The Mercury Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Dime, is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever minted in the U.S. Interestingly, the figure on the obverse isn’t Mercury, the Roman god, but Lady Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap symbolizing freedom of thought. Let’s look into the most valuable Mercury Dimes and their fascinating stories.
1916-D Mercury Dime Full Band
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is a prized collector’s item, mainly due to its rarity and design. Its reverse features a fasces, symbolizing unity and authority, and an olive branch for peace.
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 67 FB
- Date of Sale: August 11, 2010
- Price: $207,000
This coin represents the first year of the Mercury Dime series and is the rarest due to its low mintage.
1918-D Mercury Dime Full Band
This Denver-minted coin features sharp Full Bands (FB), signifying a strong strike and exceptional detail on the fasces’ bands.
- Year: 1918
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 67 FB
- Date of Sale: September 3, 2015
- Price: $182,125
The winged Liberty design was meant to embody intellectual freedom, with the Phrygian cap serving as a symbol of liberty since ancient times.
1919-D Mercury Dime Full Band
Another Denver mint, the 1919-D, is cherished for its historical significance and outstanding condition.
- Year: 1919
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 66 FB
- Date of Sale: January 14, 2019
- Price: $156,000
Elsie Stevens, the wife of poet Wallace Stevens, modeled for this coin. Her hat was improvised from the top of an old sock!
1942/1 Overdate Mercury Dime
This Philadelphia-minted dime features a rare overdate error, with the “2” stamped over the “1” in the year.
- Year: 1942/1
- Mint Mark: None
- Grade: MS 66 FB
- Date of Sale: January 3, 2018
- Price: $120,000
Overdates occurred due to the reuse of dies, and their rarity makes them highly valuable among collectors.
1918-S Mercury Dime Full Band
San Francisco minted this 1918 dime, celebrated for its fine details and exceptional preservation.
- Year: 1918
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: MS 67 FB
- Date of Sale: January 14, 2019
- Price: $144,000
The Mercury Dime series spanned from 1916 to 1945, with its replacement by the Roosevelt Dime marking the end of an era.
1919-S Mercury Dime Full Band
The San Francisco-minted 1919-S stands out for its well-defined Full Bands and historical context.
- Year: 1919
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: MS 66 FB
- Date of Sale: November 9, 2006
- Price: $103,500
This coin is a testament to the artistic shift in U.S. coinage under Presidents Roosevelt and Taft, who sought more attractive designs.
1945 Mercury Dime Full Band
The 1945 Mercury Dime from Philadelphia marked the final year of the series.
- Year: 1945
- Mint Mark: None
- Grade: MS 67+ FB
- Date of Sale: March 1, 2018
- Price: $96,000
This dime’s iconic design is preserved in the American Silver Eagle, introduced decades later.
1925-S Mercury Dime Full Band
This San Francisco-minted 1925 dime is rare for its grade and exceptional strike quality.
- Year: 1925
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: MS 68 FB
- Date of Sale: January 14, 2019
- Price: $45,600
The Mercury Dime’s legacy continues as one of the most artistic and historically rich coins in U.S. history.
| Year | Mint Mark | Grade | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1916 | Denver (Full Band) | MS 67 FB | $207,000 |
| 1918 | Denver (Full Band) | MS 67 FB | $182,125 |
| 1919 | Denver (Full Band) | MS 66 FB | $156,000 |
| 1942/1 | Overdate (Full Band) | MS 66 FB | $120,000 |
| 1918 | San Francisco (FB) | MS 67 FB | $144,000 |
| 1919 | San Francisco (FB) | MS 66 FB | $103,500 |
| 1945 | Philadelphia (FB) | MS 67+ FB | $96,000 |
| 1925 | San Francisco (FB) | MS 68 FB | $45,600 |
Mercury Dimes are more than just coins—they’re miniature works of art with deep historical roots. If you stumble across one of these rare gems, hold onto it; its value might surprise you.
FAQs
What does FB mean on Mercury Dimes?
FB stands for Full Band, indicating clarity of the straps on the reverse.
Who designed the Mercury Dime?
Adolph Weinman designed the Mercury Dime.
Why is the 1916-D Mercury Dime valuable?
Its rarity and MS 67 FB grade make it highly valuable.
What is unique about the 1942/1 dime?
It features an overdate error with ‘2’ stamped over ‘1’.
When was the Mercury Dime minted?
The Mercury Dime was minted from 1916 to 1945.
