Update, 4/26/16: This week’s U.S. Mint numismatic sales report has been released, meaning the preliminary total of 122,510 gold Mercury dimes sold is now considered official.
The U.S. Mint still hasn’t said how many 2016 Mercury Dime Centennial Gold Coins it has sold, but an unofficial number has shown up on the Mint’s sales data sheet, giving us a very good idea of how close this issue is to a sellout. The total is currently listed as 122,510 units sold, just 2,490 pieces away from the item’s maximum allowable mintage.
While it’s important to remember that this figure may be adjusted following further audits, it does provide a much clearer sense of what we can expect from this issue going forward. The Mint may go ahead and declare a sellout in spite of the space between the current total and the mintage limit, or it may release small batches of the coin in sporadic morning sales, inching the total closer to 125,000 units over the next month or so.
One thing is for sure: the Mercury Dime Centennial Gold Coin is just about gone. Even if the Mint made all 2,490 coins available at one time, they’d likely be sold in under an hour.
With the benefit of hindsight it does seem that the 10-coin household order limit was rather high, making it too easy for the coins to be hoovered up in 45 minutes. On the other hand, an offering with such wide appeal was bound to perform well, and may not have lasted much longer either way.
It will be interesting to see how the launch of the gold Mercury Dime impacts the Mint’s policies on the other 2016 Centennial Gold Coins due out later this year. It seems likely that household order limits for the gold Standing Liberty quarter and Walking Liberty half dollar will be set lower than 10 units now that we’ve seen just how strong demand has been for the first release in the series.
The official sales total for the 2016 Mercury Dime Centennial Gold Coin will be released with the Mint’s weekly sales report tomorrow evening. Updated information on the status of the item will be posted as it becomes available.
h/t @ cagcrisp for noticing the update to the Mint’s sales spreadsheet.
KEITHSTER says
Ya as soon as the big boys are done with your coins they’ll give them back don’t worry? Mine are all moving and should be fine now all that is needed is some error and all will be sweet ! but the next ones will be trouble forsure Good Luck All In All You Do:>:>:>
Larry says
I will admit I was caught off guard by this coin. Look how long the gold Kennedy and last years HR coin took to sell. I was on the sideline, but I was watching the mint’s website, and at 12:38 I saw the coin was backorder, I figured it was now or never.
125,000 coins in about 40 minutes, that must be record for the mint. From the posts on MNB before the coin came out, it looks like most here were caught off guard. I think we all thought we would have tons of time to pick up this coin. You just never know.
Ron says
Roxie says
April 26, 2016 at 5:27 pm
Happy to report just received shipped email for my 12:05p order #04118xxx.
Good for you Roxie, glad to see someone get theirs. My first order 2 coins is the same 11:05 CST order # 04118 still processing and the order for 1 coin 11:08 CST will be here tomorrow snail mail shipped last Friday.
Dustyroads says
Larry, Leading up to the release, I saw two schools of thought developing, one which thought the coin was a loser and the other which was quietly believing this coin would sell out and was on it at 12:00.01.
I had wrestled with the idea up until that morning, then excepted the real possibility of a sellout. When it happened at 12:41, I wasn’t surprised at all.
euglucero says
My order was in within 5 minutes of coin release and it’s still processing. I called the us mint on monday and they said that it’s ok and will ship soon. I think that they are selling to the big guys first then leftover coins to the small guy collectors. That is very sad for them to do that not a fair game. Not ordering coins anymore… I will continue buying older coins. Good luck to all!!
baldwin says
I think everyone is getting the first issue of the coin. It appears we just have to be patient. My 12:08 order is still processing.
Broooster says
I dont believe the “big boys” are getting their coins first. I had an order for two coins and an order for one coin in at 12:09. The two coin order I already have, and my one coin order is on its way. I wonder if some orders are being held up by the credit card being used doesn’t process this charge in a timely manner. I cant see the mint sending out any coin(s) before payment has been fully processed.
