The United States Mint will resume sales of the nearly 9,000 unsold 2016-W Mercury Dime Centennial Gold Coins beginning at noon ET on Thursday, Dec. 15.
There’s going to be another race to get a chance at buying one. Gold Mercury dimes launched on April 21 for $205 apiece. They lasted about 40 minutes before going off sale, with the U.S. Mint saying they needed to reconcile orders and cancellations before they could return.
The most recent figures place the dime’s sales at 116,096 coins for 92.9% of the 125,000 possible. The remaining about 8,900 coins will go for $200 each. (See photos of the centennial coin.)
The centennial Mercury dime is one of three .9999 fine gold coins issued this year to celebrate the 1916 renaissance in American coinage. Standing Liberty and Walking Liberty Centennial Gold Coins were also introduced. Symbolic of their face values, the dime, quarter and half-dollar have corresponding weights of 1/10 oz., 1/4 oz., and 1/2 oz. troy ounces.
Both higher-denominated coins have remained available since their release. The gold quarter is $447.50 with 84,048 sold for 84% of the allotted 100,000 and the gold half-dollar is $840 with sales of 57,008 for 81.4% of the possible 70,000. Last week, the half-dollar logged a sharp sales increase of more than 8,000 coins.
Ordering options and more information about coins is available from the U.S. Mint’s online store, found here. The dime will have a 1 coin per household order limit when sales resume. There are no per household buying limits for the quarter or half-dollar
Well if their policy is to just resell returns without regard to quality then I guess it behooves us all to buy as early as possible to insure as much as possible we’re getting a first time sold coin. I guess that means within the first 2 or 3 days from the date of issue. Or get a graded coin.
i think flippers buy them the first couple days?. and when they don’t sell out or go up enough to make money on them they return them?. I don’t no but I don’t like it when they resell the returns.
Bobby, I confess. I got my 20 dimes within the first 5 minutes when they orignally went on sale. All graded SP70 NGC First Day of Issue. I kept 2 and sold 18, all on ebay within 2 weeks. After deducting grading and shipping costs, I made $3,600.00. First time I’ve ever “flipped” coins. Used what I made to buy and grade 2 Quarters and Halves and a Proof Soverign. Only reason was because they allowed 20 per household and I managed to get them in 5 minutes or so of going on sale and all graded SP70. I sold… Read more »
Nice job Danny. Unfortunately Jim this issue initially sold out in 45 minutes, so waiting a couple of days wasn’t an option. Honestly since sale is not necessarily in order of production for a short run I don’t if it makes any difference in that sense.
Jim, I was not able to buy the Gold Mercury Dime on the first day in Apr. I was very happy to get notice Of this December Sale of the Approx 9,000 Gold Mercury Dimes. I don’t really know if the Mint does any sorting for quality or not. But I would guess that they DO NOT SORT BEFORE SHIPPING. Since the mint had about 6,000 coins left after the initial sale in the Spring. So the additional Approx 3,000 Gold Mercury Dimes probably some combination of inventory adjustments and various returns. With all those assumptions said, we should be… Read more »
My comment about the first 2 or 3 days after issue obviously only applies if coins are still available. I picked 2 or 3 days because that would be before returns would have a chance to go through the mail and return process and possibly get commingled with the as yet undelivered strikes. Since the mint won’t tell us what their process is with returns and as yet undelivered coins it’s hard to say what the best way to get a fresh coin is even with the 2/3 risk analysis. What the mint did this year with the dimes is… Read more »
How can you guys get so many dimes as per say one dime per house. Is this being honest? Is it so you can make big profits as some people didn’t get a chance because you found a way to order many dimes and send the not so good ones back! I guess we have been thought if one finds a way to get around the system then why not. I’m just happy to get one and I hope it’s not one that others have picked through.
Merry Christmas everyone
Nels, I did nothing outside the rules from the mint. I have been ordering from them for years. The day and morning before, I made dry runs and made sure everything was ok.On items like the dimes, don’t even bother using the phone to start with. Just have faith the system won’t crash. The limit on the inital sale was 20 dimes per household. I started logging in about 15 seconds to noon. I was lucky that all went well and my order was placed in 5 minutes. Confirmation came a little later. Sometimes with this system is that sometimes… Read more »
Nels Merry Christmas! Nels, I feel like you just happy to have a chance to get 1. On initial sale Of the Dimes the house limit was 10 not 20 as someone posted. Some people On eBay we’re selling many more than the 10 limit. Maybe they used several Different credit cards and other friend or family members address such as a op box. So these methods Do take away from those who play by the rules. I think the mint makes a minimum effort to prevent this by cross checking names, addresses and Credit card numbers but I have… Read more »
Bilelle, I don’t know where you got your information but, when the dimes initially went on sale, the limit was 20 per household at $205.00 each with different shipping options. I orded 20 and got 20. I’m no big shot dealer or flipper, just a collector who happens to be a Disabled Veteran. I used the money I made to increase my collection and not one person who bought from me complained about the price and I also got some very nice feedback from those who bought from me. I made sure I was ready when they went on sale… Read more »
Coin News is just that, Coin News and not limited to news about coins from the U.S.Mint. There is a whole world of other coins from other mints.
