The Mercury dime is one coin which crosses two world wars, the Great Depression, and more than three decades of American history. Truly an icon of the early 20th century, its value can be huge. The price of Mercury dimes can go up to millions, especially in years of high treasure with an excellent condition. You can have a treasure beyond measure from the coins if you have a number of these dimes in your collection.
Important Information:
Now, the Mercury Dime had the goddess Liberty on it; however, her winged helmet led many people into error, thinking she represented the god Mercury. One of the most famous coins ever produced, this 10-cent coin was first minted in 1916 and continued to be made until 1945.
5 Most Valuable Mercury Dimes:
Obviously, there are many determinants of the value of a Mercury dime. Looking at some of the Mercury dimes that have sold for the highest prices will help you understand why these coins are worth so much money. Here are some of the most valuable Mercury dimes sold recently.
1919-D Mercury Dime With Full Bands:
About 10 million Mercury dimes were struck at the Denver Mint in 1919, although very few featured the collectors’ term “full bands.” On the reverse side, a group of sticks and an axe are bound together with three bands. The full-band Mercury dimes exhibit clear middle bands but have a slight crack in the middle.
It’s a small detail, but little details make a big difference in coin values. A nice full band 1919-D Mercury dime graded MS-64 by NGC sold for $218,500 in 2000.
1916-D Mercury Dime With Full Bands:
Another extremely rare Mercury dime with full bands is the 1916-D. Very few, around 264,000 dimes, were made in Denver in 1916, as the Mint had to end the year’s production so it could complete I quarter orders. Since mintage numbers were so small, it’s no wonder Mercury dimes are so rare with full bands. One sold in 2010 for $195,500 and was in excellent condition.
Mercury Dimes Are Part of American History:
Mercury dimes can be very valuable under certain conditions, but in any event, much, much dollars more than ten cents. If you find one of these coins, take a close look to ensure that there are full bands and if it is an early issue year.
It’s just part of vital American history, regardless of what the coin might be worth.
1942/1 Over dated Mercury Dime With Full Bands:
The 1942/1 Over dated Mercury dime is one that bears two years next to each other for dates. It is a type of mint error whereby a date of one year is inadvertently placed over another date of the year. This usually takes place during die making for the new year.
In this case, the bottom digit of the year on the 1942/1 Mercury dime will have a ‘1’ and a ‘2’ appearing on it, which is super rare. In good condition with full bands, the value is astronomical. One of this coin type was sold at an auction in 2018 for $120,000.
The over dated Mercury dime is indeed a highly valuable coin among collectors, not simply because it is rare but also for the fact that it has unique designs and excellence in quality. One like it would surely make it one of your prized possessions in your collection.
Factors of Value of Mercury Dime:
If you are curious to know the value of those dimes in your collection, which was minted during early 20th century, you need to take into account all those factors that contribute to the value of these coins. Some of the most influencing factors concerning the value of such dimes are:
Year of mintage : Minted various amounts of Mercury dime coins. In some years, such as the 1916-D and 1919-D, are extremely rare and in high demand and bring more money.
Condition: Condition is a crucial determinant for the coin. If the coin is perfect and not scratched or damaged, it will be worth more money. “Quality” is also found in attributes like “gem” or “full bands”.
Design of coin: The Mercury dime has an image of the goddess Liberty on it, a very famous design. If this coin has special features, like clear bands, then value to that coin increases.
Preservation: The preservation of the coin is quite very important. If the coin is safe and clean always, then the store increases the value of that coin.
Mint Mark: The mint mark, like D or S on the coin, decides its origin. Coins produced by few mints are rather rarer and, hence, have a greater monetary value.
Market Demand: It depends on the demand and supply of coins. If a certain coin has been in high demand, then its value increases.
These factors considered, you can make an estimate of how much the Mercury dime might be worth and plan to sell your collection when it reaches its maximum value.