St. Louis road trip to a POUNDED park gave me a $1000 dime. A shocker 1916D Merc

I'm still shakin...seriously.

My buddy Phil and I road tripped to St. Louis over Memorial weekend to hit some parks.
We met up with the "sammie king" himself...Nick Papageorgio.
I've been looking forward to hunting with Nick again for over a year now so I knew it would be a blast whether we found anything or not.

We started out at one park where I spotted a nice looking area that had some shade trees along it.
The tree line set up on a small hillside overlooking a ball diamond a few yards away.

It wasn't long before we started getting overrun by clad hits...everywhere.
I just slowed down and tried my best to concentrate for a deeper "warble" to come through the clad hits.

About 30 minutes into the hunt I got nice HEAVY sterling silver man's band from about 8" down.

I plugged along for another hour or so then got a very sweet "warble" that was buried on the depth meter.
I called over the Yeti so he run his coil over it... and was happy to see the 6 x 8 SEF coil he had on was nailing it too. He agreed...deeeeeep silver dime!
We were both wrong. From nearly 10" down came the sterling silver cub scouts ring.

After 2 more hours of scorching heat...2 bottles of Pepsi...and a SWEET ham/turkey/roast beef "sammie" provided by brother Nick ...we decided to vamoose to another park.

We arrived at one park and it was just simply too crowded...so we headed to another.

When we got there Nick asked me where I wanted to hunt at...but I don't know my way around the park...so I just told him to keep driving until I flagged him down.
What a big mistake that was because traffic was backed up inside the park for nearly 45 minutes.
After driving around the park some more...I finally saw the spot I was looking for. I had no clue where it was...and no clue how to find it...but I knew as soon as I saw it...that it was the spot I had hunted a few years back that had produced some oldies.

We all spread out and began pounding the turf. I chose to pound an area that looked like it would have been the LEAST promising to past hunters.
After about 30 minutes I got a deep wheatie and a couple of shallow clad quarters...then nothing for a while.

About 45 minutes went by until I came upon a big tree with about 3 feet of turf on the outside strip...so I just continued my path towards it.
I got a nice deep warbly hit which almost buried the depth meter. It hit okay from a couple of angles... but broke up somewhat from the other 2 angles.
Anyway I dug down about 8" and then ran the probe. It sang nice and clear...and from right at 9" down...out popped a worn Merc...SWEET. My first and only silver coin of the day...but without my glasses on...it was just another worn Merc.

I continued on hunting... holding the merc.. wheatie...and 2 clad quarters in my left hand as I hunted.
I then got an iffy injun hit so I stopped to investigate it.
Right before I started to dig the hole..I called the Yeti (Phil) over near to where I was.
I chucked the worn Merc about 10 feet his way and asked him if he could read the date to me because I didn't have my glasses on.
He was no help either and his response was "it's a worn Merc...that's all I can tell ya' because I don't have my glasses on either".
He then chucked the Merc back to me and I just plopped the coins on the blade of predator and listened to them "clank" as they came to rest.

I then remembered I still had to check the injun hit...so I set the coins on the grass as I dug.
The hit turned out to be a nice little piece of wire which frustrated me. I was also starting to get eaten alive by mosquitoes...so I told Yeti we needed to bum some bug spray off of Nick.
I headed Nick's way...all the while clutching the 4 coins in my hand...not concerned about the lonely worn merc being jostled around with the clad quarters.

I got to where he was and asked him if he had some bug spray we could use. I then gave him the merc and asked him to see if he could make out a date.
He quickly said it was a 1916...and my heart raced a little...but I didn't think much of it. Not until he turned it over anyway...and said it had a mintmark.
I then became a little excited because heck...I know it goes through EVERYONE'S mind...the goofy thought of actually hitting the big one...but still truthfully didn't think much about it.

I yelled at the Yeti and said... "Nick says it's a 1916...and it has a mint mark".

We headed to the car...and I didn't get any false hopes up about the dime.
Nick handed me the bug spray and I sprayed some on while he looked at the reverse of the dime through a magnifying loop.
He then said "Holy freakin' shi#...I think I see a $%^*ing D"
I replied. "Oh bull...don't mess with me bro..seriously...what does it say"?
He then blurts out. "Dude...I'm serious...I swear I think that's a #$%^ing D"

I then started to accept the possibility of what I might have.
Nick called me over to view it through the magnifier...and I nearly loaded my shorts. There it was... a D mint mark. My hair started tingling...my head started pounding...my stomach started churning...and I seriously had to crouch down and collect myself.  

