of Proof & Uncirculated that is still listed by the Mint’s figures & even published for past 2 years in the “Red Book” as a total sold of 50,102 coins sold. That means the U.S. Mint broke the Federal Law that Congress passed &… Read more »
Seth Riesling,
Thank you. Good to know still have some memory.
Seth,
Actually there are some PCGS SP graded coins on eBay. Copy and paste the following links.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-W-1-10-Oz-Gold-Mercury-Dime-Centennial-PCGS-SP69-FS-Flag-Label-SKU40778-/141973690481?hash=item210e4a9871:g:~1kAAOSw1DtXILHD
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-W-1-10-Oz-Gold-Mercury-Dime-Centennial-PCGS-SP69-FS-Anniv-Label-SKU40779-/131794382316?hash=item1eaf8eadec:g:4HYAAOSwMVFXILRE
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-W-1-10-Oz-Gold-Mercury-Dime-Centennial-PCGS-SP70-FS-Flag-Label-SKU40776-/381611758292?hash=item58d9d552d4:g:afcAAOSwYmZXH6mh
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-W-Gold-Mercury-Dime-Centennial-PCGS-SP70-FS-Anniv-label-PRESALE-SKU40777-/131792724141?hash=item1eaf7560ad:g:TQAAAOSwYmZXH6jO
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-W-Centennial-Gold-Mercury-Dime-PCGS-SP70-FIRST-STRIKE-PRE-SALE-/162049158203?hash=item25bae1ec3b:g:JFAAAOSwEANXHHJB
The confusing part is some show SP on the label but in the description a few say, Finish – Mint State.
Example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-W-1-10-Oz-Gold-Mercury-Dime-Centennial-PCGS-SP70-FS-Flag-Label-SKU40776-/381611758292?hash=item58d9d552d4:g:afcAAOSwYmZXH6mh
njpba600 – Very interesting for sure. The PCGS coins I have seen for sale by MCM in Sarasota, Florida & JM Bullion in Dallas, Texas have the NGC ones listed as SP & the PCGS ones listed as MS graded coins. Check out their websites. It is strange for sure as the Mint states on its website & on the coin COAs inside the boxes of the 3 coins I got yesterday from the Mint as regular “business strike” Uncirculated coins with no special finish. ANACS is also grading these as SP coins. Very strange. Anyway, they did not sellout… Read more »
Here ya go folks. HSN Presents:
http://www.hsn.com/products/2016-sp70-anacs-fdoi-le-1789-24k-gold-mercury-dime/8127226?query=2016%20mercury%20dime&isSuggested=False&
Christopher Williams –
Mezack needs a good spanking!
LOL
-NumisDudeTX
Seth-
1,789 for sale in Anacs SP70 graded condition.
Christopher Williams – Yes, that many in 70 plus he sells coins for Cable Shopping Network also & has a different “exclusive” ANACS label with a limited edition of 1,916 coins in 70 as “a first strike coin” label with serial numbers om label also for $499.95. That means with the 1,789 coins he has for HSN with his “exclusive” ANACS label with “first day of issue” & serial numbers, that he got ANACS to grade 3,705 gold dimes as 70 grade, plus however many he may have got with 69 grade in addition to the 70 grade coins! What… Read more »
Seth-
Amazing the number of coins Mike “Sold Out, Limited Edition” acquired on the “secondary” market so quickly….
Yeah right.