Gold: $3301.65  Silver: $37.16  Platinum: $1318.04  90% Junk $1 FV: $26.57  Gold/Silver Ratio: 88.85

1916-1945 Mercury Dime Values

Determining the current price of silver coins is a straightforward process once you know the silver content of the coin and the current market price, often referred to as the silver spot price.

Description Face Value ASW Silver Value Per $1 Face Value Per Bankroll
Mercury Dime 1916-1945 Mercury Dime $0.10 0.0715 $2.66 $26.57 $132.85

Mercury Dime

The Mercury Dime is officially known as the Winged Liberty Head. It was minted by the United States from 1916 to 1945. The "Mercury Dime" name comes from the design's resemblance to the Roman god Mercury, even though it actually depicts Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap. The design is meant to symbolize freedom of thought and free speech. This iconic design has made the Mercury Dime a favorite among collectors.

Adolph A. Weinman created the Mercury Dime. He also designed the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, the fifty-cent coin that circulated during this era.

Today, Mercury Dimes can occasionally be found in Coinstar machines as they typically reject silver coins because their composition is different from modern copper-nickel clad coins. It's always worth taking a quick look in the coin return tray when walking by.

Specifications

  • Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
  • Total Weight: 2.50 grams (0.088 oz)
  • Silver Weight: Approximately 0.07234 oz of pure silver
  • Diameter: 17.9 mm
  • Thickness: 1.35 mm
  • Edge: Reeded (118 reeds)

Mercury Dime Values

Condition plays a role in value and most Mercury Dimes found today are in circulated condition. Lower-grade examples (around G-4 to VG-8) being the most common and are commonly found amongst junk silver. Coins in these grades will show considerable wear, especially on the high points of the design, such as Liberty's cap or the fasces on the reverse. These coins are primarily valued for their silver content. However, even in circulated condition, some key dates and error coins can be desirable to collectors even with their worn appearance.

Uncirculated and Mint State coins are far rarer, with sharp details and original luster still intact. Coins graded MS-65 and higher can be quite valuable, especially from key dates or with particularly attractive toning.

Rare and Valuable Key Dates and Errors

  • 1916-D Mercury Dime - The 1916-D Mercury Dime is the rarest and one of the most sought-after coins in American numismatics. With just over a quarter of a million produced, finding this coin in any condition is rare. For collectors, it represents one of the key "stoppers" to completing a Mercury Dime collection.
    Mintage: 264,000
    Value: In lower grades, it can sell for $1,000, while in higher grades, such as MS65, it can go for $40,000 to $100,000 at auction.
  • 1942/41 Overdate - The overdate error occurred at both the Philadelphia Mint and the Denver Mint, creating two separate varieties: 1942/41 (Philadelphia) and 1942/41-D (Denver). The error happened when a 1941-dated die was repunched with a 1942 date. This led to a visible overlap of the two dates. This caused the digits "1" and "2" to be superimposed over the "1" and "4" from 1941. In MS65 condition, the Philadelphia version can sell for $15,000 to $30,000, while the Denver version can range from $10,000 to $20,000.
  • 1945-S Micro S: The defining feature of this coin is the smaller-than-usual "S" mintmark, which was caused by the use of a different mintmark punch. This punch was normally intended for use on the Philippines' coins, which were also produced by the U.S. Mint at the time. While not exceedingly rare, in circulated condition these coins can be worth between $10 to $50. Uncirculated coins are worth $80 to $100

The Winged Liberty Head is considered one of the most beautiful designs in American coinage. Minted during World War I and the early years of World War II, these coins carry a significant historical weight. Aside from rare key dates, Mercury Dimes are generally affordable for beginner collectors, making them an accessible entry point into numismatics.

Other Notable Mercury Dime Dates

  • 1921 Mercury Dime: A low mintage year with 1.2 million minted. In higher grades, it can sell for $3,000 to $10,000.
  • 1921-D Mercury Dime: Even rarer with a mintage of 1.08 million. Values in MS65 condition can range from $5,000 to $15,000.

Not only is the Mercury Dime a historical artifact, it's also a cornerstone of many coin collections. Its affordable price in circulated grades and potential value in rare dates and errors make it a solid investment for both new and seasoned numismatists.