After chucking this Merc 10 feet to the Yeti (Phil) ...carrying it inbetween 2 clad quarters ...and banging it off the end of the Predator digger ...it turned out to be the coveted 1916D Mercury dime.

Just an incredible moment in time that I will never forget...and it was made so much more special being able to share it with Nick and Phil.
I can only hope they don't think any less of me after I nearly got overwhelmed with emotion...nearly getting sick
I truthfully don't think they do...especially since Nick yelled out as loud as he could..."That's why they call him the freak" ..and Phil promised to entertain us with the "Yeti dance".   (Some type of Sasquatch happiness ritual )

In all the price guides I have looked at...and from the info I have been given by many people...it's worth anywhere from $1000 for the AG-3 grade....to $1500 for the G-4 good grade. I'm not a collector or grader...but almost everyone is telling me this is a  G-4 coin.   It doesn't matter to me what grade it is

1916D or not though...my favorite and most meaningful Merc is hanging from my neck.

Sunday Phil and I went back to St.Louis to hunt with some of the fellers' at our annual Midwest Coinshooters club hunt.
There were about 20 of us and we all just spread out at the beat up park chosen for the event.
I told the Yeti we would be lucky if we dug one keper from this place..and i wasn't far off for what the day would produce.

Well after nearly 2 hours I finally dug my first coin..an 1881 Injun from 8" down.

I then plugged away for nearly another 2 hours before getting another decent hit.
It was another one of those hits that I can't explain the sound on. If it was a normal sound...it wouldn't have still been in the ground awaiting someone to pop it out.

As I set the SE down and bent over to dig...I heard this sick slobbering sound off in the distance.  It sounded like a bunch of cattle chewing grass...so I glanced over my shoulder to see what it was.  
I just busted out laughing as I saw none other than the Yeti... his mouth was flapping and slobber was flyin'.   He was off in the distance grazing on wild berries.   I kid you not...he was seriously picking and eating wild berries from the grass like the Yeti he is

Meeting friends and hunting...SWEET.    "Sammies" provided by Nick Papageorgio....MIGHTY TASTY.    Digging a $1000 dime from a pounded park...AWESOME.   Seeing the Yeti off in the distance grazing on wild berries...PRICELESS.  

I yelled..."Dude...what the freak are you doing"?
He responded..."I didn't get no desert at McDonalds...I'm hungry"  
He then babbled something about warning me not to eat the wild strawberries...as he spit seeds and grass from his mouth.  

After collecting myself and coming to the realization of exactly why I gave Phil the nickname of "The Yeti"...I started to dig a plug.
I got down about 6" and off to the side of the hole was a big rusty bolt. I showed the Yeti how it was lodged in the side of the hole and there were little pieces wedged in there too.
The probe then screamed about 3" deeper...so I dug out a clod and out popped an 1892O Barber dime that had been masked by the iron all these years.  

What a fun couple of days. Yeti got some silver and injuns...and Nick got some nice goodies too.

All in all...probably the best weekend of metal detecting I've ever had in my life. I was able to road trip...get 2 full days of hunting in...meet up with brother Nick and his "sammies"...enjoy this wonderful hobby...and dig every silver coin hunter's ultimate dream...the 1916D Merc.  

Thanks for viewing and sharing this with me.  

Great find!!!!! A++++++

Awesome 1916-D Mercury dime, Bryce!  That is a find of a lifetime and a banner find indeed.  I have nominated it for banner!  Outstanding dig, buddy!

Kyle

awesome finds and a great story

no @#$%$#@ way..... LOL.... congrats man on a nice find....

 BANNER....BANNER....BANNER

You ARE the SILVERFREAK.
I don't remember seeing one of these posted before. Congratulations

I've only one thing to say...BANNER.

Hey, buddy, it is good to see such a venerable character such as yourself dig an awesome coin! You definitely deserved it, my friend!

Keep the passion high!

Kirk

WOW!!!!...Awsome find  and  awesome  story . Congrats  on the  dime. Truely  amazing!!  I  vote  Banner!

That was a really long story Bryce, and I enjoyed every single word of it!! Congrats on your once in a lifetime find....it was definitely your day!! 

HH,
Moon

Holy cow, what a SWEEEEET find.

no @#$%$#@ way..... LOL.... congrats man on a nice find....

