Mercury Dime
The Mercury Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, was minted from 1916 to 1945. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, its obverse features Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought, while the reverse depicts a fasces, symbolizing strength and unity, surrounded by an olive branch for peace. The Mercury Dime is highly regarded for its artistic design and historical significance, making it a favorite among collectors. Continue reading to learn more about mercury dime value.
The Mercury dime which also can be referred to as the Winged Liberty Head dime, is very popular amongst collectors, with its simple, but memorable design. The coin was designed by the same designer of the Walking Liberty half dollar, Adolf A. Weinman. Its design consists of a young Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap to signify “liberty of thought”. The reason this coin has two names is because of this image of liberty on the face of the coin, this depiction of Liberty resembles the Roman god Mercury. Around this figure, almost on the whole face of the dime lies the word “Liberty”, beneath her face the phrase “In God we trust”. On the Mercury dimes reverse stands a bundle of sticks with a battle ax which is known as “Fasces”. The Fasces, a symbol of unity is hugged by an olive branch, a symbol of peace. The coin minted before this dime was the Barber Dime.
AUCTION RECORD: $29,900 • MS65
Image source: PCGS
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Mercury Dime Value
As of 2024, the value of a Mercury Dime varies depending on its year, mint mark, and condition. Common dates in average circulated condition are typically worth around $2 to $10. However, key dates like the 1916-D can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars in higher grades. Uncirculated examples with full split bands on the reverse can also command significant premiums.
Mercury Dime History
The Mercury dime, released into circulation October 30, 1916, was meant to replace the Barber dime. It was minted from 1916 to 1945, the locations the Mercury dime was minted from was Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. It is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. One of the reasons the Mercury dime series ended was because there were issues with it when placed into vending machines.
Mercury dimes are collected in a variety of forms. Some collectors put together Dansco sets, with just one example of every year and mint mark ever made. Other collectors put together sets that are certified by PCGS and NGC, which are the two top tier 3rd party grading services currently. A Dansco set of Mercury Dimes can be relatively affordable, however graded specimen sets could range tens of thousands of dollars. For instance, just the 1916 Mercury Dime can run you tens of thousands of dollars for a mint state quality specimen. For your reference, here are a few of the key date coins in the Mercury Dime series:
-1916-D
-1921
-1921-D
-1926-S
Mercury Dimes Worth Money
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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1919-S: Another challenging date to find in high grades. In MS65, it can command prices of $2,000 to $5,000.
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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.
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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.
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1927-D: Another date that is hard to come by in higher grades. An MS65 example can be worth $1,000 to $3,000.
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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.
Mercury Dime Mintage
| Date | Mintage | Good | Very fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1916 Mercury Dime | 221800/0 | $4.00 | $8.00 | $15.00 | $35.00 |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 264,000 | $800.00 | $4,000.00 | $6,000.00 | $12,500.00 |
| 1916-S Mercury Dime | 10,450,000 | $4.00 | $12.00 | $20.00 | $42.00 |
| 1917 Mercury Dime | 55,230,000 | $304.50 | $6.00 | $8.00 | $30.00 |
| 1917-D Mercury Dime | 9,402,000 | $3.00 | $22.00 | $45.00 | $145.00 |
| 1917-S Mercury Dime | 27,330,000 | $3.00 | $7.00 | $12.00 | $60.00 |
| 1918 Mercury Dime | 26,680,000 | $3.00 | $12.00 | $25.00 | $70.00 |
| 1918-D Mercury Dime | 22,674,800 | $3.00 | $12.00 | $24.00 | $125.00 |
| 1918-S Mercury Dime | 19,300,000 | $3.00 | $10.00 | $18.00 | $120.00 |
| 1919 Mercury Dime | 35,740,000 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $10.00 | $45.00 |
| 1919-D Mercury Dime | 9,939,000 | $4.00 | $24.00 | $35.00 | $200.00 |
| 1919-S Mercury Dime | 8,850,000 | $3.50 | $16.00 | $35.00 | $200.00 |
| 1920 Mercury Dime | 59,030,000 | $3.00 | $5.00 | $8.00 | $35.00 |
| 1920-D Mercury Dime | 19,171,000 | $3.00 | $8.00 | $20.00 | $145.00 |
| 1920-S Mercury Dime | 13,820,000 | $3.25 | $8.00 | $18.00 | $145.00 |
| 1921 Mercury Dime | 1,230,000 | $45.00 | $250.00 | $550.00 | $1,250.00 |
