The 1918 Mercury Dime

The 1918 Mercury Dime was a very popular coin during its circulation due to its buying power, and it remains a popular coin with collectors today. The dime is the smallest coin produced by the U.S. Mint, with a diameter under 18 mm, but it is worth more than the penny or the nickel which are both larger in size. The 1918 Mercury Dime was one of the first ever produced, so it carries even more value in the eyes of collectors.

Liberty on the Dime

Lady Liberty reigned on the dime in different forms until she was replaced by President Roosevelt in 1946. Usually just her head was shown, but her full body, seated on a rock, was used for many years in the 1800s. On the Mercury Dime, she is shown with wings on her head from 1916 to 1945, to symbolize freedom of thought, but many people mistook her for the Roman messenger god, Mercury. 

1918 Mercury Dime Values

Many collectors are looking for a beautiful 1918 Mercury Dime to add to their collection. Like many older coins, the value is tied to the condition of the coin. On a Mercury Dime, you should look for a clear image of Liberty in a winged cap, with “LIBERTY,” and “In God We Trust” clearly visible on the obverse. The reverse will feature a fasces with an olive branch, as well as the denomination mark. Highly circulated coins are worth around three dollars, but a mint, uncirculated coin is worth forty dollars!

 

Type of coin: Dime

Year: 1918

Mint Mark: None

Total mintage: 26,680,000

Metal content: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

Face value: Ten Cents

Weight: 2.5 grams

Edge: Reeded

Designer: Adolph Weinman

Diameter: 17.91 millimeters