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Mercury Dime Value

1916–1945 · 10¢ · 90% silver, 10% copper

Value by Grade

GradeEst. Value
Poor (P-1)$3.00
Good (G-4)$4.00
Fine (F-12)$6.00
Uncirculated (MS-63)$20.00
Gem (MS-65)$60.00
Perfect (MS-70)$300.00

Key Dates & Rare Varieties

Date/VarietyWhy It's SpecialValue Range
1916-DOnly 264,000 minted — rarest Mercury Dime by far$800–$15,000+
1942/41Overdate — 1942 dies struck over 1941 dies$400–$5,000
1942/41-DDenver overdate, rarer than Philadelphia$800–$8,000
1921Low mintage key date$50–$500
1921-DSemi-key Denver$80–$700

Coin Specifications

Designer
Adolph A. Weinman
Years
1916–1945
Denomination
10¢
Composition
90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter
17.9 mm
Weight
2.5 g

Quick Value

$6.00
Average circulated (Fine grade)

Mercury Dime: History & Background

Officially the Winged Liberty Head Dime, the Mercury Dime was designed by Adolph A. Weinman and is considered one of America's finest coin designs. The obverse depicts Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap — misidentified by the public as the Roman god Mercury. The ultra-rare 1916-D with a mintage of only 264,000 is one of the most sought-after 20th century coins. Full Split Bands (FSB) designation on the reverse fasces adds significant premium.

How to Grade a Mercury Dime

Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →

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