Coin collectors and numismatists love the Mercury Dime for its artistic beauty and historical significance. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, these dimes were minted between 1916 and 1945 and are some of the most sought-after U.S. coins. While many Mercury dimes are common, a few rare varieties can fetch upwards of $500,000 at auction.
From low-mintage issues to unique error coins, these rare Mercury dimes hold significant value. If you’re lucky enough to own one, you might be sitting on a small fortune! Let’s look into the top 9 rare Mercury dimes that collectors dream of finding.
Overview
| Mercury Dime | Unique Features | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | Lowest mintage; first-year rarity | $200,000+ |
| 1942/41 Overdate (P) | Double date error; highly sought after | $50,000+ |
| 1942/41 Overdate (D) | Scarcer than the Philadelphia version | $100,000+ |
| 1921 Mercury Dime | Low mintage due to post-war production cuts | $20,000+ |
| 1921-D Mercury Dime | Extremely limited Denver production | $30,000+ |
| 1931-D Mercury Dime | Scarce Depression-era mintage | $5,000+ |
| Full Bands Dimes | Exceptionally sharp strike across all years | High premiums |
| 1938-S Mercury Dime | High-quality Full Bands examples valued | $10,000+ |
| 1945 Micro-S Dime | Tiny mintmark variety from the SF Mint | $5,000+ |
Now, let’s break down what makes each of these dimes so special.
1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is the holy grail of the series. With a mintage of only 264,000, it’s the rarest regular-issue Mercury dime.
How to Identify It:
- Look for the “D” mintmark below the olive branch on the reverse.
- High-grade examples have sharp details in Liberty’s face and the fasces.
Uncirculated versions easily sell for over $200,000, making this a dream coin for collectors.
1942/41 Overdate Dime (Philadelphia)
One of the most famous minting errors, the 1942/41 overdate occurred when a 1941 die was mistakenly repurposed in 1942, causing overlapping digits in the date.
How to Identify It:
- Under magnification, look for the overlapping “1” and “2” in the date.
- No mintmark on Philadelphia coins—only the error itself distinguishes it.
In mint condition, this coin can exceed $50,000 at auction.
1942/41 Overdate Dime (Denver)
The Denver version of this error is even rarer than the Philadelphia one, making it a prized possession for Mercury dime enthusiasts.
How to Identify It:
- Look for the “D” mintmark below the olive branch.
- The same overlapping date error appears on the obverse.
In high grades, this dime has sold for over $100,000!
1921 Mercury Dime
After World War I, coin production was significantly reduced, making the 1921 Mercury Dime a rare find. Only 1.2 million were minted, far fewer than in most years.
How to Identify It:
- Well-preserved examples have sharp details in Liberty’s hair and fasces.
- Minimal wear and strong luster significantly increase the value.
Uncirculated specimens can fetch over $20,000.
1921-D Mercury Dime
Even rarer than its Philadelphia counterpart, the 1921-D Mercury Dime had a mintage of just over 1 million. This makes it one of the most difficult Mercury dimes to find.
How to Identify It:
- Look for the “D” mintmark on the reverse.
- High-grade examples should have clear details in Liberty’s hair and fasces.
A well-preserved 1921-D Mercury Dime easily surpasses $30,000 in auctions.
1931-D Mercury Dime
The Great Depression caused a sharp decline in coin production, making the 1931-D Mercury Dime one of the lowest-mintage coins of the series.
How to Identify It:
- Check for the “D” mintmark below the olive branch.
- Coins with original luster and minimal wear fetch the highest prices.
Even lower-grade examples can sell for several thousand dollars.
Full Bands Mercury Dimes
Full Bands dimes refer to coins with an exceptionally strong strike, making the horizontal bands on the fasces fully defined and unbroken. These dimes are highly sought after by advanced collectors.
How to Identify It:
- Use magnification to inspect the fasces on the reverse.
- Fully separated, sharp horizontal bands indicate a Full Bands specimen.
Regardless of the year, Full Bands Mercury dimes command massive premiums.
1938-S Mercury Dime
While not the rarest by mintage numbers, high-grade 1938-S Mercury Dimes with Full Bands are extremely difficult to find.
How to Identify It:
- Look for the “S” mintmark on the reverse.
- Coins with Full Bands and strong details are worth significantly more.
High-quality examples can easily surpass $10,000.
1945 Micro-S Mercury Dime
The 1945 Micro-S Mercury Dime is a unique variety caused by the use of a worn-out mintmark punch at the San Francisco Mint.
How to Identify It:
- The “S” mintmark is smaller than normal, visible under magnification.
- Coins in mint condition are especially valuable.
This coin may not be as famous as other Mercury dimes, but it’s a collector’s favorite, often selling for $5,000+.
Some Mercury dimes are worth far more than their face value. If you come across any of these rare dates or error coins, you might have a small fortune in your collection. Always check your dimes carefully—you never know when you might strike numismatic gold!
FAQs
What is the rarest Mercury Dime?
The 1916-D Mercury Dime, with only 264,000 minted, is the rarest.
What makes a Mercury Dime valuable?
Low mintage, minting errors, and Full Bands strikes increase value.
How much is a 1942/41 Overdate Dime worth?
In high grades, it can be worth over $100,000, especially the Denver version.
What is a Full Bands Mercury Dime?
A Full Bands dime has fully separated, sharply defined bands on the fasces.
Where is the mintmark on a Mercury Dime?
It’s located on the reverse, below the olive branch next to the fasces.