| 1921-D Mercury Dime | 1,080,000 | $60.00 | $350.00 | $675.00 | $1,450.00 |
| 1923 Mercury Dime | 50,130,000 | $3.00 | $5.00 | $7.00 | $30.00 |
| 1923-S Mercury Dime | 6,440,000 | $3.00 | $18.00 | $65.00 | $160.00 |
| 1924 Mercury Dime | 24,010,000 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $15.00 | $45.00 |
| 1924-D Mercury Dime | 6,810,000 | $3.50 | $24.00 | $70.00 | $175.00 |
| 1924-S Mercury Dime | 7,120,000 | $3.50 | $10.00 | $60.00 | $200.00 |
| 1925 Mercury Dime | 25,610,000 | $3.00 | $5.00 | $10.00 | $30.00 |
| 1925-D Mercury Dime | 5,117,000 | $4.00 | $45.00 | $120.00 | $375.00 |
| 1925-S Mercury Dime | 5,850,000 | $3.25 | $18.00 | $70.00 | $180.00 |
| 1926 Mercury Dime | 32,160,000 | $3.00 | $5.00 | $7.00 | $25.00 |
| 1926-D Mercury Dime | 6,828,000 | $3.25 | $10.00 | $28.00 | $125.00 |
| 1926-S Mercury Dime | 1,520,000 | $13.00 | $60.00 | $250.00 | $1,100.00 |
| 1927 Mercury Dime | 28,080,000 | $3.00 | $5.00 | $7.00 | $30.00 |
| 1927-D Mercury Dime | 4,812,000 | $3.50 | $25.00 | $80.00 | $200.00 |
| 1927-S Mercury Dime | 4,770,000 | $3.25 | $12.00 | $28.00 | $275.00 |
| 1928 Mercury Dime | 19,480,000 | $3.00 | $5.00 | $7.00 | $30.00 |
| 1928-D Mercury Dime | 4,161,000 | $4.00 | $20.00 | $50.00 | $175.00 |
| 1928-S Mercury Dime | 7,400,000 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $16.00 | $150.00 |
| 1929 Mercury Dime | 25,970,000 | $3.00 | $5.00 | $6.00 | $22.00 |
| 1929-D Mercury Dime | 5,034,000 | $3.00 | $8.00 | $15.00 | $30.00 |
| 1929-S Mercury Dime | 4,730,000 | $3.00 | $5.00 | $10.00 | $35.00 |
| 1930 Mercury Dime | 6,770,000 | $3.00 | $5.00 | $8.00 | $30.00 |
| 1930-S Mercury Dime | 1,843,000 | $3.00 | $7.00 | $15.00 | $80.00 |
| 1931 Mercury Dime | 3,150,000 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $10.00 | $35.00 |
| 1931-D Mercury Dime | 1,260,000 | $8.00 | $20.00 | $35.00 | $90.00 |
| 1931-S Mercury Dime | 1,800,000 | $4.00 | $10.00 | $16.00 | $90.00 |
| 1934 Mercury Dime | 24,080,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $25.00 | |
| 1934-D Mercury Dime | 6,772,000 | $3.00 | $8.00 | $50.00 | |
| 1935 Mercury Dime | 58,830,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $10.00 | |
| 1935-D Mercury Dime | 10,477,000 | $3.00 | $8.00 | $35.00 | |
| 1935-S Mercury Dime | 15,840,000 | $3.00 | $5.00 | $22.00 | |
| 1936 Mercury Dime | 87,500,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $10.00 | |
| 1936-D Mercury Dime | 16,132,000 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $25.00 | |
| 1936-S Mercury Dime | 9,210,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $23.00 | |
| 1937 Mercury Dime | 56,860,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $10.00 | |
| 1937-D Mercury Dime | 14,146,000 | $3.00 | $4.00 | $21.00 | |
| 1937-S Mercury Dime | 9,740,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $20.00 | |
| 1938 Mercury Dime | 22,190,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $10.00 | |
| 1938-D Mercury Dime | 5,537,000 | $3.00 | $4.00 | $18.00 | |
| 1938-S Mercury Dime | 8,090,000 | $3.00 | $3.50 | $20.00 | |
| 1939 Mercury Dime | 67,740,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $8.00 | |
| 1939-D Mercury Dime | 24,394,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $8.00 | |
| 1939-S Mercury Dime | 10,540,000 | $3.00 | $4.00 | $23.00 | |
| 1940 Mercury Dime | 65,350,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $7.00 | |
| 1940-D Mercury Dime | 21,198,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $7.00 | |
| 1940-S Mercury Dime | 21,560,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $8.00 | |
| 1941 Mercury Dime | 175,090,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $7.00 | |
| 1941-D Mercury Dime | 45,634,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $8.00 | |
| 1941-S Mercury Dime | 43,090,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $7.00 | |
| 1942 Mercury Dime | 205,410,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $6.00 | |
| 1942-D Mercury Dime | 60,740,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $6.00 | |
| 1942-S Mercury Dime | 49,300,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $8.00 | |
| 1943 Mercury Dime | 191,710,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $6.00 | |
| 1943-D Mercury Dime | 71,949,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $6.00 | |
| 1943-S Mercury Dime | 60,400,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $7.00 | |
| 1944 Mercury Dime | 231,410,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $6.00 | |
| 1944-D Mercury Dime | 62,224,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $7.00 | |
| 1944-S Mercury Dime | 49,490,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $7.00 | |
| 1945 Mercury Dime | 159,130,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $6.00 | |
| 1945-D Mercury Dime | 40,245,000 | $3.00 | $3.25 | $6.00 | |
| 1945-S Mercury Dime | 41,920,000 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $30.00 |
*Source 2020 Red Book
How do collectors determine the grade of a Mercury Dime, and what specific characteristics do they look for in higher-grade coins?