Seth let’s start talking about them for a change.
What do you say?
“B” read your last email and look at all the errors in it. I’ll be the first to admit I make mistakes too
but, slow down and maybe proof read before sending. To all, remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Respectfully, DrWho7
when the first presidential quarters came out shipping was free . I would get $5000 and had them delivered straight to my bank . I paid with my credit card and paid my credit card with the dollars. I would get frequent flyer miles and use them to go to California or somewhere pay my hotel bill and eat. 2 weeks cost me what I spent on T shirts?. there is a leagle system in place for a lot of items. if you make a buck on it good for you . anyone putting there money up for 20 dimes… Read more »
Bobby,
Good job my man. Profit is not a dirty word and I see nothing unscrupulous with what you do. I’ll skip the critique on your email because I think it might have been done on purpose. Am I right?
Happy Holiday’s!
DrWho7
Merry Christmas to all.
Danny –
The household limit on the gold dimes from the US Mint on first day of issue on April 21 was 10 coins, not 20. No more were sold after day one until this month.
As to other foreign coins, like you, I can’t wait for the silver Krugerrands from the South Africa Mint even though the mintage is 1 million bullion version coins. The Pegasus coin from the British Virgin Islands is Beautiful too !
Happy Holidays Danny & Thank You again for your service to the USA in the armed forces!
-NumisDudeTX
Seth, Then why did I order 20, paid for 20 and received 20 dimes. I have the receipts. Somehow I got 20 dimes. There will be 3 types of Silver Kruegerrands. The majority in BU, around 50,000 in Premium Uncirculated and around 15,000 in Proof. The first batch with their new Laser Engraving didn’t turn out as expected. Late January to February is the new release dates. I have the 1967 restrike with the 50 Privy in NGC Gem Prooflike. I also have the 2017 St.Gaudens Ultra HR 33mm Winged Liberty in NGC Gem Proof. This coin was minted by… Read more »
Danny Morano not trying to be a jerk but I have a picture I took and forgot about and limit was household 10 dimes unless they went from 20 down to 10. Picture says June 3rd I don’t know how to add the picture from my iPad but who cares if ya got 20. I wish I knew that a long time ago and I would buy one from you. You wouldn’t have a American silver liberty would you? I bet they sold out of them too and after many months finally took them off the there website.
Nels, Yes, I got one only from each mint, sorry. There are still many available on the secondary market at reasonable prices. Wish I had an extra to sellyou. You just have to look around and you’ll find them, raw or graded. One Fine Dime, I have a true story to tell you. In 1992 I went to the Super Bowl in Minneapolis. Bills vs Washington. I was walking the halls and who should I come upon Boxing champion Cassia Clay and now President Elect Donald Trump and their entourage including Marla Maples. They both consented to a picture with… Read more »
Sorry for the spelling errors. I do proof read but in the end, when I hit send, the spelling comes out different. This is a Samsung 5, I guess I need a new phone like a 7edge. Seems to have a mind of its own. Sorry again.
DrWho7
I missed the sale in April but was put on the mailing list for one on Dec 15. Payed for the discount 2nd day air shipping. Was distraught to find upon examination with my loop to see a long vertical bag mark on the center obverse on Liberty’s cap just in front of her ear. I called immediately to have it replaced and was told no can do. They would issue me a return label but it would have to be for a refund. I checked a couple times, the last being today to see if they had any returns.… Read more »
Len,
Like I told Nels, if the bag mark is to bad, either return it or try to make a few bucks selling it on ebay with full disclosure and search for a better one at an acceptable price to you. Happy New Year and good luck.
Regards, DrWho7
I belong to a club we buy sell and trade. We may not have 10 people on any given night. But we have 100 credit cards when wanted. We have a coin shop owner in the club. I recommend every collector to join one or start one. Your local coin shop would be very happy to have a group like this hanging around the store. Its good for Everyone. As a group we usually get more coins than most?. does this make us bad people?. I think it makes us smarter collectors. Every collector is different some want OGP others… Read more »
Bobby, Very, Very smart. That’s what I’ve been saying to people on this blog for the past year when they ask “How can people get more than the Mints allotment “?. That’s how the big boys do it only, they probably have access to a 1000 credit cards and different addresses. As for the other thing, I saw it happen with both sets of my Grandparents and sadly, my own parents. I leaving everything to the SPCA, being a Disabled Veteran, the Wounded Warriors Foundation, the Church and NRA. Sell everything i have and split it 4 ways and what… Read more »
One Fine Dime,
Who’s image graces the front of a $2.00 bill and who are the gentlemen on the back?
