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Auction 280 | Lot 6616 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1916 10C MS64 Full Bands PCGS; 1917 MS64 Full Bands PCGS; and a 1920 MS64 Full Bands PCGS. An untoned trio that represents good value for the grade with the bonus of superb strike.
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (Total: 3 coins) (PCGS# 4905)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $287.50

Auction 280 | Lot 6617 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1916-D 10C MS65 Full Bands PCGS. Few 20th century coins are as immediately recognizable as valuable in all grades as the 1916-D Dime. Only 264,000 pieces were struck and its scarcity has been appreciated by collectors since the mid-1930s. This is a particularly noteworthy example and it is a coin that we have had the privilege of offering at public auction now on three separate occasions.

This piece was last sold by Heritage in our July 1984 New York Auction as a part of Jack Bortin's Collection of Twentieth Century Silver Coinage. It was described in part at that time as, "Full Split Bands with full rounding to the bands; all other details are so sharp that they appear almost three-dimensional...Blazing luster, unmarked fields...One of the highlights of the Bortin Collection." The coin has lovely reddish-golden toning over most of each side, and as noted in 1984, the luster is thick and heavily frosted.

In his notes that accompanied his consignment of full split band Mercury Dimes, Harold Kritzman was understandably enthusiastic about this coin, and he could not help but editorialize a bit at the end: "Graded MS70/70 by the standards of the period. I had closely examined this specimen on previous occasions and agreed it was at least MS67 due to its lustrous, exceptionally bagmark-free surfaces. Also, the absolute full strike in all areas, including the bands, peripherals, and the even more difficult highpoints of Liberty's braid and edges of the feathers. Recently, I've had the opportunity to examine three currently certified MS67 Full Band examples. Not one of them is as highly detailed in all areas as this now-certified PCGS MS65 Full Bands specimen. Why are so many Mercury Dimes with faded peripheral detail, or other partially struck areas, still certifiable by the services with grades of MS66 or better, and this perfectly struck and lustrous example ONLY an MS65?!"
Ex: Donovan II (Steve Ivy, 7/78), lot 560, where it realized a then-incredible $11,000, we recal (PCGS# 4907)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS65

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $29,900.00

Auction 280 | Lot 6618 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1916-S 10C MS65 Full Bands PCGS. Sharply struck throughout with no weakness evident in the central portions of either side. This piece also shows a full lower diagonal band, a striking characteristic that advanced Mercury Dime collectors will appreciate. Brilliant throughout, the mint luster is very flashy and satin-like.
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4909)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS65

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $540.50

Auction 280 | Lot 6619 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1917-D 10C MS63 Full Bands PCGS. Type of 1916. A scarcer issue than it is generally given credit for and quite challenging above VF. This brilliant coin is sharply defined throughout and shows excellent luster characteristics. A few abrasions are scattered over each side which limit the grade.
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4913)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS63

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $517.50

Auction 280 | Lot 6620 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1917-S 10C MS66 Full Bands PCGS. Type of 1916. The brightly lustrous surfaces have the textured appearance that is diagnostic of this issue. Sharply struck throughout with none of the central weakness usually seen. With 27.33 million pieces produced, the '17-S is not an absolute rarity, but it is certainly a condition rarity in the better grades of Mint State. Population: 43 in 66, 8 finer (9/01).
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4915)

Bid Source: Internet

Service PCGS

Grade MS66

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $1,725.00

Auction 280 | Lot 6621 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1918 10C MS66 Full Bands PCGS. Type of 1918. Conditionally elusive in better grades, this is a lightly toned example that has lovely, soft mint frost and shows no distracting abrasions on either side. Population: 20 in 66, 0 finer (9/01).
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4917)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS66

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $2,415.00

Auction 280 | Lot 6679 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1918 10C MS67 Full Bands NGC. The single finest representative of this P-mint issue known to NGC and PCGS (9/01), this is a truly gorgeous Superb Gem. The surfaces are finished in warmly frosted luster that exhibits a pleasing cartwheel sheen as the coin rotates under the light. As impressive as the full strike is, the beautiful, original, and multicolored toning scheme is this coin's most visually impressive feature. The obverse periphery is overlaid in freckled pink, orange-russet, electric-blue, and golden toning swirls, the reverse border is toned in softer shades of similar colors. The all-important central crossbands are not only fully split, but rounded from end to end. (PCGS# 4917)