Collectors determine the grade of a Mercury Dime by closely examining the coin's overall condition, focusing on details such as the sharpness of the design, the presence of luster, and any signs of wear or damage. For higher-grade coins, especially those in Mint State (MS) condition, collectors look for sharp and full details in Liberty's hair and the wing feathers on her cap, as these areas show wear first. The bands on the fasces (a bundle of rods) on the reverse are also critical; full bands (FB) that are clearly separated indicate a well-struck coin and significantly increase its value. The coin's surface should be free of significant scratches, dents, or corrosion, and it should retain much of its original luster, the shiny, reflective quality of the surface that is present on new coins. Grading is a nuanced process that often requires expert evaluation, especially for coins that might fall into the higher end of the grading spectrum.
What are the most common preservation issues or damages that affect the value of Mercury Dimes?
The value of Mercury Dimes can be significantly affected by various preservation issues or damages. Common problems include cleaning, which can strip away the coin's natural luster and leave microscopic scratches; environmental damage from improper storage, leading to tarnishing, corrosion, or verdigris (green corrosion on copper and its alloys); and physical damage such as scratches, dents, or rim nicks from circulation or mishandling. Additionally, polishing or any form of alteration to improve the coin's appearance can detrimentally affect its value and desirability among collectors. For Mercury Dimes, a weak strike, particularly in the central bands of the fasces, can also diminish the coin's appeal. Collectors and investors alike prioritize coins that are as close to their original state as possible, with minimal signs of wear and no post-mint modifications.
How has the historical significance of the Mercury Dime's design elements, like the fasces and olive branch, influenced its popularity among collectors?
The historical significance of the Mercury Dime's design elements, particularly the fasces and olive branch on the reverse, has greatly contributed to its popularity among collectors. The fasces, an ancient Roman symbol of authority and strength, combined with the olive branch, a universal symbol of peace, reflect America's values and aspirations during the early 20th century. This period was marked by significant global turmoil, including World War I and the lead-up to World War II, making the coin's themes of strength, unity, and peace particularly resonant. Collectors are drawn to the Mercury Dime not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its embodiment of American ideals and its reflection of the historical context in which it was created. The coin serves as a tangible connection to a pivotal era in American and world history, enhancing its allure and significance in numismatic collections.
FAQ
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What determines the value of a Mercury Dime? The value of a Mercury Dime is determined by several factors including its year of minting, mint mark location (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco), overall condition or grade, and any unique variations such as overdates or doubled dies. Rarity and demand among collectors also significantly influence value.
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How much is a Mercury Dime worth? The worth of a Mercury Dime can range from a few dollars for common, circulated coins from the 1940s to tens of thousands for rare dates or conditions, such as a high-grade 1916-D Mercury Dime.
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What is the most valuable Mercury Dime? The 1916-D Mercury Dime is considered the most valuable due to its low mintage numbers, with high-grade examples fetching upwards of $30,000 to $50,000 at auction.
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Can the condition of a Mercury Dime affect its value? Yes, the condition significantly affects a Mercury Dime's value. Coins in higher grades (e.g., Mint State) are worth more than those in lower grades (e.g., Good or Fine). Special designations like Full Bands (FB) on the fasces can also increase a coin's value.
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What is a Full Bands Mercury Dime, and why is it valuable? A Full Bands (FB) Mercury Dime features clear and distinct horizontal bands on the fasces' rod bundle on the coin's reverse. This detail indicates a well-struck coin and is highly prized by collectors, often commanding a premium in value.
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How does the mint mark affect a Mercury Dime's value? The mint mark (D for Denver, S for San Francisco, or none for Philadelphia) can significantly affect a Mercury Dime's value. Certain mint marks combined with specific years, like the 1916-D, are rarer and thus more valuable.
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What are key dates for Mercury Dimes that collectors look for? Key dates that are particularly sought after by collectors include the 1916-D, 1921, 1921-D, and 1942/1 overdates. These coins are rarer and command higher prices.
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How can I find out the value of my Mercury Dime? To find out the value of a Mercury Dime, consult a current coin value guide, visit a professional coin dealer or numismatist, or look up recent sales of similar coins in online auctions. Professional grading can also provide a more accurate value based on the coin's condition.
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Are Mercury Dimes made of silver, and how does that affect their value? Mercury Dimes are made of 90% silver and 10% copper. The silver content provides an intrinsic value based on the current silver market price, but collector interest and coin rarity often play a more significant role in determining the coin's overall value.
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Where can I sell my Mercury Dime, and how do I get the best price? To sell a Mercury Dime, consider reputable coin dealers, numismatic auctions, or online marketplaces specializing in coins. To get the best price, ensure the coin is accurately graded, research its current market value, and choose a sales venue with a good track record and reasonable fees.
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