14 Most Valuable Mercury Dimes Ranked by Auction Price

Mercury dimes are among the most widely collected U.S. coins, partly because many examples are still available to collectors today. Officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, this coin is often called the Mercury dime because the portrait of Liberty wears a winged cap that resembles the Roman god Mercury. These dimes were issued from 1916 through 1945 and remain popular with both beginner and experienced coin collectors.

Many circulated Mercury dimes are worth only a few dollars, often because of their silver content. However, certain dates, mint marks, grades, and strike details can make a Mercury dime far more valuable. Coins with sharp “Full Bands” on the reverse, rare mint marks, unusual toning, or notable errors can bring impressive prices at auction. Below are some of the most valuable Mercury dimes collectors look for.

14. 1926-S Mercury Dime

Minted: 1,520,000

Mint: San Francisco

Estimated value: $6,000

1926-S Mercury Dime, Explained

Bottom line: The 1926-S Mercury dime is considered a scarce issue because only about 1.52 million were produced. Mercury dimes from the San Francisco Mint are often harder to find in higher grades, which helps make this date especially appealing to collectors.

Like many valuable Mercury dimes, condition matters. A heavily worn example will not command the same price as a sharply struck coin with strong details.

13. 1924-S Mercury Dime

Minted: 7,120,000

Mint: San Francisco

Estimated value: $8,000

1924-S Mercury Dime, Explained

Bottom line: The 1924-S Mercury dime is another San Francisco issue that can become valuable in excellent condition. While millions were struck, collectors pay close attention to examples with minimal wear, attractive surfaces, and clear details.

12. 1923-S Mercury Dime

Minted: 6,440,000

Mint: San Francisco

Estimated value: $12,000

1923-S Mercury Dime, Explained

Bottom line: The 1923-S Mercury dime had a mintage of 6,440,000, but well-preserved examples are much harder to locate today. Its age, San Francisco mint mark, and condition sensitivity all contribute to its collector value.

11. 1919-S Mercury Dime

Minted: 8,800,000

Mint: San Francisco

Estimated value: $15,000

1919-S Mercury Dime, Explained

Bottom line: About 8.8 million 1919-S Mercury dimes were struck in San Francisco. Even though that number is not extremely low, high-grade survivors are much more desirable than worn pieces.

This is the kind of coin that rewards careful inspection. A common-looking dime may be worth only a few dollars, but a sharply preserved example can be significantly more valuable.

10. 1918-D Mercury Dime

Minted: 22,674,800

Mint: Denver

Estimated value: $22,000

1918-D Mercury Dime, Explained

Bottom line: The 1918-D Mercury dime carries a small “D” mint mark for Denver on the reverse, near the words “ONE DIME.” Although more than 22 million were minted, top-quality examples can still be valuable.

As with many Mercury dimes, the premium is largely tied to grade, eye appeal, and the sharpness of the strike.

9. 1916-D Mercury Dime With Full Band, Toning

Minted: 264,000

Mint: Denver

Sold: 2013

Value: $88,125

1916-D Mercury Dime With Full Band, Toning, Explained

Bottom line: This 1916-D Mercury dime is valuable not only because of its rare date and Denver mint mark, but also because it shows Full Band detail and attractive natural toning.

Natural patina can add visual appeal for collectors. Cleaning a coin is generally discouraged because it can damage the surface and reduce value.

8. 1935-S Mercury Dime With Full Band

Minted: 15,840,000

Mint: San Francisco

Sold: 2019

Value: $90,000

1935-S Mercury Dime With Full Band, Explained

Bottom line: This 1935-S Mercury dime sold for a strong price because it combined outstanding condition with Full Band detail. A previous sale in 2011 reportedly brought $19,550, showing how exceptional quality can affect auction results.

7. 1945 Mercury Dime With Full Band

Minted: 41,920,000

Mint: San Francisco

Sold: 2018

Value: $96,000

1945 Mercury Dime With Full Band, Explained

Bottom line: The 1945 Mercury dime is from the final year of the series. Although many 1945 dimes are common, examples with Full Band detail are much harder to find.

