NGC NGC US Type Coins & Varieties 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which US coin series is commonly known as the 'Mercury' dime, despite featuring Liberty rather than Mercury?
- Barber Dime
- Winged Liberty Head Dime (Correct answer)
- Roosevelt Dime
- Seated Liberty Dime
Correct answer: Winged Liberty Head Dime
The Winged Liberty Head Dime (1916–1945) was misidentified by the public as Mercury due to the winged cap on Liberty's head.
Question 2: In NGC grading, what does the designation 'PF' indicate on a certified coin label?
- Poor Fine
- Proof (Correct answer)
- Pre-Federal
- Partially Found
Correct answer: Proof
NGC uses 'PF' to designate Proof coins, which are specially struck for collectors using polished dies and planchets.
Question 3: What is the primary difference between a business strike and a proof coin in US coinage?
- Weight
- Metal composition
- Striking method and die preparation (Correct answer)
- Diameter
Correct answer: Striking method and die preparation
Proof coins are struck using specially prepared, polished dies and planchets with multiple blows, unlike regular business strikes.
Question 4: The 1916-D Mercury Dime is considered rare primarily because of its:
- Alloy composition error
- Low mintage of approximately 264,000 coins (Correct answer)
- Double die obverse
- Repunched mint mark
Correct answer: Low mintage of approximately 264,000 coins
The 1916-D Mercury Dime had a mintage of only about 264,000, making it one of the key dates in the series.
Question 5: Which term describes a coin struck from dies that show evidence of the hub being pressed into the die more than once in a misaligned position?
- Overdated
- Repunched mint mark
- Doubled die (Correct answer)
- Die clash
Correct answer: Doubled die
A doubled die results when the hub is impressed into the working die more than once at slightly different angles or positions.
Question 6: What does the 'Walking Liberty' design on the half dollar depict on its obverse?
- Liberty seated on a rock
- Liberty walking toward the rising sun draped in an American flag (Correct answer)
- Liberty standing with a torch and olive branch
- Liberty in a cap and gown
Correct answer: Liberty walking toward the rising sun draped in an American flag
Adolph Weinman's Walking Liberty design shows Liberty striding toward the rising sun, draped in the American flag.
NGC NGC US Type Coins & Varieties 1
Which US coin series is commonly known as the 'Mercury' dime, despite featuring Liberty rather than Mercury?