Just a thought.
baldwin says
My credit card was used minutes prior to the Mercury Coin order for other mint products I purchased separately and they shipped with no issues or delay.
Joe#2 says
Only reason i used smart post instead of the $20.00 service was because if i have to return the coin if damaged, spots or whatever, I didn’t want 2 b out of that money.
But if the coin would have been delivered by a turtle, It would have been here already.
DALE says
BROOOSTER, THE MINT IS NOT SENDING IN ORDER, I ORDERED 12:06 THREE MINUTES BEFOR YOU MINE ARE STILL IN PROCESS YOU ALREADY GOT YOURS,
I AM NOT IN A HURRY BUT THEY SHOULD BE SHIPPING IN ORDER, THE MINT HAS NO IDEA WHAT THERE DOING.
Louis says
Received my order. Very pleased. Would not be surprised to see OGP and 70 prices get quite close before long.
cagcrisp says
I received my Winged Liberty Head order this morning. All look good. All have Mint marks.
Individual boxes are Much larger than I anticipated. The box is 4.5 x 4.5 x 1.75…
Doug says
I know you guys speculate on what may or may not hold up orders but just wanted to let you know that I ordered other items along with my ONE Merc Dime and my order shipped quickly.
I ordered two Shawnee ATB and two Silver Proof sets along with the ONE Merc Dime. Order #USM04118XXX. Can’t remember but order went through around 12:11 I think. Got my shipment Tuesday morning. I thought the extra order would slow things down as everyone speculates some are pre-packaged and ready to ship quickly. Mine clearly was not one of the pre-packaged ones but one of the first to get delivered.
Just my two cents if anyone is concerned about ordering other products at the same time.
Chris says
I’m a fairly new coin collector. I bought 2 gold dimes because I just thought they were pretty. I noticed that behind the coins in the box there were 2 moisture bags. I was wondering, if I keep the coins in the box, which I am, should I take them out or keep them in. And is there anything special that I should do to the the coins or box to keep them in mint condition. Does heat or moisture affect them. I live in N.C. and it’s very humid here. Thanks for all of your help.
Tinto says
@cagcrisp
“Individual boxes are Much larger than I anticipated. The box is 4.5 x 4.5 x 1.75…”
I decided a while ago not to buy any of the tribute gold and no regretting that decision. But I was looking at pictures of that box and had been thinking maybe the Mint might be using the same box and only changing the internal holders (whatever they call ’em) holding the coins, So after making the boxes they’d only have to make internal holders with different sized openings to hold the dime, quarter and half … maybe not .. but just thinking out loud
joe says
Dustyroads said:
Ah, gotta love those PCGS graded coins and their unique tones…..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2008-W-5-AMERICAN-BUFFALO-9999-GOLD-1-10-OZ-Toned-PCGS-MS70-MS-70-/141814930613?hash=item2104d41cb5:g:ccEAAOSwd0BV0e24
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This is exactly why I avoid PCGS these days; they are experts at ruining coins…specifically gold coins. One day I may have to do a chemical analysis on one of these to see what they are dipping the coins in.
ike says
My order #4120xxx Is now in Beaumont, CA. On my order was the silver set, Gerald Ford 2016 Presidential $1 Coin & First Spouse Medal Set & 1 Merc Dime.
Joe#2 says
Chris… I live in NC as well, And i keep all my coins in acid free lint free boxes. I have had no
issues. Just don’t keep them in the basement or attic. You can keep the moisture bags in the box, ( i don’t use them ), But change them regularly.
Louis says
Chris- In theory pure gold (24K) like these should not react to the environment the way silver will, but to play it safe always store your more valuable items in a dry place if you can.
I like the boxes, very classy, but rather large for such a small coin. I like Tinto’s idea so the boxes would all be the same.
