The 1934 D Mercury Dime

Mercury dimes were popular ten-cent pieces produced by the United States Mint from 1916 to 1945. The 1934 D Mercury dime is a mid to late series coin minted in Denver, Colorado. This dime is made of 90% Silver which makes it valuable to collectors and non-collectors alike. It is more properly referred to as the Winged Liberty Head Dime. Many of the public mistook Adolph Weinman’s design featuring a young Liberty for a depiction of the Roman god Mercury, and a nickname was born.

Issues with the Mercury Head Dime

The Mercury Dime was very popular amongst collectors, but it still faced several obstacles. One Minneapolis newspaper dubbed it the "battle-ax" or "golf" dime, reflecting a lack of knowledge concerning the fasces. A letter to the editor in the January 1917 “The Numismatist” appears to be the first numismatic reference to the coin by the nickname "Mercury,” even though the coin is a depiction of Liberty. These misnomers and misidentifications have proven everlasting for the Mercury dime, which is still called such today.

1934 D Mercury Dime Value

The 1934 D Mercury Dime is a wonderful and exciting coin to add to your 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 a little under three dollars, but a mint, uncirculated coin is worth sixteen dollars!

 

Type of coin: Dime

Year: 1934

Mint Mark: Denver

Total mintage: 6,772,000

Metal content: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

Face value: Ten Cents

Weight: 2.5 grams

Edge: Reeded

Designer: Adolph Weinman

Diameter: 17.91 millimeters