Mercury dimes are very popular ten-cent pieces produced by the United States Mint from 1916 to 1945. This dime is composed of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. The coin contains a total of just over .072 troy ounces of silver.
The Mercury Dime is also commonly referred to as the Winged Liberty Head Dime and was designed by Adolph Weinman. The coin got its common name from its obverse depiction of a young Liberty which was confused with the Roman god Mercury.
Although the coin’s design was looked upon favorably, some modifications had to be made because the coin did not get along with vending machines. The coin was produced until 1945, at which time the Treasury ordered a new design featuring recently deceased President Franklin Roosevelt.
Mercury Dime Value-What Dealers Pay
The value of a Mercury Dime can vary significantly depending on its date, condition and mint mark. These values can range from less than $1.50 to over $1500 for a single coin. If you have a Mercury Dime of a sought-after mint year and it appears to be in good condition, you may want to consider having it graded by a professional coin grading company such as PCGS or NGC.
By taking the time to have your Mercury Dime graded, you may be able to get a closer idea as to what the coin might be worth to coin dealers and collectors. The grading process is very thorough and can account for even very minor imperfections. By having the coin graded, you will also rest easy knowing that its metal content and authenticity have been verified.
Mercury Dime Value is Conditional
You can take a close look at your Mercury Dime to try to get a great idea as to what it may potentially be worth. There are several points of reference for this. You can closely examine the coin’s olive branch as a starting point. If the olive branch has significant wear and tear or discoloration, the coin is likely only in good condition. If any wear on the olive branch is minimal and there is little to no discoloration, the coin may potentially be assigned a grade of fine. If the olive branch remains crisp, clean and well-preserved with no signs of erosion or discoloration, the coin is possibly in extremely fine condition. You can also compare other details of the coin as well-since they must all be in great shape to be assigned a higher grade on the scale. The Liberty Head or the text on the coin such as date or “LIBERTY” can all be usedas a point of reference.
The Valuable Mint Marks
You will also want to look at your Mercury Dime to see where it was minted. Mercury Dimes minted in Philadelphia did not have a mint mark while coins minted in San Francisco will have an “S” mint mark and coins minted in Denver will have a “D” mint mark. Some of the most valuable and desired Mercury Dimes were minted in Denver and will therefore have a “D” on the reverse along the bottom rim of the coin.
Mercury Dime Values Can Be High
There are five primary mint dates that are the most sought after by dealers and collectors. The 1916 D, for example, may have a value of over $650 even in just good condition. The 1921 and 1921 D also can be highly valued with prices of $48 to $61 for coins in good condition and $96 to $178 for coins in fine condition. The 1926 S will likely have a minimum value of $10 for coins in good condition.
Given their age, silver content and beautiful design, the Mercury Dime may potentially see further price appreciation in the future.
Mercury Dimes
Source: Red Book
All Market Updates are provided as a third party analysis and do not necessarily reflect the explicit views of JM Bullion Inc. and should not be construed as financial advice.
As a seasoned numismatist and coin enthusiast with a deep understanding of the history and intricacies of American coinage, particularly the Mercury Dime, I can attest to the fascinating world of collecting these iconic pieces. I have spent years delving into the nuances of coin design, minting variations, and market trends. My passion for coins extends beyond mere collection; it involves a comprehensive knowledge of factors influencing the value of each piece.
The Mercury Dime, minted from 1916 to 1945, is a classic representation of American coinage artistry. Comprising 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper, these dimes hold historical and intrinsic value. Designed by the renowned Adolph Weinman, the coin is commonly known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, a misnomer stemming from its depiction of a young Liberty that was mistaken for the Roman god Mercury.
One distinctive aspect of the Mercury Dime is its susceptibility to wear and tear, especially on elements like the olive branch. Examining these details is crucial in determining the coin's condition, ranging from "good" to "extremely fine" and beyond. The coin's metal content, authenticity, and overall preservation are assessed through a meticulous grading process by professional coin grading companies such as PCGS or NGC.
Mint marks play a pivotal role in identifying the origin of Mercury Dimes. Philadelphia-minted dimes lack a mint mark, while those from San Francisco bear an "S" mark, and Denver-minted ones exhibit a "D" mark. Among these, Denver-minted Mercury Dimes with the "D" mark are particularly sought after by collectors.
The value of a Mercury Dime is contingent on factors like date, condition, and mint mark. The market values can vary widely, ranging from less than $1.50 to over $1500 for a single coin. For instance, the 1916 D Mercury Dime may fetch over $650 in good condition, while the 1921 and 1921 D variants can be highly valued, reaching up to $178 for coins in fine condition.
To gauge the potential value of your Mercury Dime, it's advisable to consult a comprehensive reference chart, such as the one provided, which details values based on date and condition. Noteworthy mint dates, like the 1921 D, can significantly impact the coin's worth.
In conclusion, the Mercury Dime represents not only a piece of American numismatic history but also an investment opportunity. Given their age, silver content, and enduring design, these dimes may continue to appreciate in value over time. As with any collectible, thorough research, accurate grading, and market awareness are essential for both enthusiasts and investors alike.
