The Mercury dime, which features dates from significant events such as both World Wars, the Great Depression, and over 30 years of American history, stands as a hallmark of early 20th-century coinage. This coin can be quite valuable, with certain years and high-quality examples fetching prices in the six-figure range. If you have some of these dimes in your collection, you might be holding onto a hidden gem.
Key Facts:
The Mercury dime showcases a portrait of the goddess Liberty, though her winged helmet often led people to mistakenly identify her as the Roman god Mercury. First introduced in 1916, this iconic 10-cent coin remained in circulation until 1945.
Top 5 Most Valuable Mercury Dimes:
Several factors can influence the value of Mercury dimes, but looking at the highest-selling coins can provide insights into what drives top prices. Below are some of the most valuable Mercury dimes sold in recent years:
| Mercury Dime | Value |
|---|---|
| 1919-D Mercury dime with full bands | $218,500 |
| 1916-D Mercury dime with full bands | $195,500 |
| 1918-S Mercury dime with full bands | $144,000 |
| 1919-S Mercury dime with full bands | $132,000 |
| 1942/1 Overdated Mercury dime with full bands | $120,000 |
1919-D Mercury Dime with Full Bands
In 1919, nearly 10 million Mercury dimes were minted at the Denver Mint, but only a small fraction of them featured what collectors refer to as “full bands.” On the reverse side of the coin, there’s a bundle of sticks bound together with three sets of bands. For a coin to be considered a “full band” Mercury dime, the middle set of bands must be clearly defined, showing a distinct split in the center.
While this may seem like a minor detail, it’s a significant factor that greatly increases a coin’s value. In fact, one gem-quality 1919-D Mercury dime with full bands was sold in 2000 for an impressive $218,500.
1916-D Mercury Dime with Full Bands
The 1916-D Mercury dime with full bands is an extremely rare find. Only around 264,000 dimes were minted at the Denver Mint that year, as production was temporarily halted to fulfill a late order for quarters. This limited mintage makes the 1916-D Mercury dime a highly sought-after collector’s item, especially those with full bands.
One such coin, in flawless condition, was sold in 2010 for a remarkable $195,500. The rarity and pristine condition of these coins contribute to their high value.
1918-S Mercury Dime with Full Bands
The 1918-S Mercury dime with full bands is one of the most challenging coins for collectors to find in top condition. Its rarity alone makes it highly desirable, but locating one in near-mint condition is particularly difficult. As with many coins, the condition plays a crucial role in determining the value.
A pristine example of the 1918-S Mercury dime with full bands sold for an impressive $144,000 in 2019, highlighting the significant impact that both rarity and condition have on its market price.
1919-S Mercury Dime with Full Bands
Similar to the 1919-D, the 1919-S Mercury dime is also rare to find with full bands. Although nearly nine million of these coins were minted, they weren’t collected as diligently as earlier dimes, like the 1916 edition. As a result, many of these dimes circulated extensively, making it difficult to find one in pristine condition.
A 1919-S Mercury dime with full bands in near-mint condition recently sold for $132,000 in 2024, underscoring the value of both its rarity and excellent condition.
1942/1 Overdated Mercury Dime with Full Bands
The 1942/1 Mercury dime is a rare example of an overdate error, which occurs when a coin from one year is mistakenly stamped with the date of a previous year. This can happen when new dies are being prepared. In the case of the 1942/1 dime, the final digit of the year shows both a “1” and a “2,” making it a unique and sought-after error coin.
When combined with full bands and mint condition, the value of this dime skyrockets. One such coin sold for $120,000 in 2018, illustrating the significant premium collectors are willing to pay for this rare find.
Values of Wartime Mercury Dimes
World War II marked the final years of the Mercury dime, as the design was changed in 1945 to honor President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who had passed away that year. While these wartime dimes don’t usually reach the high values of the earlier coins, they are typically worth far more than their original ten-cent face value. If you have a wartime Mercury dime in your collection, the following value chart can help you estimate its worth based on its condition.
| Wartime Dime | Value Range |
|---|---|
| 1941 Mercury dime | $3 – $490, depending on condition |
| 1942 Mercury dime | $3 – $4,000, depending on condition |
| 1943 Mercury dime | $3 – $425, depending on condition |
| 1944 Mercury dime | $3 – $425, depending on condition |
| 1945 Mercury dime | $3 – $1,400, depending on condition |
Factors Affecting Mercury Dime Values
When determining the value of Mercury dimes in your collection, it’s important to take several factors into consideration. These are some of the key elements that influence a coin’s value:
Quick Tip:
Use a magnifying glass to inspect your dimes. Many of the factors affecting their value can be difficult to see with the naked eye.
- Condition: Mercury dimes that are in mint condition, or those that haven’t circulated much, will generally be more valuable than those that show signs of wear. Look for sharp, clear details on the coin.
- Full Bands: Dimes with full bands on the reverse side showing clear, distinct lines on the bundle of sticks and axe are typically more valuable. However, not all Mercury dimes originally featured full bands.
- Early Years: The first year of the Mercury dime series, 1916, is particularly valuable. Older dimes tend to have a higher value than those minted later, assuming all other factors are equal.
- Errors: Minting errors can add significant value to a coin. If your Mercury dimes show unusual characteristics such as overdates, misspellings, or misstrikes these could be valuable collector’s items.
Mercury Dimes: A Piece of American History
While Mercury dime values can vary depending on several factors, these coins are generally worth far more than their original ten-cent face value, regardless of condition. If you come across one, it’s worth examining closely to check for details like full bands or if it’s from one of the earlier years, as these features can significantly increase its value. Regardless of its worth, a Mercury dime is an important piece of American history, reflecting a time of change and significance in the early 20th century.
Conclusion:
Mercury dimes are not only a symbol of early 20th-century America but also hold significant value for collectors. The five Mercury dime values topping six figures demonstrate how rare features, such as full bands and mint conditions, can skyrocket a coin’s worth. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, these iconic dimes offer a fascinating glimpse into history and the potential for finding valuable treasures.
If you own a Mercury dime, it’s worth evaluating its condition and unique characteristics to see if it could be one of the valuable coins topping the six-figure mark.
FAQs:
What makes a Mercury dime valuable?
The value of a Mercury dime is influenced by its rarity, condition, and unique features, such as full bands or overdate errors.
How can I tell if my Mercury dime has full bands?
Full bands are visible on the reverse side, where the bundle of sticks and axe shows a clear split in the middle set of bands.
Which Mercury dimes are worth six figures?
Rare examples like the 1919-D, 1916-D, and 1942/1 overdated Mercury dimes with full bands have sold for six figures in recent years.
Are all Mercury dimes worth more than face value?
While most Mercury dimes are worth more than ten cents, their value greatly depends on factors such as condition, rarity, and any minting errors.