Forgot to say mine are all strong prooflikes…………..just kidding!
cagcrisp says
@Tinto, That idea makes a Lot of sense…
fmtransmitter says
euglucero says
APRIL 27, 2016 AT 10:51 AM
My order was in within 5 minutes of coin release and it’s still processing. I called the us mint on monday and they said that it’s ok and will ship soon. I think that they are selling to the big guys first then leftover coins to the small guy collectors. That is very sad for them to do that not a fair game. Not ordering coins anymore… I will continue buying older coins. Good luck to all!!
lmao
cagcrisp says
If you of a Certain Age this post will make sense. IF not of a Certain Age then not.
To some, the Winged Liberty Head dime connects your past to the present. These coins are not like other coins. These are not a 1/10 oz. AGE’s that you never grew up with. These coins represent something from a childhood that is long gone. A childhood that no child will ever have again. A childhood where you had no transgendered bathrooms, no road rage and no school shootings. A childhood where if a school official called it was about your child playing hooky from school to go ride a bike or go swimming or go fishing. The worse problem you got into was smoking a cigarette or drinking a beer.
I just got back from giving out some Silver Winged Liberty Head dimes with a Gold Winged Liberty Head dimes. Tears in the eyes of the people that I gave them too. Not because it was a Gold coin but because they remembered a much simpler time and a slower pace where you could take a dime and buy a soda pop and a candy bar. A time where they will never go again and their grandchildren will never understand.
A St Gauden would not mean as much to some as do these Winged Liberty Head dimes because to people like me, I was a grown man before I ever knew what a Gold St Gauden or any Gold coin looked like.
Nope. For many on here you will never understand or grasp just exactly what a Winged Liberty Head dime represents but it’s much much more than the price of $205.00.
I just hope that Eventually these coins get in the hands of something that understands…
cagcrisp says
in Above someone and Not something…
Robin says
Good god those mercury dime boxes are gigantic and oversized.
Dustyroads says
Can all three coins fit into one of those boxes?
Dustyroads says
A three coin presentation box?
mark says
I Think we have a new record…this is how many are available at L&C COINS
2016-W Mercury Dime Centennial Gold Coin, SP70, First Strike, PCGS (Flag Label)
249 x $350.00
2016-W Mercury Dime Centennial Gold Coin, SP70, First Strike, PCGS
497 x $350.00
jayjaspersgarage on ebay says
Ideally they would make the three boxes work together as a three-part display. One box wave left, one wave right and the other more square with a slight curve at the top to be in the center position. What are the odds that is already planned? If you only wanted the two smaller coins the two boxes would be the wave left and wave right. The final box would be the center box. Not my idea but thought I would pass it on.
Roxie says
Tinto I was thinking the same about the boxes. Would save on expenses but that would make business sense but not sure Ive seen evidence that has been a priority in the past but we’ll see.
This is the first time in years I bought a coin from the Mint due to same issues that still seem apparent (ordering, quality, premium). But I just happen to know I wanted the ASEs for this year and happened to look at the schedule when I saw this coin and the plan for the other three. When I saw the mock up on the schedule my head started spinning. This has always been my favorite design, I still go gaga over a near BU Merc when I find one(which is rare, nowadays have to pay a LCS for a nice Merc fix ;-)). I did not sleep well the night before and made my decision 20 mins before purchase window opened, even had brief buyers remorse but just cause of the expense. So my decision had nothing to do with the possibility of a sell out, it was purely a heart decision which doesnt always work out for me but so be it. Im grateful the Mint offered this coin, I may not be able to afford the others depending when they come out nor guaranteed the purchase process wil be favorable (but Im going to try). This will be a tough year since I also want the ASEs. Something has to give so already decided to fore go getting this years Silver Proof set that just came out which is the main reason I logged onto the Mint site early last week and then saw the gold Merc. Just my story FWIW. I enjoy everyones input.
