Mercury Dimes

Mercury Dime

The Mercury dime was minted from 1916 to 1945 and was produced to replace the Barber dime. The Mercury dime has a second name that comes from the design, Winged Liberty dime. The design consists of a young Liberty who wears a winged caped. The reverse depicted a fasces with an olive branch wrapped around it. The Mercury dime was designed by Adolf A. Weinman. This coin was released into circulation on October 30, 1916. The Mercury Dime stands as one of the most aesthetically pleasing and highly collected coins in the United States numismatic history. The Mercury Dime embodies the spirit of early 20th-century America, merging artistic excellence with the nation's burgeoning sense of identity.

Mercury Dime Value

The Mercury dime is typically an affordable coin for everyone to collect. You often can get an uncirculated version for under $50. However, there are other versions of the coin that can cost much more money, this is due to rarity, quality, and the mintage. The rare versions of this coin are 1916-D, 1921, 1921-D, and 1926-S.  These coins can cost thousands of dollars, the 1916-D coin can cost over $10,000. You can buy these coins individually, in rolls, and graded. Learn more about mercury dime value.

Here are some of the most expensive Mercury Dimes, based on their rarity and the prices they can fetch at auctions or from dealers in high-grade conditions:

1. 1916-D: The 1916-D Mercury Dime is the series' crown jewel due to its extremely low mintage of just 264,000 pieces, making it the rarest date. In high grades, such as MS65 or above, it can command prices of $30,000 to $50,000, with exceptional specimens reaching even higher.

2. 1942/1 Overdate (Philadelphia and Denver): These overdate errors, particularly in high grades, are among the most sought-after varieties. The Philadelphia version in MS65 can bring over $10,000, while the Denver version in a similar grade can fetch around $5,000 to $15,000.

3. 1921-D: The only Mercury Dime minted in Denver for that year, with a relatively low mintage, making it one of the key dates. In MS65, it can be valued at $5,000 to $10,000.

4. 1921 (Philadelphia): Like its Denver counterpart, the 1921 Philadelphia Mercury Dime had a low mintage and is highly prized. In MS65, it can reach values of $4,000 to $8,000.

5. 1919-D: In high grades, this date becomes quite scarce. A 1919-D in MS65 condition can be worth around $3,000 to $6,000.

6. 1919-S: Another challenging date to find in high grades. In MS65, it can command prices of $2,000 to $5,000.

7. 1920-D: Finding this coin in grades above MS65 is a challenge, making it quite valuable. Prices can range from $2,000 to $4,000 for high-grade examples.

8. 1926-S: This date is notorious for its weak strike, making well-struck examples in high grades particularly valuable. In MS65, it can fetch between $2,000 and $5,000.

9. 1927-D: Another date that is hard to come by in higher grades. An MS65 example can be worth $1,000 to $3,000.

10. 1931-D: As one of the later dates in the series, it's surprising to find this coin can be quite scarce in higher grades. In MS65, it might bring $1,000 to $2,000.

Design That Captures Imagination

The obverse of the Mercury Dime features the profile of Liberty, donning a winged Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. This iconic imagery led to the coin's common misnomer, "Mercury Dime," as many associated the cap's wings with Mercury, the Roman messenger god. The reverse showcases a fasces, representing unity and strength, and an olive branch, symbolizing peace. Together, these elements beautifully encapsulate the American ideals of liberty and peace through strength.

A Rich Legacy in Silver

Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, each Mercury Dime contains approximately 2.5 grams of silver, making it not only a piece of history but also a valuable asset for collectors and investors alike. The coin's composition and size were a continuation of the dime's specifications established in the 19th century, maintaining a tangible link to America's coinage past.

Collectible Across Generations

The Mercury Dime appeals to a wide range of collectors, from those fascinated by its artistic merit to others intrigued by its historical significance. Key dates and rarities within the series, such as the 1916-D, the 1921, and 1921-D, are particularly sought after, commanding premium values. However, the series also offers many accessible options for those new to collecting, making it an ideal entry point for exploring the world of numismatics.

Preserving History

Each Mercury Dime tells a story, from its inception amid World War I to its conclusion at the end of World War II. Collecting these coins is a way to preserve and connect with the rich tapestry of American history, offering a tangible link to the past and a legacy to pass down through generations.

Where to buy Mercury Dime Coins

You can get any type of these coins at Bullion Shark. You can buy them online on our website or over the phone with one of our numismatic experts. If you prefer to have a more personal experience you can call us at 516-739-5822.

Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or a newcomer to coin collecting, the Mercury Dime offers a blend of beauty, history, and value that is unmatched. Explore our curated selection of Mercury Dime coins, from well-preserved specimens of key dates to complete sets that chronicle the series' nearly three-decade run. Embrace the opportunity to own a piece of American numismatic artistry with the Mercury Dime.

How does the grading system work for Mercury Dimes, and what are the key features that determine a coin's grade?

The grading system for Mercury Dimes, like other coins, is based on a scale that assesses a coin's condition, ranging from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70). The key features that determine a Mercury Dime's grade include the level of detail remaining on the coin's design, the presence of luster, and the absence of wear or damage. For Mercury Dimes, specific areas of focus are the bands on the fasces on the reverse, which in high-grade coins should show clear separation (Full Bands designation), and the overall sharpness of Liberty's profile and the wing details on the obverse. Coins with no signs of wear, strong luster, and sharp, detailed strike characteristics are graded in the Mint State range. The grading process is subjective and requires expertise; thus, collectors often rely on professional grading services like PCGS or NGC for an accurate assessment.

What are the most common errors or varieties found in Mercury Dimes that collectors should look for?

Mercury Dimes feature several notable errors and varieties that are highly sought after by collectors. Among these are the "Full Bands" designation, which refers to dimes with fully detailed horizontal bands on the fasces on the reverse, indicating a strong strike. Other collectible varieties include overdates (where one year is struck over a different year), doubled dies (where elements of the design appear doubled), and repunched mint marks (where the mint mark is struck more than once and misaligned). The 1942/1 overdate, where the date appears as "1942" over "1941," is one of the most famous errors in the series and exists for both Philadelphia and Denver mints. Collectors should also be on the lookout for coins with these errors or special designations, as they can significantly increase the coin's value.

How can collectors authenticate and verify the authenticity of a high-value Mercury Dime?

Authenticating and verifying the authenticity of a high-value Mercury Dime is crucial, especially given the prevalence of counterfeits for key dates like the 1916-D. Collectors should consider several steps to ensure authenticity. First, familiarize yourself with the specific design details and common characteristics of genuine Mercury Dimes. Using a magnifying glass or loupe can help identify minute details that distinguish authentic coins from fakes. Second, purchasing coins that have been graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services (TPGS) such as PCGS, NGC, or ANACS provides assurance, as these companies authenticate coins as part of the grading process. Additionally, dealing with reputable dealers and auction houses that guarantee the authenticity of the coins they sell can provide further security. For particularly valuable or rare coins, consulting with a numismatic expert or having the coin independently authenticated by another TPGS can offer peace of mind.

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