DrWho7
Danny Morano,that’s a cool story about the 2 dollar bill. I will keep looking for the silver Metal but don’t you think that any in the box from the mint ‘raw’ has been picked over for the extra money they will get for having them rated? I did get an “s” mint mark one from eBay and the guy said that it has a tiny scratch on it. I asked and he was honest about it and told me many don’t ask and they get sent back to him. I have also noticed if you take your fingernail and lift… Read more »
Nels, True story, who knew at the time I would meet the future President of the United States at the Super Bowl in 1992. As for the scratch, there’s a myriad of ways it could have gotten scratched. When their minting a special limited edition proof coin, their supposed to take their time and inspect them before they encapsulate and box them. Employee could have sneezed or was otherwise distracted. Did the seller say it came scratched? I have gotten coins more than once where the top was off and floating around inside the box. Well, it’s 2017 and in… Read more »
The US mint is the only Gov. run agency that shows a profit?. They have a return policy for a reason. there is no way they could personally inspect each coin. I doubt they even try.
Nels, I would bet any of the Larger dealers or flipers, for sure looked closely at the Metals And Know pPretty well what they have in hand. Also I would think another Tip off is any one selling 69’s and 70’s and you see them also selling them ungraded is a pretty Good tip off that It Has Something wrong with the item that prevent’s the item from being a 69 or 70. I also think if you let a site like eBay list the same items from low to high You will see the smaller sellers ungraded items generally… Read more »
Thanks for your opinion Danny Morano and Bilelle, no I just asked and he said all of the boxed ones didn’t pass the 69 and 70 grades and that he would go through them and find one of the better ones that he has. I have no idea how many he has but if he did go through them, that was very nice of him. I think that some of these guys on eBay have several accounts and bid on them till they get the price up there. I hope that me saying that doesn’t get the sellers going on… Read more »
Nels,
I don’t know if I would continue to bother with this seller. If the scratch is bad enough, I would return it and search among the various other sellers. Thank you for your reply and here’s hoping 2017 is a good year. God Bless.
Sincerely, DrWho7
flippers are usually the cheaper coins on ebay?. they come in unopened mint sealed boxes its a quick couple bucks. any seller that has couple hundred sales and up with a 100 percent positive feedback should be ok. not a great deal not a bad one? if you need the coin. the coins are bought the first day if possible . and are sold before the market changes. I am a flipper. If you think you may not be able to get a new coin. send me a Email I will save you some shipping and have the mint send… Read more »
Danny, I did just send it back. I found one that was acceptable to me at a coin / jewelry shop. I was just under the 14 day return period and checked around that day to see if any one was interested in it but the one store jacked me around on value so I just decided I better get it in the mail to the mint. Sorry to understand from the mint they will be melting it but I felt I should move fast just to get my initial investment back. The one I bought from the shop looks… Read more »
Len,
Good job. If you can barely see it the just tell yourself it doesn’t exist. I hope the Mint refunds your money a.s.à.p. and a good way to start off the New Year.
Take a look at some of the new coins being minted in Smart Minting. I now have 7 different and all are sharp. Or, get the first ever 2oz. Maple Leaf. MCM has them in MS69 for under $160.00. I got one of the last in MS70ER for a few bucks more. Very nice coin. All the best!
Regards, DrWho7
Bobby, do you have any Silver American Libertys not rated in the box that haven’t been picked over. I hate to buy one and send it back and just never know what is on eBay. I kinda think all boxed ones are the not so good ones. I don’t really want a rated coin in there holders. I just want a good coin that is in its box. It would be really great to have one of each. ‘W’ & ‘S’ w/o the scratches
I don’t I got my set on E bay for $360. They go up every week?. everyone I no that has them is holding on to them. the deep cameos are going for $600. in 70 on E bay. Could be a deal you will look back on and say I could of had that ?. Some think this could be the next 95 W?. condition is going to be the key on this coin. I wouldn’t buy a ungraded set without having it in my hand to look at them first. When they were shipped from the mint. The… Read more »
I haven’t seen a ungraded set that I would want. This coin ungraded is that way for a reason there scratched up.
Silver American liberty coins. Sorry to go off subject on the gold dime page . But to follow up on Nels question . And possible justify flippers? a topic that has been mentioned on this page. I have not thought twice about this coin until yesterday. I cant stop thinking about it since it was mentioned. This limited edition coin is available mainly because of flippers and E bay?. Coins can be purchased on E bay. By using pay pal and asking questions you are protected when you make a purchase. Just about all of the 125 coins? on E… Read more »
Hi Danny, Thank you for the info. I am and have been primarily a collector of vintage American coinage from the time I was 10 years old in 1976. My first coin, other than the Peace Dollar my Grandmother gave me 5 years earlier was three Mercury dimes 1939, 1942 and 1943 that I got for $1 by sending a sase to Littleton coin company. I had searched the local stores for one and put the word out but I remember a local neighbor of ours at the Superette (convenient) store we used to shop telling me that she had… Read more »