The U.S. Mint manufactured the Mercury dimes or Winged Liberty Head dimes between 1916 and 1945. Although only ten cents when made, low mintage, historical errors, and tremendous collector demand have seen several of these coins acquire unexpected valuation in present times.
Be it a collection of old coins you have received as an inheritance or an exceedingly old dusty coin set that you have stumbled upon, hang on for a while before you take them to cash in. The Mercury dime could be worth hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars.
Below are some of the 7 rare Mercury dimes that can fill your bank account.
1916-D The Holy Grail, Mercury Dime: 264,000
- The Holy Grail: Mercury Dime; Mintage: 264,000
- Value Estimate: $1,000–$25,000+
Of all the coins in the entire series, the most desirable Mercury dime is the 1916-D. Because only 264,000 of them were produced at the Denver Mint, collectors consider this date essential. Since only a limited number of them were produced by the Denver Mint before they began making Barber dimes, it is very rare.
How to Spot It:
- On the back, near the bottom left of the torch, find the “D” mintmark.
- Due to its great value, this coin is often counterfeited.
1942/1 Mercury Dime (Philadelphia Overdate Error)
Mintage: Unknown (very limited)
Estimated Value: $500–$20,000+
This famous error coin was created when a 1941 die was repunched with a 1942 date, causing both numbers to overlap. This mistake made its way into circulation before the Mint caught on, making it a dream find for collectors.
How to Spot It:
You’ll need a magnifying glass to see the faint “1” under the “2” in the date.
This error occurs only in coins produced in Philadelphia.
Denver Overdate Error: 1942/1-D Overdate Mercury Dime
Mintage: likewise extremely low
Value Estimate: $1,200–$30,000+
In mint condition, the 1942/1-D overdate is even more valuable than the Philadelphia example. You could be looking at four- or five-figure earnings if you find this type.
Pro Tip: Examine the date carefully for the overpunch error and look for the “D” mintmark on the back.
1921 Mercury Dime
Mintage: 1.2 million
Estimated Value: $150–$3,000+
Because of post-WWI economic times, dime production in 1921 was extremely low. These dimes are scarce today, particularly in higher grades. Even circulated specimens command respectable prices.
Why It Matters:
In spite of a mintage of more than 1 million, the 1921 Mercury dime is rare because of high attrition and low survival.
1912 D Mercury Dime Mintage: 1,080,000
Estimated Value: $200–$4,500+
That’s right; the 1921-D Denver equivalent of the 1921 Philly dime is much trickier to locate. This has to be one of the most elusive Mercury dimes to track down in decent condition.
“Insider” tips:
For instance, now you really are almost there in starting a high-grade set of Mercury dimes-and all it took was the 1921 and the 1921-D.
1931-S Mercury Dime
- Mintage: 1.8 million
- Estimated Value: $80-$600+
Struck during the Great Depression, the 1931-S was produced in relatively low numbers. Not as rare as some of the other coins on this list, this coin nonetheless commands a premium.
What To Look For:
An “S” mintmark on the reverse.
A strong strike and clean surface will dramatically increase the value.
1926-S Mercury Dime
Mintage: 1.5 million
Estimated Value: $50 – $2,000 and up
Collections would often turn a blind eye to the 1926-S, yet in uncirculated condition, it stands out as one of the most difficult to find due to striking and limited mintage. Mint State examples are some of the most sought after.
Numerous reasons account for the value of Mercury dimes:
- Metal Content: All Mercury dimes are 90 percent silver and thus have inherent value due to the metal content.
- Historical Value: The coins were minted between two world wars, which gives them a historical interest.
- Collector Appeal: The Mercury dime is one of the most attractive designs of any American coin and thus highly appealing to collectors.
- Errors and Varieties: Errors, such as the 1942/1 overdate, are rare and yield their owners hundreds of dollars.
How to Recognize a Rare Mercury Dime
Here are some key features to check for:
- Date and Mintmark: Date should always be checked, and mintmarks should be looked for (D for Denver, S for San Francisco).
- Condition/Grade: Better condition means a coin is worth more. The grading goes from Poor (P-1), to Mint State (MS-70).
- Strike Quality: The sharper strike is preferred.
- Errors/Overdates: Look for repunched dates and anomalies through a magnifier.
- Authentication: High-value coins should be authenticated through PCGS or NGC to prevent counterfeits.
Denver Overdate Error: 1942/1-D Overdate Mercury Dime
How Do You Sell a Mercury Dime That’s Rare?
Here are the next steps when you find a coin that is really valuable:
- Mail it to a reputable grading agency, such as PCGS or NGC, for grading.
- Local Coin Dealers: It is possible to get an approximate value from a reputable dealer.
- Auction Houses: Use online auction venues such as eBay, Heritage Auctions, or Great Collections for high-value sales.
Avoid cash machines and coin stars; they only give you the face value: 10 cents for a dime worth $10,000.
How to Sell Rare Mercury Dimes
Once you’ve identified that you have a valuable coin, act on this:
Get It Graded: Send it to a reputable grading company like PCGS or NGC.
Visit Local Coin Dealers: A trustworthy dealer will give you a very rough estimate of what you will expect.
Auction Platforms: Consider using eBay, Heritage Auctions, or Great Collections for selling such high-value items.
Avoid Coin-Star or Cash Machines; they give you face value only-10 cents for a dime that could be worth $10,000.
Conclusion:
It’s all up to you, whether you’re an old pro or a novice, the Mercury dime represents the best of possibilities. With a little effort and a keen eye, you could discover that rare treasure hidden in plain sight. The next time you rummage through the change drawer, keep an eye out for these 7 high-end Mercury dimes, and they may be worthwhile.
FAQS:
What is a Mercury dime?
Mercury dime, also officially referred to as the Winged Liberty Head dime, designates a ten-cent piece minted in America from 1916 to 1945. Its distinctiveness features Liberty with a winged cap to represent freedom of thought, which is nearly identical to the Roman god Mercury—hence, the nickname.
Why do some Mercury dimes have values worth so much?
Mercury dimes have varying qualities of unavailability at the mint, rare errors, and appeal to collectors. Examples of coins that are worth in the thousands, more so in better condition, include the 1916-D and the 1942/1 overdate because they are exceptionally scarce.