3 Mercury Dimes: If you’ve got an old coin jar tucked away in a drawer or inherited a collection from a relative, you could be unknowingly holding a small fortune. Specifically, some Mercury dimes—those small silver coins minted nearly a century ago—have skyrocketed in value over the years. In fact, three extremely rare Mercury dimes have each sold for over $200,000 at auction. Yes, that’s not a typo. Let’s explore the rich history behind these coins, what makes them worth so much, and how to find out if you own one of these hidden gems.
Whether you’re a casual collector or someone just discovering the hobby, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from identification tips to auction records and expert advice. These coins might be small in size, but their stories—and values—are anything but.
3 Mercury Dimes
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Rare Mercury Dimes Worth Over $200,000 | 1916-D, 1919-D, and 1918-D (Full Bands) |
| Minted Years | 1916 to 1945 |
| Highest Auction Price | $207,000 for 1916-D MS67 FB |
| Key Feature to Look For | “Full Bands” on the fasces on the reverse |
| Mint Marks to Watch | D (Denver) and S (San Francisco) |
| Where to Verify Value | PCGS.com, NGCcoin.com, CoinValueChecker.com |
Mercury dimes are a fascinating piece of American history—and for some, an incredibly valuable one. If you own a coin collection, or even just a few old coins from relatives, it’s worth checking them carefully. The 1916-D, 1918-D, and 1919-D Mercury dimes with Full Bands are among the most coveted coins ever made.
Even if you don’t find one of the big three, learning the basics of coin evaluation and joining the collecting community can be both fun and potentially profitable. So dust off those coin albums, grab a magnifier, and take a closer look. Who knows? You might just be holding a six-figure treasure in the palm of your hand.
What Is a Mercury Dime?
Mercury dimes were minted by the U.S. Mint between 1916 and 1945. Despite the name, they don’t actually feature the Roman god Mercury. Instead, the image on the front of the coin shows Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap, representing freedom of thought. People mistook this image for Mercury, the messenger god, which is how the nickname stuck.
Designed by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, these dimes are officially known as Winged Liberty Head dimes. Each coin was composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, giving them not just numismatic value but also intrinsic metal worth. Even in circulated condition, these coins can be worth a few dollars based on silver content alone. But if you’ve got one of the rare varieties in top condition? You’re looking at potentially thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars.
Why Are Some Mercury Dimes Worth Over $200,000?
It’s important to note: not all Mercury dimes are worth big money. The majority are common and trade for modest prices. However, a few specific dates and mint mark combinations—particularly in exceptional condition with “Full Bands”—can be worth a fortune.
What Are “Full Bands” and Why Do They Matter?
Flip over a Mercury dime, and you’ll see a fasces—a bundle of sticks with an axe—symbolizing unity and strength. This image includes horizontal bands that wrap around the sticks. When these bands are sharply struck and clearly separated, the coin is classified as having Full Bands (often abbreviated as FB).
Coins with Full Bands are especially prized by collectors. Why? Because they prove the coin was struck with great force and detail, and because they’re hard to find in that condition—especially in older, heavily circulated coins. So, Full Bands = higher grade = much higher value.
The 3 Mercury Dimes Worth $200,000+
Here’s a detailed look at the Mercury dimes that have stunned the coin world with their auction prices.
1. 1916-D Mercury Dime (Full Bands)
- Mintage: Only 264,000 coins
- Grading Example: MS67 Full Bands (PCGS)
- Highest Auction Price: $207,000 (2010)
- Why It’s Valuable: The Denver Mint made very few of these, making it the rarest Mercury dime by mintage. Combine that with a pristine Full Bands condition and you’ve got a collector’s dream.
Even worn examples of this coin can sell for hundreds. But when you add Full Bands and near-perfect grading, the price can jump into six figures.
2. 1919-D Mercury Dime (Full Bands)
- Mintage: 9.9 million
- Grading Example: MS66 FB
- Highest Auction Price: $156,000 (2019)
- Why It’s Valuable: Although the mintage was high, very few examples survive in such sharp condition with Full Bands. Weak strikes were common this year, especially at the Denver Mint.
If you find one of these in your collection, even in moderate condition, it could be worth a closer look.
3. 1918-D Mercury Dime (Full Bands)
- Mintage: 22 million
- Grading Example: MS67 FB
- Highest Auction Price: $182,125 (2015)
- Why It’s Valuable: Despite a high mintage, Full Bands examples are extremely rare. The Denver Mint struggled with consistent strike quality in the late 1910s.
Most examples from this year have smudged or worn-down bands, making a clear FB version a standout find.
How to Check If Your Mercury Dime Is Valuable
It’s not just about the date. To determine whether you have a valuable Mercury dime, here’s what to do:
Step 1: Check the Year and Mint Mark
- Turn the coin over to find the mint mark just to the left of the bottom of the torch.
- “D” stands for Denver, “S” is San Francisco, and no mark means Philadelphia.
Step 2: Examine the Reverse for Full Bands
- Use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe.
- Look closely at the horizontal bands on the fasces. If they’re fully separated and sharply defined, your coin might qualify as Full Bands.
Step 3: Assess the Coin’s Condition
- Scratches, discoloration, and wear reduce value.
- The shinier and cleaner (without damage) your coin looks, the higher the potential grade.
Step 4: Get It Professionally Graded
- Reach out to PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company).
- A coin graded professionally gets a numeric value (out of 70) and an authentication certificate.
- Grading helps buyers trust what they’re getting, which boosts resale price.
Step 5: Research Market Value
- Visit trusted price databases like PCGS Price Guide, NGC Coin Explorer, and Heritage Auctions.
- Compare coins of similar grade and mint mark to see what they’re selling for today.
Understanding Coin Grading: What MS67 Really Means
Grading plays a massive role in determining a coin’s value. The Sheldon Scale, used by professionals, ranges from 1 to 70. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- MS60-MS70 (Mint State): No signs of wear. MS70 is a flawless coin.
- AU (Almost Uncirculated): Minor wear on the highest points.
- XF (Extremely Fine): Light overall wear but clear details.
A Mercury dime with MS65 or higher and Full Bands is likely to command a premium price.
Tips for Beginners, Inheritors, and Hobby Collectors
Whether you’ve inherited coins or just started collecting:
- Use acid-free holders to protect coins from air, dust, and moisture.
- Never polish or clean a coin—this damages the surface and lowers value.
- Label and catalog your collection for organization and insurance.
- Join coin clubs or online communities like CoinTalk or r/coins to learn and connect.
- Watch auctions on eBay or GreatCollections to understand real-world pricing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About 3 Mercury Dimes
How can I tell if I have a Full Bands Mercury dime?
Look at the horizontal bands on the reverse side’s fasces. If they are cleanly separated with visible lines between the bands, that’s a good sign. Still, professional verification is key.
Are all Mercury dimes valuable?
No. Most are only worth their melt value, around $2-$3. However, specific years and mint marks—especially in uncirculated condition with Full Bands—can be worth thousands.
Where is the best place to sell rare coins?
Try reputable dealers or coin auction houses. Sites like Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, or eBay are good choices—especially if the coin is graded.
What does the term “MS67 FB” mean?
“MS” = Mint State (never circulated), “67” = grade on the 1–70 scale, “FB” = Full Bands. This is a top-tier coin.
Should I insure my rare coins?
Yes, especially if they’ve been graded and valued highly. Add them to your homeowner’s policy or get a separate collectibles insurance policy.
