Mercury Dimes are often ranked among the most beautiful American coins ever minted. However, many people don’t realize that the figure on the obverse (heads side) is not Mercury, the Roman messenger god. Instead, it’s Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought.
Let’s look into the most valuable Mercury Dimes ever sold. Also, keep in mind that “FB” on Mercury Dimes stands for Full Band, referring to the clarity of the straps on the fasces on the reverse side. Coins with Full Bands are generally more valuable.
Table of Contents
1916-D Mercury Dime
The Mercury Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Dime, was misidentified as Mercury due to its winged cap.
- Mint Mark: Denver (D)
- Grade: MS 67 FB
- Date of Sale: August 11, 2010
- Price: $207,000
The reverse of the coin features a fasces wrapped in an olive branch, symbolizing unity and peace. However, some people mistook it for a golf club, leading to nicknames like the “Golf Dime” or the “Battle Axe Dime.”
1918-D Mercury Dime
The design of the Mercury Dime was inspired by classical symbols of freedom. The Phrygian Cap, often seen on depictions of Liberty, was a symbol of freedom worn by freed slaves in ancient times.
- Year: 1918
- Mint Mark: Denver (D)
- Grade: MS 67 FB
- Date of Sale: September 3, 2015
- Price: $182,125
This conical hat has origins in regions such as Anatolia and Eastern Europe. It was also used as a symbol of liberty during the French and American Revolutions.
1919-D Mercury Dime
Many early American coins featured Lady Liberty in symbolic form, with mint engravers creating these designs. However, for the Mercury Dime, a real-life model was used.
- Year: 1919
- Mint Mark: Denver (D)
- Grade: MS 66 FB
- Date of Sale: January 14, 2019
- Price: $156,000
Artist Adolph Weinman used Elsie Stevens, the wife of poet Wallace Stevens, as his model. To simulate the cap, he had her wear the cut-off top of an old sock.
1942/1 Overdate Mercury Dime
Wallace Stevens, a famous lawyer, insurance executive, and writer, and his wife Elsie were tenants of Adolph Weinman, the artist behind the Mercury Dime.
- Year: 1942 Over 1941
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 66 FB
- Date of Sale: January 3, 2018
- Price: $120,000
Weinman was a student of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the renowned sculptor behind the Double Eagle gold coin. His influence helped shape some of the most artistic U.S. coin designs.
1918-S Mercury Dime
The Mercury Dime, despite initial resistance from mint officials, remained in circulation from 1916 to 1945.
- Year: 1918
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Grade: MS 67 FB
- Date of Sale: January 14, 2019
- Price: $144,000
It was ultimately replaced by the Roosevelt Dime after President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s passing in 1945, as a tribute to his leadership and legacy.
1919-S Mercury Dime
The Mercury Dime was part of President Theodore Roosevelt’s initiative to improve U.S. coin designs, a project later continued by President William Howard Taft.
- Year: 1919
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Grade: MS 66 FB
- Date of Sale: November 9, 2006
- Price: $103,500
These presidents believed that existing U.S. coins were dull and uninspiring, prompting them to commission top artists to create more visually appealing designs.
1945 Mercury Dime
The artistic designs of early 20th-century coins often caused conflicts between mint engravers and outside artists due to differences in style and production challenges.
- Year: 1945
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 67+ FB
- Date of Sale: March 1, 2018
- Price: $96,000
Despite these issues, Weinman’s work was well-received, leading to his design being reused for the Walking Liberty Half Dollar and later on the American Silver Eagle bullion coin.
1925-S Mercury Dime
Earlier coin designs were often replaced within a few years, leading to high costs for new dies and redesign approvals.
- Year: 1925
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Grade: MS 68 FB
- Date of Sale: January 14, 2019
- Price: $45,600
To streamline the process, the Coinage Act of 1890 allowed coin designs to change every 25 years without requiring congressional approval, making it easier to introduce new designs.
Mercury Dimes remain highly collectible due to their beauty, historical significance, and rarity. If you have one, it’s worth checking its condition, mint mark, and whether it has Full Bands—who knows, you might own a hidden gem!
FAQs
What is the rarest Mercury Dime?
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is the rarest and most valuable due to its low mintage.
Why are Full Band Mercury Dimes more valuable?
Full Band (FB) dimes have sharper details on the fasces, making them rarer.
How can I tell if my Mercury Dime is valuable?
Check the date, mint mark, grade, and look for Full Bands or minting errors.
What is the most expensive Mercury Dime ever sold?
A 1916-D MS 67 FB Mercury Dime sold for $207,000 in 2010.
Are overdate Mercury Dimes worth more?
Yes! Overdate errors like the 1942/1 Mercury Dime are rare and valuable.