Thanks Tim

awesome finds and a great story

Thanks buddy

Awesome 1916-D Mercury dime, Bryce!  That is a find of a lifetime and a banner find indeed.  I have nominated it for banner!  Outstanding dig, buddy!

Kyle

Thanks buddy. I nearly needed a "Banner" of toilet paper once I realized what I had

Great find!!!!! A++++++

Thanks Jerry

Hey, buddy, it is good to see such a venerable character such as yourself dig an awesome coin! You definitely deserved it, my friend!

Keep the passion high!

Kirk

Thanks Kirk. I appreciate it. Now go dig me some "coppas" buddy

I've only one thing to say...BANNER.

Thanks RPG

BANNER....BANNER....BANNER

You ARE the SILVERFREAK.
I don't remember seeing one of these posted before. Congratulations

Thanks Beep.

Holy cow, what a SWEEEEET find.

Thanks Mark

That was a really long story Bryce, and I enjoyed every single word of it!! Congrats on your once in a lifetime find....it was definitely your day!! 

HH,
Moon

Thanks Moon.

WTG silverfreak! Looks like the hunt was worth the trip!  

Hey Nick, tell silverfreak no more sammies, he owes you dinner @ Acero's!  

man bryce you sure have a thing for mercs!   maby we sould call you merc master now.  willy.

You are a true metal detecting celebrity.  Awesome post!  Congrats on the rare Mercury dime. 

congrats on that beauty  !!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS BRYCE! I'm glad your hunt with " The Godfather" turned out so well. I know you hunt very hard, and now the reward, with a rare coin, IS YOURS. I can't think of anyone more deserving than you. My BANNER vote is in. The mods better give you this!         Your T-Net Friend........ Hogge

Awesome story, man! Like you seem to be implying, the adventure and time spent with your friends made the trip as worthwhile as the cool finds themselves.  Thanks for sharing this, great stuff!

real cool find

Totally fantastic Bryce. I almost had a heart attack for you when Nick called me....You are DA MAN..and Congratulations..most awesome find. Gotta be a banner for sure.

Amazing!....thats a dream find for sure, I think about it every time I dig a merc before I look at the date.          BANNER  congrats big time, way to dig it!

Awesome find!!!!! Is it really worth a grand ? 
Sounds like a great day.

How exciting! congrats. I'm headed to St. Louis next month. Hope I get that lucky! lol

  awesome !!! Iam glad for ya!!

CONGRATULATIONS BRYCE! I'm glad your hunt with " The Godfather" turned out so well. I know you hunt very hard, and now the reward, with a rare coin, IS YOURS. I can't think of anyone more deserving than you. My BANNER vote is in. The mods better give you this!         Your T-Net Friend........ Hogge

Thanks Hogge. I hope it makes the banner. I know it nearly caused me to need a change of shorts

congrats on that beauty  !!!!!

Thanks Allen

You are a true metal detecting celebrity.  Awesome post!  Congrats on the rare Mercury dime.  

Thanks Dan.

man bryce you sure have a thing for mercs!   maby we sould call you merc master now.  willy.

Thanks Willy

WTG silverfreak! Looks like the hunt was worth the trip!  

Hey Nick, tell silverfreak no more sammies, he owes you dinner @ Acero's!  

Thanks Stoney. You're right...but if I offer to buy dinner...then I miss out on his "sammies"

I love reading your stories, I felt like I was right there with you brutha! Congrats on getting the Big $$$ Merc!

Dude,
You are AMAZING!!!  The holy grail of Merc's. Congrats on a BANNER find Bryce.
Well deserved big guy. 
-MM-

Congrats on the find. "Banner for sure"

Totally fantastic Bryce. I almost had a heart attack for you when Nick called me....You are DA MAN..and Congratulations..most awesome find. Gotta be a banner for sure.

Thanks SC. When Nick handed me the phone...and you told me what it was worth....I literally had to crouch down to keep from passing out

real cool find

Thanks whitesPA

Awesome story, man! Like you seem to be implying, the adventure and time spent with your friends made the trip as worthwhile as the cool finds themselves.  Thanks for sharing this, great stuff!

Thanks Epsilon. You are 100% correct. The friends and fun are worth more than the finds made. Seeing the Yeti eating berries was worth the price of admission alone

Awesome! Great story and an even better find! Once in a lifetime no doubt!

Congrats! Well deserved! 

