1945 Mercury Dime

The 1945 Mercury Dime had a large mintage of over 159 million coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint. This is a unique coin within the series because the Full Band version is the ultimate condition-rarity. The Full Band distinction comes about when the bands on the fasces on the reverse of the coin are distinct, fully struck and separated. These coins with the Full Band can skyrocket the price of the coin, as is the case with the 1945 Mercury Dime. As this is a plentiful coin, it’s relatively easy to find in many circulated and Mint State grades. But it is believed that barely over one hundred of these coins exist with Full Bands.

History of the 1945 Mercury Dime

Cherrypicking is highly advised with the 1945 Mercury Dime, especially if you’re seeking a fully struck coin. It’s possible to find plenty of Mint State coins, but much more difficult to locate a sharply struck coin with Full Bands. Adolph Alexander Weinman designed both the Mercury Dime and the Walking Liberty Half Dollar. The reverse of the coin features a fasces and an olive branch. As was common practice with regular strike coins at the Philadelphia Mint, this one did not have a mint mark. The obverse of the coin features Lady Liberty wearing her “liberty of thought” winged cap.