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US Mint Silver Coin Values

Description Face Value ASW Silver Value Per $1 Face Value Per Bankroll
Nickel 1942-1945 "War Nickel" $0.05 0.0563 $2.09 $41.84 $83.68
Roosevelt Dime 1946-1964 Roosevelt Dime $0.10 0.0715 $2.66 $26.57 $132.85
Mercury Dime 1916-1945 Mercury Dime $0.10 0.0715 $2.66 $26.57 $132.85
Barber Dime 1892-1916 Barber Dime $0.10 0.0715 $2.66 $26.57 $132.85
Washington Quarter 1932-1964 Washington Quarter $0.25 0.17875 $6.64 $26.57 $265.69
Standing Liberty Quarter 1916-1930 Standing Liberty Quarter $0.25 0.17875 $6.64 $26.57 $265.69
Barber Quarter 1892-1916 Barber Quarter $0.25 0.17875 $6.64 $26.57 $265.69
40% Kennedy Half Dollar 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar $0.50 0.147893 $5.50 $10.99 $109.91
90% Kennedy Half Dollar 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar $0.50 0.3575 $13.28 $26.57 $265.69
Franklin Half Dollar 1948-1963 Franklin Half Dollar $0.50 0.3575 $13.28 $26.57 $265.69
Walking Liberty Half Dollar 1916-1947 Walking Liberty Half Dollar $0.50 0.3575 $13.28 $26.57 $265.69
Barber Half Dollar 1892-1915 Barber Half Dollar $0.50 0.3575 $13.28 $26.57 $265.69
40% Eisenhower Dollar 1971-1976 Eisenhower Silver Dollar $1.00 0.3161 $11.75 $11.75 $117.46
Peace Dollar 1921-1935 Peace Dollar $1.00 0.77345051 $28.74 $28.74 $287.41
Morgan Dollar 1878-1904 & 1921 Morgan Dollar $1.00 0.77345051 $28.74 $28.74 $287.41

Calculating Silver Coin Values

Coin melt value refers to the intrinsic value of the precious metal contained within a coin. It's the intrinsic value of the metals if a coin were sent to a refinery and melted down to recover the metal. The melt value is primarily determined by the metal's weight and purity and is calculated based on current market trading prices for the metal.

Most circulated junk silver coins are composed of an alloy containing 90% pure silver. Others may have a specific weight and purity denoted on them. This high silver content gives them a significant intrinsic value based on the current spot price of silver. Silver's weight is measured in troy ounces, which differ from the more common avoirdupois ounce used to measure most other goods in the U.S. An avoirdupois ounce contains roughly 28.35 grams, but a troy ounce contains roughly 31.1035 grams.

Silver Coin Melt Value Calculator

Determining the current price of silver coins is quick and easy. Simply enter the quantity of each coin denomination below and click the calculate button. The values are instantly calculated based on today's silver spot price.

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Potential Numismatic Value

Beyond the silver content, pre-1965 silver coins may also have numismatic value for collectors. The melt value doesn't consider the numismatic or collector value that a coin might have. Specific key dates, mint marks, or conditions can make some coins worth significantly more than their melt value. Collectible coins may be worth more than their melt value due to rarity, historical significance, condition, and demand from collectors.

If you have questions about whether a coin has numismatic value, you can visit a local coin store in your area for a professional appraisal.

Silver Coin Melt Values

Historically, investors have utilized silver as a store of value and a hedge against inflation. As a tangible asset, silver can help preserve wealth over time. Many pre-1965 coins are valued for their 90% silver content.

By understanding the melt value, buyers can ensure they pay only a little over the intrinsic value. Melt value calculations require accurate information about the piece's purity and weight. Understanding these can help you verify that the silver coin you're buying is not counterfeit.

If your primary goal is to invest in precious metals, knowing the melt value allows you to assess the potential for profit or loss. You can track silver's market price and make informed decisions about buying or selling based on price.

When considering different forms of silver (e.g., coins vs. bars), knowing the melt value helps you compare them equally. For instance, you can compare the premium (the amount over melt value) you're paying for a coin to determine if it's a better or worse investment than a bar.

Silver investors often track their holdings' value to gauge their investment portfolio's overall performance. Knowing the is also important when selling.

Collector or numismatic coins derive much of their value from factors other than their melt value, such as rarity and historical significance.