When it comes to rare coin collecting, few series captivate numismatists like the Mercury dime. Struck between 1916 and 1945, this silver ten-cent piece officially called the Winged Liberty Head dime has earned legendary status for its elegant design and collectibility. While many Mercury dimes remain affordable, a select few examples have fetched over $100,000 at auction due to rarity, exceptional strike quality, and collector demand.
Below are five Mercury dimes that have topped six-figure values, all verified through major auction records and expert appraisals.
1. 1919-D Mercury Dime (Full Bands) – $218,500
Minted in Denver, the 1919-D Mercury dime is already scarce in high grades, but finding one with Full Bands (FB)—a grading term denoting clear separation of the horizontal lines on the fasces on the coin’s reverse—is exceptionally rare.
In 2000, a pristine Full Bands specimen of the 1919-D shattered expectations when it sold for $218,500 at public auction. That sale remains one of the highest prices paid for any coin in the series.
More on Mint Marks – U.S. Mint
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime (Full Bands) – $195,500
The 1916-D Mercury dime is the key date of the entire series, with just 264,000 coins struck by far the lowest mintage. It’s also the first year of issue, making it a favorite among collectors.
A Full Bands example of this dime realized $195,500 at auction in 2010, thanks to its rarity and high demand.
3. 1918-S Mercury Dime (Full Bands) – $144,000
While nearly 19 million 1918-S dimes were minted in San Francisco, most were poorly struck, especially on the reverse. That makes any Full Bands example exceedingly difficult to find, let alone in top grade.
In 2019, one such Full Bands specimen sold for $144,000, reflecting both rarity and the growing premium collectors place on strong strike quality.
4. 1919-S Mercury Dime (Full Bands) – $132,000
Despite a high mintage of nearly 9 million, Full Bands examples of the 1919-S dime are extremely scarce. Like many San Francisco Mint coins of the era, striking quality was inconsistent, making high-grade Full Bands dimes nearly impossible to locate.
In 2024, a Full Bands MS67 example of the 1919-S sold for a jaw-dropping $132,000 at auction.
5. 1942/1 Overdate Mercury Dime (Full Bands) – $120,000
One of the most famous error coins in U.S. history, the 1942/1 overdate Mercury dime shows the digit “1” from 1941 clearly visible beneath the “2” in 1942. This occurred when a previously dated die was repunched incorrectly at the Philadelphia Mint.
Add Full Bands to that and you have a blockbuster rarity. In 2018, a top-condition FB example sold for $120,000.
What Makes Mercury Dimes Valuable?
Three key factors determine value in Mercury dimes:
- Date and Mintmark: Some years and mints produced fewer dimes than others.
- Strike Quality: The Full Bands designation increases value significantly.
- Condition (Grade): Coins graded Mint State (MS) 65 or higher are worth far more than lower-grade counterparts.
Professional grading services like Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) are widely trusted to authenticate and grade these coins.
Should You Check Your Change?
While the odds are low, it’s not impossible to find valuable dimes in circulation or old collections. Even common-date Mercury dimes hold melt value due to their 90% silver composition. For up-to-date silver values, check U.S. Mint Bullion Prices.
If you think you have a rare dime:
- Avoid cleaning it – this reduces value.
- Use a magnifier to look for Full Bands.
- Consider professional appraisal or grading.
Conclusion
Mercury dimes are more than old coins they’re miniature works of art and history. While most are modest in value, a few elite examples have crossed the six-figure threshold thanks to their rarity, condition, and desirability among collectors.
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a curious beginner, it’s worth taking a closer look at your coin collection—there may be a six-figure treasure hiding in plain sight.