WTG Bryce. Has your heart rate slowed down as of yet? Congrats on one awesome find.

Bryce,

Another great post and another great find by the master. Does not surprise me in the least that you would find a coin of this stature. IF they are there to find I think you are the one who can sniff them out.

I envy and hate you all at the same time!

Keep em coming,

Dave

Sweet find and if this isn't a BANNER coin, then there shouldn't be a Banner!! Congrats on the "Big Daddy" of Mercs!!

WooooHooo!!!! congrats on an awesome find!  just amazing that they are still out there! congrats again! keep it up! best of luck and HH

Wow that's amazing, congrats on the rare dime! It personally looks much more like an AG to me but that's besides the point. You scored big!  Think you might sell it? Congrats to you again.

Absolutely fantastic Bryce!!! Great story also..You've got my vote for Banner! 

Bryce that is awesome !!!!!!!! Congrats on a Great find.That one is on my list and hope to get lucky one of these days !!!! WTG and Good luck on your next hunt !!!!

Who says that good guys finish last?  Well they were wrong this time.  Congratulations on the dream find, the holy grail of metal detectors everywhere!  I am personally grateful to you for the knowledge you have shared over the years, and I was thrilled to see you hit the big one.    See you on the banner!  
Steve  

Boo Yah Bryce! Huge find. And ya did it with Nick and Bigfoot. I'm sure you would have been just as happy no matter who found the coin. Here's to good times and good buddies! MEMORIES!

 Congratulations Bryce. What a nice find. Banner.

You gotsta be kiddin' me!     Nice find Bryce!   Major score!

    WTG! 

     

Congrats on the 1916-D .  That is an awesome find.  I have been using your settings and digging some good stuff.  When you get a chance check out my post.  You have helped me find a lot of nice coins and relics.
Thanks
Dman

That definatly deserves a banner! 

 Great story. Congratulations on your holy grail. That is what I call a good hunt.
TnMtns

Dude,
You are AMAZING!!!  The holy grail of Merc's. Congrats on a BANNER find Bryce.
Well deserved big guy. 
-MM-

Thanks MM. I would be honored if it made the banner. I guess we'll see.

I love reading your stories, I felt like I was right there with you brutha! Congrats on getting the Big $$$ Merc!

Thanks G-4. If you were there with me...you would have been laughing your arss off too.
Take care buddy

awesome !!! Iam glad for ya!!

Thanks Marc

How exciting! congrats. I'm headed to St. Louis next month. Hope I get that lucky! lol

Thanks...and good luck. It's fun to hunt old beat up spots.

Awesome find!!!!! Is it really worth a grand ?  
Sounds like a great day.

Thanks buddy. Yes...it's actually worth $1000 in AG-3 condition...and up to $1500 in G-4 good

Amazing!....thats a dream find for sure, I think about it every time I dig a merc before I look at the date.        BANNER  congrats big time, way to dig it!

Thanks friend. I wish I could SEE the date

great find bryce , ive found 3 1916 mercs but no mint/

Grats man  ...but comon leave some silver for us newbies

Sweet find and if this isn't a BANNER coin, then there shouldn't be a Banner!! Congrats on the "Big Daddy" of Mercs!!

Thanks Jack. I sure had a great time with lots of laughs over the weekend.

Bryce,

Another great post and another great find by the master. Does not surprise me in the least that you would find a coin of this stature. IF they are there to find I think you are the one who can sniff them out.

I envy and hate you all at the same time!

Keep em coming,

Dave

Thanks Dave. I appreciate it. It's all about fun for me. I would have been happy digging just one keeper from that pounded place. It's a good thing too...because I only got the sweet Merc and one lonely wheatie from there

WTG Bryce. Has your heart rate slow down as of yet? Congrats on one awesome find.

Thanks Bruce. Nope...it's still pounding.

Awesome! Great story and an even better find! Once in a lifetime no doubt!

Congrats! Well deserved!  

Thanks beetle662. It was a day I won't forget.

Congrats on the find. "Banner for sure"

Thanks Old River

Congrats on the 1916-D .  That is an awesome find.  I have been using your settings and digging some good stuff.  When you get a chance check out my post.  You have helped me find a lot of nice coins and relics.
Thanks
Dman

Thanks D...and thanks for letting me know my settings have helped in some way. That means more to me than any monetary finds.
I'm glad you are getting some goodies. I'm in this hobby for the fun and peace it gives me. What you just said to me makes it all that much better.

