The Mercury dime, first introduced in 1916, is an iconic coin from the early 20th century. Named after the Roman god Mercury due to its winged Liberty image, this 10-cent coin carries immense historical significance. While its face value is only ten cents, certain Mercury dimes can be worth much more—up to six figures! In this article, we will explore the most valuable Mercury dimes and what factors influence their high value.
What is a Mercury Dime?
The Mercury dime, also known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, was minted between 1916 and 1945. The front of the coin shows Liberty wearing a winged cap, which some mistakenly associate with the god Mercury. The reverse side features a bundle of sticks with an axe. These dimes were designed by Adolph A. Weinman and hold significant value, especially certain rare versions.
5 Most Valuable Mercury Dimes
Several factors influence a Mercury dime’s value, including condition, rarity, and minting errors. Below are five Mercury dimes that have sold for incredible amounts in recent years:
1. 1919-D Mercury Dime with Full Bands
- Value: $218,500
This dime was minted in Denver in 1919, with nearly 10 million coins produced. However, very few were minted with what collectors call “full bands.” This small detail of clearly visible bands across the bundle of sticks on the reverse can make a big difference in value.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime with Full Bands
- Value: $195,500
The Denver Mint produced only 264,000 Mercury dimes in 1916, making it one of the rarest coins of the series. A 1916-D with full bands in excellent condition sold for $195,500 in 2010.
3. 1918-S Mercury Dime with Full Bands
- Value: $144,000
Another valuable coin from the San Francisco Mint, the 1918-S Mercury dime is highly sought after by collectors. Finding one in mint condition with full bands is rare, which explains why one sold for $144,000 in 2019.
4. 1919-S Mercury Dime with Full Bands
- Value: $132,000
Although nearly nine million of these coins were minted in San Francisco, few were preserved in pristine condition. A 1919-S Mercury dime with full bands sold for $132,000 in 2024, making it a treasure for collectors.
5. 1942/1 Overdated Mercury Dime with Full Bands
- Value: $120,000
This is a famous error coin where the 1 from the year 1941 appears beneath the 2 in 1942. Combined with full bands, this overdated error coin sold for $120,000 in 2018.
Wartime Mercury Dime Values
Even though wartime Mercury dimes aren’t as valuable as their earlier counterparts, they are still worth more than their face value. Here’s a quick chart of what you can expect from wartime Mercury dimes depending on their condition:
| Year | Value Range |
|---|---|
| 1941 | $3 – $490 |
| 1942 | $3 – $4,000 |
| 1943 | $3 – $425 |
| 1944 | $3 – $425 |
| 1945 | $3 – $1,400 |
Factors Affecting Mercury Dime Values
If you’re lucky enough to own Mercury dimes, there are a few key factors that can affect their worth:
1. Condition
Coins in mint or near-mint condition will always fetch higher prices. Dimes that haven’t circulated much and have clear, crisp details are worth more.
2. Full Bands
As mentioned before, full bands refer to the bands on the reverse of the coin being distinct and split. Dimes with full bands tend to be more valuable.
3. Rarity of the Year
The earliest Mercury dimes, especially from the year 1916, tend to have higher values due to their rarity.
4. Minting Errors
Errors like overdates or other mistakes during the minting process can make a coin far more valuable than its face value.
Conclusion
Mercury dimes are a fascinating piece of American history and can be worth a fortune if they are rare and in good condition. From full bands to minting errors, these coins have many factors that can increase their value. If you have Mercury dimes in your collection, it’s worth taking a closer look at them—you might just be holding onto a treasure.
FAQ’s
What is the most valuable Mercury dime?
The 1919-D Mercury dime with full bands is the most valuable, having sold for $218,500.
What are full bands on a Mercury dime?
Full bands refer to the distinct and split bands on the reverse side of the coin, which can significantly increase its value.
Why are minting errors important for coin value?
Minting errors like overdates are rare and often make a coin more valuable due to their uniqueness.