Roxie says
Jay if the boxes fit together that would be odd way to display because the display would be vertical so i dont think that is their plan. well I hope not . If the wave were on the left or right side I would agree and it would be a horizontal display of three boxes fitting together which would be nice. will be interesting to see if the have a specific display box plan.
mark says
@ jayjaspersgarage ….Then just glue all 3 of your boxes together and WAAAM…you have your three coin box set
Roxie says
BTW someone (KCS coins) posted nice unboxing video on youtube this am for the gold Merc.
Walter says
Wwhy does the gold mercury dime have a W mint mark on both sides ? ? ?
Roxie says
2cents Thank you so much for sharring that bit of history regarding Adolph’s reasons for this design
Roxie says
Walter, The ‘W’ on the back is the mint mark representing the West Point mint where is was made. The W on the front represents the Initial of the original designer and I think if you look close there should be an ‘A’ as part of the W on the front.
mark says
Its a A with W on top on the obverse …designers initials
CasualCollector says
@Walter
The obverse (heads) features a portrait of Liberty facing left, wearing a winged cap, with the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “2016” and the artist’s initials, “AW.”
Hawkster says
O.K., the AU found on the dime’s reverse is the periodic symbol for gold. But, if you happen to get a clunker, I guess the AU reverts to its numismatic meaning: almost uncirculated.
John Q. Coinage says
It should be clear that “L&C” (who just sent me an unsolicited email on the gold merc (& I never bought nothing from them as they are too pricey anyway) cornered & manipulated the 10 coin household limit, bet you dollars to doughnuts they have alot of employees with a expense reimbursement for $2,055.95 this month, may they chock on the coins & wake up in Tehran & dressed as Caitlyn Jenner….
Dustyroads says
Walter, The W on the obverse is not a W, but the artists initials, as in AW. I if look between the bottom two points of the W you will see an A.
mark says
@Roxie..the way jay explained it the boxes would be horizontal not vertical.
Roxie says
Ok Mark but that would make it an odd orientation given the way the top opens
fmtransmitter says
Your going to get all three of these coins in the same darn box. I like the fantasy thinking though. The REALITY thinking is order enough boxes for all 3 designs NOW from China so they have them on hand when the coins are minted. I have watched the US Mint enough to know they jump through hoops to sell gold vs silver! These same boxes are for the Standing and Walker…Any takers?
fmtransmitter says
In this GREAT CLOSE UP VIDEO I do not see the box being that over sized, I see us not used to seeing a small dime in our collections…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR6uE8d-_SQ
Great post cag….!!! As the World turns and Donald builds a wall while Reagan said to tear down one…How times have changed eh?
mark says
@FM….I agree..just redesign the slip cover…wooden coin holder and c.o.a
Dustyroads says
Here’s another youtube unboxing video loaded today for you people like me who are feeling unloved by the Mint.
5 days after shipping notice ans 0 movement!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j28a0GTCjpo
Dustyroads says
Also, as fmt said, box doesn’t look too large. And no way three coins are fitting in this box….
Dustyroads says
fmt, I have always agreed that this same box will be used for all three coins, but I’ve wondered if all three coins could be situated into this little box. I don’t think so now after watching the video. But if the Mint were to try it, all that would have to be done is to change the insert.
NC Stacker says
Speaking of boxes, on the Kennedy Gold coin, I made a replacement of the wood holder to house both the gold coin Kennedy and the 1976 Kennedy silver coin side by side to show the dual dates of both coins.
I’ll try to do the same the these coins to get all three in one holder. It may not work out. The Kennedy display looks like the Mint made it this way.
Dustyroads says
NC Stacker, I really like that idea, there’s plenty of room in those Kennedy boxes for that. Good job!
Give Me Da Money Plz says
New thread.
Louis says
Well, I told some friends the 70s would be down to $350 soon. Already happened.
mark says
And we have a world record…..drum roll please*******
2016 SP70 ANACS First Day of Issue Limited Edition of 1,789 24K Gold Mercury Dime
492-060
$499.95
FREE SHIP
jayjaspersgarage on ebay says
mark says
APRIL 27, 2016 AT 4:19 PM
@Roxie..the way jay explained it the boxes would be horizontal not vertical.