You gotsta be kiddin' me!     Nice find Bryce!   Major score!

    WTG! 

     

Thanks BK

Congratulations Bryce. What a nice find. Banner.

Thanks RD

Boo Yah Bryce! Huge find. And ya did it with Nick and Bigfoot. I'm sure you would have been just as happy no matter who found the coin. Here's to good times and good buddies! MEMORIES!

Thanks my friend. Truthfully...you are 100% corect. I couldn't have cared less who found the dime...although the Yeti might have tried eating it

Who says that good guys finish last?  Well they were wrong this time.  Congratulations on the dream find, the holy grail of metal detectors everywhere!  I am personally grateful to you for the knowledge you have shared over the years, and I was thrilled to see you hit the big one.    See you on the banner!   
Steve 

Thanks Steve. I really appreciate what you said. It means more to me than you could know.

Bryce that is awesome !!!!!!!! Congrats on a Great find.That one is on my list and hope to get lucky one of these days !!!! WTG and Good luck on your next hunt !!!!

Thanks G-Money. Next hunt...maybe you can be there too.

Absolutely fantastic Bryce!!! Great story also..You've got my vote for Banner! 

Thanks buddy

Wow that's amazing, congrats on the rare dime! It personally looks much more like an AG to me but that's besides the point. You scored big!  Think you might sell it? Congrats to you again.

Thanks Nate. No way I could sell it. It is a part of something I'll never forget. I would like to get it authenticated...then just put it in the bank lockbox fort my daughter to have some day.
As for the grade...it can be C-1 crappy for all I care I'm not a collector....I just like findin' stuff. Take care buddy

WooooHooo!!!! congrats on an awesome find!  just amazing that they are still out there! congrats again! keep it up! best of luck and HH

Thanks CD

  
      Bryce , There is the silver lining to the fact that you have hunted to death all your local parks, causing you to go

      on frequent road trips out of area , allowing you to score the merc of all mercs, and the choice silver rings and

      other coins . Isn't it amazing what life surprises us with when we least expect it ?   Great story !  Nice to see you

      getting stoked up again my friend .    BANNER !!!                 Argentium.

Bryce,

That only could happen to the 'silverfreak'!    Great story, throwing a '16-D merc back and forth...   Even better that you had a couple of buddies with you!

Jim

Great story. Sounds like that dime is the cherry on top of a wonderful weekend. The kind of wekend we all deserve now and then.

Man, this was a good weekend.

Congrats.

LD

WTG Bryce Congrats on finding the most elusive of all Mercs!  It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy!  I vote banner too!

Nat

Congrats on that fantastik find Bryce.
 I am thinking maybe more than $1000.

Wow man, that is one hell of a nice coin.  I dont care how worn it is, its gorgeous.  I absolutly loved your story, thank you for such a nice long descriptive post.  After reading about your hunts, I am in awe of the patience and persistence you exhibit.  If I am ever in your neck of the woods, I would love the opportunity to follow you for a day just to watch you work and listen to those iffy signals.  I feel like you have mastered your machine, and I stand in awe of your skill and results.  Congratulations on an outstanding hunt and a suberb find.  
Anthony

hmmmm.. 9" down?
...damn I gotta get rid of this ace250 
congrats man !

[Now I Will Hit That 2012 Silver]

Congratulations silverfreak..........So far this year I have found 4 1916 mercs, 2 plains & 2 s mm.........No D  mm ,but all 4 were heart stoppers..........Good to see you got the money maker....Happy for you man

Well-deserved Bryce.  Couldn't happen to a better guy.

Fantastic find!!. Great story, kept my attention 100%. I'll vote banner for your elusive find. You thoroughly deserve it.

Bryce   that is super sweet   congrats    HH

After the story of the clanking against the predator and rubbing against the clad, promise to treat the next one you find with more respect.   


Incredible find.  This should go BANNER easily (but the moderators will likely want a better photo of the coin for it to be placed up top).



Cheers!  And the next time you hunt with Nicky, sounds like you're bringing the sammies.   



Best Wishes,




Buckles 

WOW wow WOW wow WOW wow WOW wow WOW wow WOW wow WOW!!!  That is so SWEET!!! CONGRAT'S!!!

