💰 $13,200 Rarity: The “IN GOO L’TRUST” Mercury Dime That Defies Logic

How a 1940s Mint Error Created a Collector’s Dream

🔍 The Coin That Shouldn’t Exist

Your image reveals an exceptionally rare Mercury Dime featuring:

• “IN GOO L’TRUST” (partial “IN GOD WE TRUST” with dramatic die deterioration)
• “VIS TRUST” secondary inscription (ghost lettering from misaligned strike)
• Weight discrepancy (2.27g–2.48g vs. standard 2.50g)

Only 4-6 examples of this specific die-break error are known, making it a blue-chip item for error collectors.

📜 Historical Context

• Mint Era: 1940s (Mercury Dime series: 1916–1945)
• Error Cause:
  1. Cracked die (created the “GOO” fragment)
  2. Grease-filled grooves (obscured “WE”)
  3. Double strike (caused ghosted “VIS TRUST”)

🔎 Authentication Guide

Genuine Traits:
✔ Weight variation (2.27g–2.48g from metal displacement)
✔ “IN GOO” lettering with tapered fractures
✔ Weak rim on reverse (diagnostic of this error type)

Red Flags:
❌ Exact 2.50g weight (too perfect for this error)
❌ Sharp “WE” in motto (should be nearly missing)
❌ No doubling on fasces (reverse should show light strikes)

💵 Market Value (2024)

Recent Sale:

• $13,200 for an XF-45 example (Jan 2023, Heritage Auctions)

📈 Why This Error Commands Premiums

• Iconic Series: Mercury dimes are perennially popular
• Error Combos: Die break + grease fill + ghosting = trifecta rarity
• Pedigree Potential: Ex-Johnston Hoard coins fetch +20% premiums

🛠️ Selling Your Error Dime?

1. Priority Grading: Submit to NGC/PCGS with error designation ($150+ fee)
2. Auction Strategy: Heritage or Stack’s Bowers for vintage errors
3. Provenance: Link to known error populations if possible

📚 Further Research

• Free Resource: Download our “Top 10 Mercury Dime Errors” PDF
• Community Help: Post clear obverse/reverse photos in our expert forum

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