Yes, that’s the orientation I envisioned for three boxes side-by-side on a shelf; horizontal.
After six days I have notification of “SHIPPED” for the four Centennial gold dimes and the National Park Clunker. Let the tracking begin.
Jerry Diekmann says
Today I received a notice from the US Mint that my order for 4 tribute dimes has been shipped. Compared to most of you, I got my order in rather late – order #USM04138xxx, and received an acknowledgment and order number of the order at 12:39 pm PDT on April 21, followed by a confirmation at 3:23 pm PDT the same day. Since the coins were already on back order when I ordered them, I didn’t expect to receive any notification of shipping until some time later. I don’t know if I was just lucky (for once) or if the Mint ships on a LIFO basis, as some bloggers have alleged, or if they had minted all the coins before the sale took place and they were ready to ship out thousands of orders beginning the first day.
As for 125,000 coins being minted, I am wondering if that may preclude the Mint from sometime later this year offering a 3-coin set. Sometimes the Mint seems to talk a confusing doublespeak and collectors and other buyers are never sure what they mean. I intend to keep these coins in OGP. L&C, a large dealer here in southern California, is selling these coins now in PCGS first strike flag or centennial labels for $295.00 for MS69 and $350.00 for SP70.
I hope all collectors who wanted these tribute coins were successful in buying them through the Mint. The after-market is pricing them higher if you missed them, but at least the prices seem halfway reasonable when you consider the TPG fees.
Jerry Diekmann says
Amen, cagcrisp! I remember these WLH dimes from when I was a boy – they were as common then as the silver Roosevelt dimes, probably because they made so many of them during the WW II years of 1941-1945. It is a beautiful coin, and so is Weinman’s other creation, the WL half dollar. Both coins are superior to me than the St. Gaudens $10 and $20 gold coins and I own examples of all of them. These dimes were what James Dean and Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo probably carried in their pockets in “Rebel Without a Cause” (look for a young Vic Morrow in this film too. Great days to remember, gone now forever, and the WLH dime helps to bring back the memories.
Theofie says
5:30 email from the mint my 10 coins have shipped
VABeachEd says
Ron says
APRIL 27, 2016 AT 9:40 AM
VABeachEd says…. Thanks for sharing it means a lot.
Ron,
I hope you get a chance to take your dad to Cumberland Gap on one of your visits from Texas. I wish your dad well and hope he has a lot more health years to enjoy the mountains in KY and TN.
smalltimecollector says
Couple random thoughts after catch-up reading.
I mentioned the coins quick sell due to familiarity. When young I would occasionally find and give my dad silver coins, in 64 it changed with Kennedy halves, it’s then I started my own collection, I too prized the original mercury’s, even though well worn they found a place in my mess kit coin box.. It would be interesting to see the demographics of purchasers of this coin (shedding off the dealer/flippers).
lastly, I would like to see a 3 coin set of the centennials in either reverse proof, or at least enhanced. It would be an awesome set.
Mintman says
Don’t read too much into the current pricing by one major dealer of $350 per PCGS MS70 FS as an immediate drop in the market for these newly issued gold mercs.
They also offered the 2015 Proof Plat in PCGS PR70 DCAM for $2850 initially, sold out of a relative few, then immediately raised their price over $3000
Chris says
Hi all. I am a new collector and have some questions. When you get the dimes, do you actually take the dimes out of the clear plastic round container to inspect it? And what are you looking for to decide weather to keep the coin or not? Do you actually have a magnifying glass or can you just look at it with you own eyes? Thanks for all of your help. I’m learning so much from reading the comments.
Ed says
Chris@ never take the coin out of its holder. Use a jewelers loupe to view the coin even if you are sending it out to be graded. You leave it in its holder and send it to grading services. If you have more questions you can get answers here http://www.collectors-society.com/