A. Starting to dread looking at your posts, especially with the monsoon rains we've been having in Denver not allowing us to hunt. B. Banner, as long as you promise to not stop in Denver any time soon. You are like the guys in my college math class that screwed the grade curve for the rest of us. Fully convinced that you can actually smell the scent of silver in the ground. And, C. Frankly, you deserve a banner for that coin. You are starting to haunt my dreams. D. Keep it up.
Carl

Well S.F. ya did it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

I'm happy for and proud of ya man !!!

This is BANNER acton right here man !!!!!

WTG Brotha !!

D.

I had to look again. 
Come on BANNER!!!!
Congrats on a superior find Bryce.
-MM-

I was in a similar situation about 3 years ago. Out popped a merc. I thought I could see 1916 with a mintmark. My heart started beating harder. I searched the grounds until I found a puddle and proceeded to gently clean it off. Definitely 1916 with a mintmark but mine was an S. That's a shame because otherwise the dime was in great shape. I'm happy that you found it Bryce. If anyone deserves it it's you. You are the silver dime king.
Chris

awesome job.....

Hey Bryce, I think the only thing holding this one back is better pics. Ya gotta update with the clean coin. EVERYONE SAYS BANNER!

[God bless our veterans! Thank you for your sacrifices!]

Nick yelled out as loud as he could..."That's why they call him the freak"

Serious congrats, buddy!!!

What a great post!    You've got my banner vote!

..and definitely   !!!

Awesome Merc!
I can take some great close up photos if you need them (but you will have to mail it   )

How I take close up photos

HH,
     Donny

Super dig Bryce.  Glad I took a quick break this morning to check out the finds.  Congrats on a sweet dime. 
JDD

Everyone...as for it making BANNER...a couple of you suggested taking pics of the coin clean. It IS clean in two of the pics. I took 2 scans dirty....and 2 scans after rinsing it off with water.

The coin IS what it is...a pretty decent coin with fully readable date AND D mint mark....but I'm not going to polish it or rub it.

Surely the moderators don't expect me to CLEAN or rub the coin any further?? If I do so...I have been told it will ruin the grading/authentication process.


I was told to just rinse it in warm water and do no further cleaning..so that's exactly what i did.

I took 2 full scans of it after rinsing it...and it's the same thing I have done for all my finds here for the last few years.

What do you all think I should do? ...please let me know

My friend that is awesome!!!!!
Remember everything in life happens for a reason.
And, this is karma paying you back for everything
that you have done to help people.
I for one could not be happier if it had happened to me.
For the coin do not do anything else to it.
to me it's a slider between AG-Good.  So, it is easy a $1,200 coin.
Do not let anyone talk you into cleaning the coin in any way.
You did right by what you did.
Can you tell us what coil you had on for this once in a life time find?
Once again, my friend "way to go"
You got my vote for Banner!!!!!
HH Dan

The "FREAK" strikes again! Couldn't happen to a more deserving guy. Major congratulations are in order for you Bryce! 

It would not seem right for a fellow il. hunter not to respond to such a great find!!! .What a fantastic rare find!!!

Thats what it is all about dude ,, you deserve it!!! BANNER!!!


ARTHUR

Very nice!!!

Everyone...as for it making BANNER...a couple of you suggested taking pics of the coin clean. It IS clean in two of the pics. I took 2 scans dirty....and 2 scans after rinsing it off with water.

The coin IS what it is...a pretty decent coin with fully readable date AND D mint mark....but I'm not going to polish it or rub it.

Surely the moderators don't expect me to CLEAN or rub the coin any further?? If I do so...I have been told it will ruin the grading/authentication process.


I was told to just rinse it in warm water and do no further cleaning..so that's exactly what i did.

I took 2 full scans of it after rinsing it...and it's the same thing I have done for all my finds here for the last few years.

What do you all think I should do? ...please let me know

Bryce,

As BuckleBoy said, in order for it to make the banner, a better picture will probably be needed.  No further cleaning is needed.

Kyle

WHY HAS THIS NOT MADE THE BANNNER YET??
C'MON guys. The pictures are very good and clear and the coin is as clean as to be expected.
This is the find of a lifetime and I have seen many other banner finds that are not in as nice condition as his photos show.
Whatever you do silverfreak do NOT let anyone talk you into rubbing the coin or cleaning it any further.
This dime is worth at least $1000 in the condition your photos show.

Let's put it at the top where it belongs.  

Bryce,

That only could happen to the 'silverfreak'!    Great story, throwing a '16-D merc back and forth...   Even better that you had a couple of buddies with you!