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Service NGC

Grade MS67

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $3,680.00

Auction 280 | Lot 6622 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1918-D 10C MS65 Full Bands PCGS. Type of 1918. The '18-D has recently begun to be recognized as a major strike rarity, a fact that had been known to specialists for the past twenty years. It is now generally accepted that the '18-D is the scarcest D-mint Mercury. This brilliant example is a solid Gem that has shimmering mint luster and a complete split across the center bands. Additionally, there is no weakness evident on the lower diagonal band or any of the other areas that often display softness of strike. An exceptional Dime from the collection of the man who discovered "Full Split Bands" as a method for determining a full strike on Mercury Dimes. Population: 15 in 65, 2 finer (9/01).
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4919)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS65

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $19,550.00

Auction 280 | Lot 6623 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1918-S 10C MS66 Full Bands PCGS. Type of 1918. In the better grades of Uncirculated, the '18-S is equally as challenging as the 1918-D. It is generally considered to be the most difficult S-mint Mercury Dime to locate with full split bands definition. There is no doubt about the split in the bands on this piece, it is deep and complete from one side to the other. The surfaces are immaculate. The mint luster glows as it races across each side uninterrupted by even the smallest abrasion. Population: 14 in 66, 1 finer (9/01).
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4921)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS66

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $7,475.00

Auction 280 | Lot 6682 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1919 10C MS66 Full Bands NGC. The 1919 is one of the few easily obtainable issues among early Mercury Dimes. Generally found well struck and satiny, this piece displays those characteristics and additionally has rich, original toning that is scattered in deeper, irregular patterns around the peripheries. Remarkably scarce in this superior condition. (PCGS# 4923)

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Grade MS66

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $718.75

Auction 280 | Lot 6624 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1919-D 10C MS60 Full Bands Uncertified. MS60 or better details, not only possessing 100% Full Split Bands but also extremely well struck in all areas, a rare combination for this date. Uncertified due to the removal of heavy toning many decades ago and now displaying satiny semi-prooflike surfaces with light hairlining from cleaning. Kritzman points out that this may be the finest struck specimen for the date, and in fact, we have never seen its equal in that regard. Unfortunately, it does not possess the other necessary criteria for a high technical grade in today's market, so it will likely realize just a fraction of what a certified Gem specimen would fetch. With collector tastes constantly evolving and often in flux, this coin might someday prove an astute purchase indeed. (PCGS# 4925)

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Service Uncertified

Grade MS60

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $488.75

Auction 280 | Lot 6625 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1919-S 10C MS65 Full Bands PCGS. In spite of a mintage of 8.85 million pieces, the '19-S is a very scarce issue in all but the lowest circulated grades. It is also an important strike rarity with weakness often extending beyond the central bands. This coin has strong central definition on the reverse as well as crisp detailing around the peripheries. Brilliant and highly lustrous, this piece shows die clashing on the obverse. One wonders why more examples are not seen struck from clashed dies since the mint used only 26 obverse and 31 reverse dies to strike this issue. Population: 19 in 65, 0 finer (9/01).
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4927)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS65

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $9,487.50

Auction 280 | Lot 6626 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1920-D 10C MS66 Full Bands PCGS. Even though more than 19 million 1920-D Dimes were struck in this year, it is apparent that no significant numbers were saved at the time of issue. As a result, the '20-D is a moderately difficult overall rarity and a condition rarity as well. While much of the difficulty with finding this coin comes from the lack of detail on the central reverse bands, the '20-D is well known to specialists as a devilishly difficult coin to locate with the last digit in the date complete. This piece shows full definition on the 0 as well as on all the other peripheral devices. The surfaces are unquestionably original with rich russet toning surrounding the margins and thick mint frost covering both sides. Population: 14 in 66, 2 finer (9/01).
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4931)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS66