For collectors, this makes a sharply struck 1945 Mercury dime especially desirable, even when the date itself is not rare in circulated condition.

6. 1942 Mercury Dime With Overdate

Minted: N/A

Mint: Denver

Sold: 2018

Value: $120,000

1942 Mercury Dime With Overdate, Explained

Bottom line: The 1942 Mercury dime with overdate is notable because traces of the earlier 1941 date can be seen beneath the 1942 date. This type of minting variety is exactly the kind of detail that can turn an ordinary coin into a major collectible.

5. 1918-S Mercury Dime With Full Band

Minted: 19,300,000

Mint: San Francisco

Sold: 2019

Value: $144,000

1918-S Mercury Dime With Full Band, Explained

Bottom line: More than 19 million 1918-S Mercury dimes were produced, but Full Band examples are extremely difficult to find for this date. That sharp reverse detail helped this coin reach a remarkable auction price.

4. Rare 1916 Mercury Dime Sample

Minted: N/A

Mint: N/A

Sold: 2020

Value: $192,000

Rare 1916 Mercury Dime Sample, Explained

Bottom line: This rare 1916 Mercury dime sample differs from the regular-issue dime, making it a highly unusual piece. It was likely created as a sample rather than as part of the standard 1916 mintage, and it has no mint mark.

3. 1916-D Mercury Dime With Full Band

Minted: 264,000

Mint: Denver

Sold: 2010

Value: $195,500

1916-D Mercury Dime With Full Band, Explained

Bottom line: The 1916-D Mercury dime is one of the most famous key dates in the series. Only about 264,000 were minted, making any genuine example worth attention.

A circulated 1916-D may already be valuable, but a mint-condition coin with Full Band detail can reach exceptional prices. This example sold for nearly $200,000 because of its rarity, grade, and sharp strike.

2. 1919-D Mercury Dime With Full Band

Minted: 9,939,000

Mint: Denver

Sold: 2000

Value: $218,500

1919-D Mercury Dime With Full Band, Explained

Bottom line: Early Mercury dimes can be difficult to find in true mint condition. Although nearly 10 million 1919-D dimes were produced, many surviving examples are worn or weakly struck.

Most mint-state 1919-D Mercury dimes are valuable, but this coin stood out because of its outstanding quality and Full Band designation, helping it sell for $218,500.

1. 1938-S Mercury Dime

Minted: 8,090,000

Mint: San Francisco

Sold: 2019

Value: $364,250

1938-S Mercury Dime, Explained

Bottom line: The 1938-S Mercury dime is not rare simply because of its mintage, since more than 8 million were struck. This particular coin became extraordinary because of its high grade and vivid iridescent toning.

The striking orange, green, and blue colors made it stand out visually, while its condition helped push the auction price to $364,250.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mercury Dimes

What is the most valuable Mercury dime?

The most valuable Mercury dime listed here is the 1938-S Mercury dime that sold for $364,250. In general, however, the 1916-D Mercury dime remains one of the most famous and sought-after coins in the series. If you find a 1916-D Mercury dime, it is worth examining closely.

Which Mercury dime years are rare?

Important Mercury dime dates include 1916, 1921, 1926, 1931, and 1942. These years may deserve a second look, especially when paired with the right mint mark, strong condition, or a notable variety. Later dates such as 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, and 1945 are often more common unless they have special features such as Full Bands or an error.

What is the melt value of a Mercury dime?

Mercury dimes are popular because their silver value is higher than their face value. Each Mercury dime is made of 90 percent silver. As of 2022, the silver melt value was about $1.76, though silver prices change over time.

How much silver is in a Mercury dime?

A Mercury dime contains 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper.

What are Mercury dimes worth?

Mercury dime values range from their silver melt value to thousands of dollars, depending on date, mint mark, grade, strike quality, and collector demand. While only a small number of Mercury dimes reach six-figure prices, the series remains one of the most enjoyable and accessible areas of U.S. coin collecting.