Jim

Thanks Jim. The buddies made it all that much better

   
      Bryce , There is the silver lining to the fact that you have hunted to death all your local parks, causing you to go

      on frequent road trips out of area , allowing you to score the merc of all mercs, and the choice silver rings and

      other coins . Isn't it amazing what life surprises us with when we least expect it ?   Great story !  Nice to see you

      getting stoked up again my friend .    BANNER !!!                 Argentium.

Thanks brother. I'm definitely stoked up again...but I was lucky my brother was able to stay with dad a couple of days. That allowed me to get away for 2 full days. It might be forever before that happens again. I'll be right back to my same old beat up parks again...but you never know what will pop out. That's why I love this hobby

Grats man  ...but comon leave some silver for us newbies

ThanksAday

great find bryce , ive found 3 1916 mercs but no mint/

Thanks Dave

Great story. Congratulations on your holy grail. That is what I call a good hunt.
TnMtns

Thanks TN

That definatly deserves a banner! 

Thanks D.F.

Awesome find!  That is one we all dream about.  I certainly agree that it is a banner find.  Are you going to get it slabbed?

Everyone...as for it making BANNER...a couple of you suggested taking pics of the coin clean. It IS clean in two of the pics. I took 2 scans dirty....and 2 scans after rinsing it off with water.

The coin IS what it is...a pretty decent coin with fully readable date AND D mint mark....but I'm not going to polish it or rub it.

Surely the moderators don't expect me to CLEAN or rub the coin any further?? If I do so...I have been told it will ruin the grading/authentication process.


I was told to just rinse it in warm water and do no further cleaning..so that's exactly what i did.

I took 2 full scans of it after rinsing it...and it's the same thing I have done for all my finds here for the last few years.

What do you all think I should do? ...please let me know

If the coin has been rinsed, then the coin IS clean. Do NOT clean it any further--you're right about that.  What I suggested was that you take Better photos of the coin for the banner.   


GREAT find there.   

hmmmm.. 9" down?
...damn I gotta get rid of this ace250 
congrats man !

Now that's funny buddy. Seriously though...that ACE 250 is a SWEEt machine.

Wow man, that is one hell of a nice coin.  I dont care how worn it is, its gorgeous.  I absolutly loved your story, thank you for such a nice long descriptive post.  After reading about your hunts, I am in awe of the patience and persistence you exhibit.  If I am ever in your neck of the woods, I would love the opportunity to follow you for a day just to watch you work and listen to those iffy signals.  I feel like you have mastered your machine, and I stand in awe of your skill and results.  Congratulations on an outstanding hunt and a suberb find. 
Anthony

Anthony...thanks a lot buddy. If I wasn't so stubborn and persistent...I'd go home with an empty pouch. It's getting tough around here...so i have been going to St.Louis to hunt. It's no easier there...but there are a ton more parks there. Take care buddy and thanks for responding.

Congrats on that fantastik find Bryce.
 I am thinking maybe more than $1000.

Thanks Merf. I hope so...but I just hunt for the fun anyway. A sweet coin like this one is just a bonus. Take care buddy...and good luck on you upcoming hunts. I'll watch for your posts

WTG Bryce Congrats on finding the most elusive of all Mercs!  It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy!  I vote banner too!

Nat

Thanks Nat. I appreciate it buddy

Man, this was a good weekend.

Congrats.

LD

Thanls LD

Great story. Sounds like that dime is the cherry on top of a wonderful weekend. The kind of wekend we all deserve now and then.

Thanks P.D. Good luck on your next hunt

CONGRATULATION'S ON A FIND OF A LIFETIME BRYCE    EXCELENT

Bryce ...

I apologize for not getting to this earlier, It's been a long Memorial Day with family & friends.

I mean this with all sincerity ~ It could not have happened to a nicer guy ... 

I wish I would have had my movie camera to show you your reactions ... It was like the Yeti & I had to beat you over the head to get you to believe what we were telling you AND yet you were seeing it with your own eyes ... 

Forum folks I mean this when I say this ... Bryce is a true professional in every sense ... His heart and soul go into every hunt AND it is my pleasure to call him friend ...

We gotta make one more hunt in the fall Bro ...

Congratulations on a SUPERIOR find ...

~ Nick ~

Thanks brother. It was definitely a fun day...and we need to make sure we get in one more sometime this year.
I rarely get to share any hunts with my friends because of my hectic schedule...but my brother was able to stay with my dad for the weekend.

