Mercury dimes, minted between 1916 and 1945, are among the most beloved coins in American history. Officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, their intricate design and historical significance have made them highly sought after by collectors. While most Mercury dimes are worth their silver content, a few rare dates and mintmarks can command six-figure prices at auction. Let’s explore five Mercury dimes whose value has reached incredible heights.
1. 1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury dime is perhaps the most famous of the series, and for a good reason. This first-year coin was minted in Denver in very limited quantities, with only 264,000 coins produced. Its scarcity and status as a key date have made it highly desirable among collectors.
- Why it’s valuable: The 1916-D is rare in all conditions, but uncirculated examples are exceedingly scarce.
- Value: In well-worn condition, it can fetch around $1,000 to $5,000. In MS67 Full Bands, a premium example sold for over $200,000 at auction.
2. 1921 Mercury Dime
The 1921 Mercury dime, minted in Philadelphia, had a relatively low mintage of just 1.2 million coins, making it rare compared to most other years.
- Why it’s valuable: While it’s not as scarce as the 1916-D, the 1921 Mercury dime is still highly sought after, especially in top grades with the Full Bands designation.
- Value: A regular 1921 dime in circulated condition sells for $100 to $1,000. However, a superb uncirculated example in MS68 Full Bands once brought in nearly $120,000.
3. 1921-D Mercury Dime
Produced at the Denver Mint, the 1921-D Mercury dime shares a low mintage with its Philadelphia counterpart, with just 1.08 million coins struck.
- Why it’s valuable: Its scarcity, especially in high grades, has made it a collector’s treasure.
- Value: In circulated condition, the coin is worth several hundred dollars. However, in MS67 Full Bands, its value skyrockets, with top specimens exceeding $150,000.
4. 1942/41 Overdate Mercury Dime (Philadelphia Mint)
The 1942/41 overdate error is one of the most famous and dramatic minting mistakes in U.S. coinage. The error occurred when a 1941 die was improperly reused to create some of the 1942 dimes, resulting in an overdate where both years are visible.
- Why it’s valuable: Overdate errors are inherently rare, and this one is no exception. The Philadelphia-minted version is the more common of the two but still commands extraordinary value in high grades.
- Value: Circulated examples can sell for $2,000 to $10,000, while uncirculated coins in MS66 or higher with Full Bands can fetch over $100,000.
5. 1942/41 Overdate Mercury Dime (Denver Mint)
The Denver Mint version of the 1942/41 overdate is even rarer than the Philadelphia counterpart, making it a prized find for numismatists.
- Why it’s valuable: Its combination of rarity and the unique overdate error creates immense demand.
- Value: In circulated grades, these coins often sell for $10,000 to $30,000. Uncirculated specimens in top grades have been known to surpass $150,000 at auction.
Why Mercury Dimes Are So Popular
Collectors adore Mercury dimes for their artistic design by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, featuring Lady Liberty with wings on her cap. The reverse showcases a fasces, symbolizing unity and strength. Beyond their beauty, the rarity and historical significance of specific dates make Mercury dimes a cornerstone of U.S. coin collecting.
Conclusion
Mercury dimes represent a golden opportunity for collectors and investors alike. While many examples are worth only a few dollars, key dates and errors like the 1916-D and 1942/41 overdates have proven to be six-figure treasures. If you come across a Mercury dime in your collection, take a closer look—you might just have a valuable piece of history in your hands.
FAQs
1. Why is the 1916-D Mercury Dime so valuable?
The 1916-D Mercury dime is valuable due to its low mintage of only 264,000 coins, making it extremely rare. It is also considered a key date in the Mercury dime series, and its scarcity.
2. What is the difference between a regular Mercury Dime and a Full Bands version?
A “Full Bands” Mercury Dime refers to coins that have a complete, unbroken band of metal around the fasces on the reverse side.
3. How can I tell if my Mercury Dime is an overdate coin?
To identify an overdate Mercury Dime, look closely at the last two digits of the year on the coin. In the 1942/41 overdate, you can clearly see the underlying “1” from the 1941 year beneath the “2” of the 1942 date.