The 1931 D Mercury Dime
The 1931 D Mercury Dime is one of the lowest mintages in the entire series, and has extreme value amongst collectors. Designed by Adolph Weinman in 1915 as part of a contest to find new designs for U.S. coins, it has become a truly iconic coin for collectors. Dimes have been produced by the US Mint since its inception, and all varieties of these ten-cent pieces are of importance to collectors.
Mercury Dime Design
The most iconic part of the Mercury Dime is the image of Liberty in a winged Phrygian cap on the obverse of the coin. Many people mistook the image to be of the Roman god Mercury, and the misnomer has continued well into the 21st century. Like many American coins, the Mercury Dime follows the tradition of including Liberty, whether as a woman or as text, in its design.
1931 D Mercury Dime Value
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 go for, on average, eight dollars, while a mint condition coin can fetch up to sixty dollars.
Type of coin: Dime
Year: 1931
Mint Mark: Denver
Total mintage: 1,260,000
Metal content: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Face value: Ten Cents
Weight: 2.5 grams
Edge: Reeded
Designer: Adolph Weinman
Diameter: 17.91 millimeters