I can't wait to do it again...and hopefully you'll forget it's about my time to provide lunch...and you can hook me up with another sweet "sammie" 

Congratulations silverfreak..........So far this year I have found 4 1916 mercs, 2 plains & 2 s mm.........No D  mm ,but all 4 were heart stoppers..........Good to see you got the money maker....Happy for you man

Thanks buddy. I appreciate it. I have had a few of those heart stoppers over the years..and it's still fun...until you turn the dime over...and there's nothing there I don't have that problem anymore 'cause I can't even read the date without my glasses

huge congratulations my friend - that's the way you do it !!!!!
very happy for you !

kevin

[Come on Mods!!!!]

Come on Mods!!!!

The Holy Grail of Mercs, within all of our grasps and worth over a grand!

This find speaks to us all!!!

Please get this up on the BANNER where it belongs!!!


Bryce, if you don't get the banner for this, then the banner means nothing!

Outstanding find........... and I'll put my BANNER VOTE in too

congrats on your rare coin silverfreak

Now that's what I am talking about Bryce. Wat to go Buddy. You deserve that great find my friend. And what a day to find it, with good buddies along the way. Maybe more road trips are in your future. I hope Pops is doing okay as well. That would surely bring your spirit up high.  Nice going again and I say this is a BANNER find all the way!!!!!!!       jgas

[AWESOME]

I've only one thing to say...BANNER.

Another one word to say AWESOME
No matter what get it slabbed
Congrats on finding the king of the mercs

fortbball9

Wow, Bryce, I haven't been on the forum in about a week and I log in today to see your post!!  

Awesome find, buddy!!  I'm still waiting for my '16 D merc after digging over 1250 silver coins in the past two and a half years.

Although your areas have been hammered to death, you still find a way to make great finds!!

Major Congrats!  

HH,
CAPTN SE
Dan

I agree with the rest....a '16 D merc deserves the banner!!  I'd rather see your coin up on the banner than that 14 kt plated 50 peso repro, Bryce!!

BIG STORY FOR A  BIG FIND congrats on the big one I say BANNER

Great play by play

going down the hall and doing " the silver freak dance " .....>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.


 

Danny

Everyone...as for it making BANNER...a couple of you suggested taking pics of the coin clean. It IS clean in two of the pics. I took 2 scans dirty....and 2 scans after rinsing it off with water.

The coin IS what it is...a pretty decent coin with fully readable date AND D mint mark....but I'm not going to polish it or rub it.

Surely the moderators don't expect me to CLEAN or rub the coin any further?? If I do so...I have been told it will ruin the grading/authentication process.


I was told to just rinse it in warm water and do no further cleaning..so that's exactly what i did.

I took 2 full scans of it after rinsing it...and it's the same thing I have done for all my finds here for the last few years.

What do you all think I should do? ...please let me know

If the coin has been rinsed, then the coin IS clean. Do NOT clean it any further--you're right about that.  What I suggested was that you take Better photos of the coin for the banner.   


GREAT find there.   

What I sudjest is that you send it to me, I'll take the photos send them back and keep the coin

bryce i didnt post banner before because i didnt think my vote would be needed ill do it right now and get right on it. congrtats again you must be stoked.  willy.

Hey Bryce, I think the only thing holding this one back is better pics. Ya gotta update with the clean coin. EVERYONE SAYS BANNER!

The coin in most of those pics is the clean coin brother 
I took a scan of the front dirty...then rinsed it with warm water. That's as clean as it's gonna' get bro

awesome job.....

Thanks Jim

I was in a similar situation about 3 years ago. Out popped a merc. I thought I could see 1916 with a mintmark. My heart started beating harder. I searched the grounds until I found a puddle and proceeded to gently clean it off. Definitely 1916 with a mintmark but mine was an S. That's a shame because otherwise the dime was in great shape. I'm happy that you found it Bryce. If anyone deserves it it's you. You are the silver dime king.
Chris

Thanks Chris. Mine "aint" to purty...but should go between AG-3 to G-4.
It was a thrill I'll never forget

I had to look again. 
Come on BANNER!!!!
Congrats on a superior find Bryce.
-MM-

Keep on hopin' MM...so am I

Well S.F. ya did it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

I'm happy for and proud of ya man !!!

This is BANNER acton right here man !!!!!

WTG Brotha !!

D.

Thanks Derek.