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $4,600.00

Auction 280 | Lot 6627 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1920-S 10C MS67 Full Bands PCGS. An outstanding example of this rare issue that is tied for finest certified (and presumably finest known). In the opinion of Harold Kritzman, the '20-S is the "toughest condition and strike rarity of the Mercury Dime series." This piece not only has complete band definition but there is also no fadeaway on the 0 in the date, a trait this issue would usually share with the 1920-D. The pristine surfaces are covered with rich orange, rose, and lime-green toning over both sides with strong underlying mint frost. Very scarce in such a superior state of preservation, this piece is finer than any of the '20-S Dimes in any of the other name collections we have sold over the years, including Bassano, Dominick, and Joshua. Again quoting Kritzman, "only a true full strike 1918-D in MS67, 100% FSB, should one ever be certified as such, would be considered of equal rarity to this 1920-S."
Ex: 1990 ANA Auction (Heritage, 8/90), lot 1255, where it realized $22,000.
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4933)

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Featured

Service PCGS

Grade MS67

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $46,000.00

Auction 280 | Lot 6628 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1921 10C MS66 Full Bands PCGS. The '21-P has an impressively low mintage of only 1.23 million pieces. The key date status of the '21-P was recognized early on, and pieces were pulled from circulation, making lower grade circulated examples quite common. However, Mint State coins are quite elusive not only because of their absolute scarcity but also because of the unrelenting demand for this issue. Brilliant and highly lustrous, the surfaces are essentially abrasion-free. Unlike many examples of this issue, the peripheries are well brought up as well as being sharply defined in the centers. Population: 19 in 66, 2 finer (9/01).
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4935)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS66

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $4,830.00

Auction 280 | Lot 6629 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1921-D 10C MS64 Full Bands PCGS. With its mintage of 1.08 million pieces, the '21-D is roughly equivalent in value to the '21-P in all grades, but the Denver coin is slightly scarcer overall, as the mintage would indicate. Very light, even golden patina covers both sides of this satiny near-Gem. Only a couple of small abrasions on the cheek separate this coin from a full Gem. The peripheries on each side are just as strongly struck as the centers.
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4937)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $1,955.00

Auction 280 | Lot 6630 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1923 10C MS65 Full Bands PCGS; and a 1929 MS65 Full Bands PCGS. Both are brilliant with satiny surfaces. Both exhibit the boldest striking details.
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (Total: 2 coins) (PCGS# 4939)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS65

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $414.00

Auction 280 | Lot 6631 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1923-S 10C MS64 Full Bands PCGS. A scarce issue above XF and very elusive with full split band definition. This coin represents an excellent value, since a Gem with split bands would cost approximately four times as much as this piece. Brilliant throughout, the mint luster is scintillating and the only blemish that prevents a full Gem grade is a scrape on the jawline of Liberty. Population: 37 in 64, 22 finer (9/01).
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4941)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $1,552.50

Auction 280 | Lot 6632 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1924 10C MS64 Full Bands PCGS; 1925 MS64 Full Bands PCGS; and a 1926 MS64 Full Bands PCGS. Each of these P-mints from the mid-1920s is untoned and shows good luster characteristics for the grade. Each is exceptionally struck, of course.
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (Total: 3 coins) (PCGS# 4943)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $575.00

Auction 280 | Lot 6633 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1924-D 10C MS64 Full Bands PCGS. The '24-D is one of the better produced Denver products from the mid-1920s. Full Band Dimes are not especially difficult to locate, although high grade Uncirculated pieces can be quite a challenge. This is an especially well produced coin that shows sharp detailing both in the centers as well as around the margins. Brilliant throughout with bright, satin-like luster characteristics, there are no singularly distracting abrasions on either side that would explain the grade. This is an exceptional coin when judged by fullness of strike.
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4945)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $575.00

Auction 280 | Lot 6634 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1924-S 10C MS64 Full Bands PCGS. The '24-S is a peculiar issue. Its mintage was relatively large (7.12 million pieces), yet because of die erosion, weak strikes, and numerous abrasions usually encountered, there are very few high grade examples known, especially high grade examples with full detail on the center bands. This piece does not show evidence of die erosion, the strike is strong throughout, and there are no obvious or singularly objectionable marks on either side.
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4947)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $1,840.00

