The most valuable dimes are worth more than $1 million. However, why are some dimes valuable at seven numbers while others have just the face value of “TEN CENTS” indicated on the coin?
At times it’s hard to identify rare dimes from more common ones at first glance. It is especially true when a new collector tries to understand the differences between rare and valuable coins.
Let’s review the most valuable mercury dime coins in the list with an explanation of why each is worth more than face value:
Top 10 Most Valuable Mercury Dime Coins Worth Money
- 1938-S Mercury Dime
- 1919-D Mercury Dime With Full Band
- 1916-D Mercury Dime With Full Band
- Rare 1916 Mercury Dime Sample
- 1918-S Mercury Dime With Full Band
- 1942 Mercury Dime With Overdate
- 1945 Mercury Dime With Full Band
- 1935-S Mercury Dime With Full Band
- 1916-D Mercury Dime With Full Band, Toning
- 1918-D Mercury Dime
1. 1938-S Mercury Dime
The 1938-S Mercury Dime is part of the Mercury Dimes series minted from 1916 to 1945. This coin, graded PCGS MS68+FB, is highly valued. Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman, it features a reeded edge and measures 17.90 millimeters in diameter, weighing 2.50 grams.
Minted in San Francisco, it is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. With a mintage of 8,090,000, this specific coin was sold at an auction in 2019 for a record-breaking price of $364,250 by Legend Rare Coin Auctions on June 27, 2019.
2. 1919-D Mercury Dime With Full Band
The 1919-D Mercury Dime belongs to the Mercury Dimes series minted from 1916 to 1945. Graded PCGS MS66, this coin was designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman and features a reeded edge.
It has a diameter of 17.90 millimeters, weighs 2.50 grams, and is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Minted in Denver with a mintage of 9,939,000, this specific coin was sold in 2000. Its auction record stands at $5,288 for an MS66 grade, achieved on February 27, 2014, by Heritage Auctions. Currently, its value is estimated at $218,500.
3. 1916-D Mercury Dime With Full Band
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is part of the Mercury Dimes series minted from 1916 to 1945. Graded PCGS MS67+FB, this coin was designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman and features a reeded edge.
It has a diameter of 17.90 millimeters, weighs 2.50 grams, and is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. Minted in Denver with a mintage of 264,000, this coin achieved an auction record of $207,000 for an MS67 grade at Heritage Auctions on August 11, 2010.
4. Rare 1916 Mercury Dime Sample
The 1916 Mercury Dime is the inaugural coin in the Mercury Dimes series minted from 1916 to 1945. Graded PCGS MS67, this coin was designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman and features a reeded edge.
It has a diameter of 17.90 millimeters and weighs 2.50 grams, composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Minted in Philadelphia with a high mintage of 22,180,080, this coin achieved an auction record of $1,998 for an MS67+ grade at Heritage Auctions on November 15, 2013.
5. 1918-S Mercury Dime With Full Band
The 1918-S Mercury Dime is part of the Mercury Dimes series minted from 1916 to 1945. Graded PCGS MS67+FB, this coin was designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman and features a reeded edge.
It has a diameter of 17.90 millimeters and weighs 2.50 grams, made of 90% silver and 10% copper. Minted in San Francisco with a mintage of 19,300,000, this coin achieved an auction record of $144,000 for an MS67FB grade at Heritage Auctions on January 14, 2019.
6. 1942 Mercury Dime With Overdate
The 1942/1-D Mercury Dime is a notable variety in the Mercury Dimes series minted from 1916 to 1945. Graded PCGS AU55, this coin displays an overdate feature known as FS-101. Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman, it features a reeded edge, measures 17.90 millimeters in diameter, and weighs 2.50 grams, consisting of 90% silver and 10% copper. Minted in Denver with a mintage of 60,740,000, this coin achieved an auction record of $2,174 for an AU58+ grade at Heritage Auctions on February 16, 2017.
7. 1945 Mercury Dime With Full Band
The 1945 Mercury Dime is the final coin in the Mercury Dimes series minted from 1916 to 1945. Graded PCGS MS67+FB, this coin was designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman and features a reeded edge.
It has a diameter of 17.90 millimeters and weighs 2.50 grams, made of 90% silver and 10% copper. Minted in Philadelphia with a high mintage of 159,130,000, this coin achieved an auction record of $96,000 for an MS67+FB grade at Heritage Auctions on January 3, 2018.
8. 1935-S Mercury Dime With Full Band
The 1935-S Mercury Dime is a part of the Mercury Dimes series minted from 1916 to 1945. Graded PCGS MS68+FB, this coin was designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman and features a reeded edge.
It has a diameter of 17.90 millimeters and weighs 2.50 grams, consisting of 90% silver and 10% copper. Minted in San Francisco with a mintage of 15,840,000, this coin achieved an auction record of $90,000 for an MS68FB grade at Heritage Auctions on January 14, 2019.
9. 1916-D Mercury Dime With Full Band, Toning
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is the inaugural coin in the Mercury Dimes series, minted from 1916 to 1945. Graded PCGS MS67+FB, this coin was designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman and features a reeded edge.
It measures 17.90 millimeters in diameter, weighs 2.50 grams and is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. Minted in Denver with a mintage of 264,000, this coin achieved an auction record of $207,000 for an MS67 grade at Heritage Auctions on August 11, 2010.
10. 1918-D Mercury Dime
The 1918-D Mercury Dime is a part of the Mercury Dimes series minted from 1916 to 1945. Graded PCGS MS67, this coin was designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman and features a reeded edge. It has a diameter of 17.90 millimeters and weighs 2.50 grams, composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
Minted in Denver with a mintage of 22,674,800, this coin achieved an auction record of $2,990 for an MS65 grade at Heritage Auctions on March 6, 2008.
The 1918-D Mercury dime is common in circulated grades but scarce in mint state, with full band gems being very rare; approximately 70% to 80% lack fully struck crossbands.
Also Read – Top 10 Most Valuable Standing Liberty Quarters
Conclusion:
Mercury dimes, minted from 1916 to 1945, hold significant value for collectors. Certain dimes, like the 1938-S and 1916-D with full bands, have sold for over $200,000 due to their rarity and condition. While some are common in circulation, finding them in mint state with full bands is rare and highly sought-after, making them valuable collectibles.