14 Most Valuable Mercury Dimes, From Least to Most Expensive

See how much a Mercury dime could go for at auction with this list of the rarest, most collectible and most expensive Mercury dimes.

Mercury dimes are one of the most popular collectibles, in part because they’re everywhere. Sort through enough coins, and you’re likely to find a Mercury dime. Identified by the little wings at the side of Mercury’s head, these dimes were produced primarily from 1916 to 1945.

Most Mercury dimes are worth about $4. While the 1916-D variant of the Mercury dime tends to be the most valuable, there are still others that could be worth up to an incredible $364,250. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable Mercury dimes.

14. 1926-S Mercury Dime

USA Coin Book

Minted: 1,520,000

Mint: San Francisco

Estimated value: $6,000

1926-S Mercury Dime, Explained

USA Coin Book

Bottom line: These are fairly rare coins, only being produced as a batch of 1,525,000.

In general, Mercury dimes that are minted in San Francisco tend to be rarer than others.

13. 1924-S Mercury Dime

USA Coin Book

Minted: 7,120,000

Mint: San Francisco

Estimated value: $8,000

1924-S Mercury Dime, Explained

USA Coin Book

Bottom line: At auction, it’s estimated that this 1924-S San Francisco-minted Mercury dime could go for as much as $8,000.

12. 1923-S Mercury Dime

USA Coin Book

Minted: 6,440,000

Mint: San Francisco

Estimated value: $12,000

1923-S Mercury Dime, Explained

USA Coin Book

Bottom line: Another San Francisco mint, there were about 7 million of these 1924-S Mercury Dimes produced.

Its older age is likely what earns it such a high value.

11. 1919-S Mercury Dime

USA Coin Book

Minted: 8,800,000

Mint: San Francisco

Estimated value: $15,000

1919-S Mercury Dime, Explained

USA Coin Book

Bottom line: Minted in San Francisco, there were about 8.8 million of these coins struck.

This coin is a great find because even the “good” condition dimes are worth about $4.

10. 1918-D Mercury Dime

USA Coin Book

Minted: 22,674,800

Mint: Denver

Estimated value: $22,000

1918-D Mercury Dime, Explained

USA Coin Book

Bottom line: You’ll see that on the 1918-D Mercury Dime, there’s a small mint mark D after the “ONE” in “ONE DIME.” Otherwise, the 1918-D Mercury Dime is almost identical to the 1916-D Mercury Dime.

Notably, this mintage had over 22,000,000 dimes produced — so again, the value of the coin lies in having a very fine quality strike.

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

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Minted: 264,000

Mint: Denver

Sold: 2013

Value: $88,125

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

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Bottom line: This intriguing 1916-D Mercury Dime doesn’t just have a full band but also a charming patina.

Many coins develop this type of patina over time; it’s better not to clean it but rather sell it as is.

8. 1935-S Mercury Dime With Full Band

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Minted: 15,840,000

Mint: San Francisco

Sold: 2019

Value: $90,000

1935-S Mercury Dime With Full Band, Explained

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Bottom line: This coin was auctioned off both in excellent quality and also with a full band, which naturally increased its price.

It had been auctioned off previously for $19,550 in 2011.

7. 1945 Mercury Dime With Full Band

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Minted: 41,920,000

Mint: San Francisco

Sold: 2018

Value: $96,000

1945 Mercury Dime With Full Band, Explained

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Bottom line: As with others, this 1945 Mercury Dime is considered rare because of its full band.

This was the last year that Mercury dimes were struck, and although 1945 dimes are fairly common, the full bands are not.

6. 1942 Mercury Dime With Overdate

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Minted: N/A

Mint: Denver

Sold: 2018

Value: $120,000

1942 Mercury Dime With Overdate, Explained

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Bottom line: In general, 1942 Mercury Dimes don’t produce very high numbers, but this is a remarkable specimen because of its overdate.

As you can see, the original 1941 engraving was simply written over by 1942.

5. 1918-S Mercury Dime With Full Band

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Minted: 19,300,000

Mint: San Francisco

Sold: 2019

Value: $144,000

1918-S Mercury Dime With Full Band, Explained

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Bottom line: While there were 19,300,000 of these Mercury dimes produced in San Francisco, this Mercury dime has the “full band.”

It is very rare for this date to have full center bands, which makes this coin in particular exceptional.

4. Rare 1916 Mercury Dime Sample

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Minted: N/A

Mint: N/A

Sold: 2020

Value: $192,000

Rare 1916 Mercury Dime Sample, Explained

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Bottom line: This unique 1916 Mercury Dime has idiosyncrasies and differences from the regular-issue dime, making it one-of-a-kind and unique.

It was likely a sample rather than being part of the larger print of 1916 dimes — and it has no mint mark.

3. 1916-D Mercury Dime With Full Band

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Minted: 264,000

Mint: Denver

Sold: 2010

Value: $195,500

1916-D Mercury Dime With Full Band, Explained

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Bottom line: While a regular 1916-D Mercury Dime is only estimated to be valued at around $949, one in mint condition could be worth up to $41,000.

There were only around 264,000 of these coins minted, making a “mint condition” 1916-D Mercury Dime quite rare. With a full band, a 1916-D Mercury Dime has sold for nearly $200,000.

2. 1919-D Mercury Dime With Full Band

PCGS

Minted: 9,939,000

Mint: Denver

Sold: 2000

Value: $218,500

1919-D Mercury Dime with Full Band, Explained

PCGS

Bottom line: These very early year dimes are considered to be rare only if they are in mint condition. In part, this is simply because they are so old; the 1919 Mercury dimes were some of the first minted.

While nearly 10 million of them were produced, they are largely in poor quality today. It’s estimated that most mint value 1919-D Mercury Dimes would go for around $25,000, but one sold for $218,500 due to its exceptional quality and “full band.”

1. 1938-S Mercury Dime

Coin World

Minted: 8,090,000

Mint: San Francisco

Sold: 2019

Value: $364,250

1938-S Mercury Dime, Explained

Coin World

Bottom line: There were many 1938-S Mercury Dimes struck, but this dime had a unique presentation. Not only was it of the highest grade, but it displayed a beautiful spectrum of iridescent colors.

You’d notice if you happened upon one of these expensive coins; the brilliant orange, green and blue coloration would be a dead giveaway in your coin drawer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mercury Dimes

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What Is the Most Valuable Mercury Dime?

The most valuable Mercury Dime was a 1938-S Mercury Dime. But in general, the most popular dime for collectors is the 1916-D Mercury Dime. If you find a 1916-D Mercury Dime, yo should try to get a closer look.

What Years of Mercury Dime Are Rare?

The 1916, 1921, 1926, 1931 and 1942 Mercury dimes require a second glance; these are strike dates that could indicate a rare dime. Conversely, Mercury dimes in 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944 and 1945 are not likely to be worth more than their melt value.

What Is the Melt Value of a Mercury Dime?

The Mercury dime is frequently collected because its melt value exceeds its face value. A Mercury dime is made out of 90 percent silver. As of 2022, that was worth about $1.76. While defacing currency is illegal, it is legal to melt down silver or gold coins for their value.

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 dimes vary from their melt value to a few thousand dollars, depending on their condition and their strike. While the most valuable Mercury dime was sold for over $300,000, this is rare; they are mostly a fun collectible.