Auction 280 | Lot 6635 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1925-D 10C MS67 Full Bands PCGS. High grade Uncirculated 1925-D Dimes with full split band details are among the most challenging issues in this fascinating and highly collectible series. This is a lovely, originally toned example that shows deeper russet-brown accents around the obverse periphery. The mint luster is bright and shows intense mint frost, and as one would expect from the lofty grade, the surfaces are virtually perfect.

The consignor, Harold Kritzman, included notes on several of the more important coins in his consignment. His comments on this 1925-D follow: "Fully struck peripherals, including the E in ONE on reverse. I consider this a very rare attribute. This is only the second Gem specimen I have personally seen with the E in ONE completely struck. (I owned the other, as well). In the early days, before the original ANACS, the knowledgeable dealers would find suspicious any 1925-D Mercury dime with a fully struck E in ONE. Virtually without exception, a fully struck E would indicate the mintmark was either added onto a 1925-P or altered from an S-mint specimen. When I discovered my first authentic full E, 100% FSB gem specimen of the 1925-D at a major coin show in the early 1970s, Vince Filpi, another acknowledged Mercury dime specialist, was so excited he offered me a quick 300% profit which I, of course, turned down." Population: 2 in 67, 0 finer (9/01).
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4951)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS67

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $21,850.00

Auction 280 | Lot 6636 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1925-S 10C MS66 Full Bands PCGS. To quote Dave Lange, the '25-S "holds the record for most poorly made date in the series. Both obverse and reverse are plagued by heavy die polishing and erosion and a generally weak strike throughout. This is especially noticeable around the reverse periphery." As one might expect, this coin is atypical for the issue. The striking details are strong throughout and there is no evidence of die erosion or noticeable peripheral weakness. In front of the face of Liberty, there is evidence of die polishing, however, with that area having a bright prooflike quality. This is seen quite often on Mercury dimes and there is hardly an issue in the series where it is not occasionally seen. The brilliant obverse is paired with a light golden reverse and both sides are lustrous and free from all but the most inconsequential abrasions. Population: 12 in 66, 1 finer (10/01).
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4953)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS66

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $5,750.00

Auction 280 | Lot 6637 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1926-D 10C MS65 Full Bands PCGS. While not an especially difficult issue in mint condition or with full details on the central bands, the '26-D is quite elusive with complete peripheral details, especially on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This is such a coin. Every peripheral letter and digit is sharply defined and fully separated from the rim. The surfaces show light golden-brown toning with bright, satin-like luster lying beneath. A lovely, problem-free Gem. Population: 40 in 65, 14 finer (9/01).
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4957)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS65

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $1,897.50

Auction 280 | Lot 6638 » Dimes » Mercury Dimes

1926-S 10C MS65 Full Bands PCGS. The '26-S is a low mintage issue (only 1.52 million pieces struck) that is scarce in all better grades from AU on up. Perhaps its rarity was best stated by Dave Lange in his book on the series, "A full bands gem of this date is easily among the most difficult coins in the entire series to locate. In this ultimate condition, it's comparable to 1918-S, 1919-D and 1919-S, all of which are more readily available in non-full band mint state. Only 1918-D and 1945-P have proven to be consistently more rare in fully struck gem condition." Not to overwhelm the reader with quotes, but there is another relevant one about this particular coin from the consignor, a dealer who has bought and sold Mercury Dimes for thirty years: "very well struck mint mark and peripherals, including E in ONE on reverse. As with the 1925-D, a fully struck E and mint mark caused suspicion among early Full Band dealers." (see 1925-D)

This is an immaculate Gem whose bright, lustrous surfaces are virtually abrasion-free. Population: 21 in 65, 11 finer (9/01).
The Harold and Jan P. Kritzman Collection. (PCGS# 4959)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS65

Auction Ended

Jan 12, 2002

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Sold For: $4,485.00