The Mercury dime, also called the Winged Liberty Head dime, was minted from 1916 to 1945. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, this coin is one of the most popular among collectors due to its detailed design and historical importance.
While many Mercury dimes are still in circulation, some rare ones are worth thousands of dollars!
Whether due to low mintage, minting errors, or collector demand, these dimes have become highly valuable. Let’s take a look at the 10 most valuable Mercury dimes you should watch for.
1. 1916-D Mercury Dime – The Rarest of the Series
The 1916-D Mercury dime is the rarest and most valuable of all Mercury dimes. Only 264,000 were made, making it extremely hard to find.
If you have one in good condition, it could be worth $15,000 or more!
2. 1921 Mercury Dime – A Low-Mintage Treasure
The 1921 Mercury dime had a low mintage of just over 1 million coins. Because so few were made, finding one in good condition is tough. Collectors will pay $2,500+ for a high-quality example.
3. 1921-D Mercury Dime – The Denver Mint Rarity
Similar to the 1921 Philadelphia dime, the 1921-D Mercury dime was minted in small numbers—just 1.2 million. That makes it a highly sought-after coin. In top condition, it can fetch over $3,000.
4. 1942/1 Overdate Mercury Dime – A Famous Error Coin
One of the most well-known errors in the Mercury dime series, this coin was made when the 1941 die was mistakenly reused and repunched with the 1942 date.
Because of this overlapping date, collectors love this variety, and high-grade examples sell for $10,000+.
5. 1942/1-D Overdate Mercury Dime – Even Rarer Than the 1942/1
Like the 1942/1 Philadelphia coin, the 1942/1-D (Denver Mint) version features the same overdate mistake, but it’s even rarer. Well-preserved examples of this error have been sold for $12,000+.
6. 1931-D Mercury Dime – A Great Depression Rarity
The Great Depression caused a drop in coin production, which is why only 1.2 million of the 1931-D Mercury dimes were minted.
Because of its scarcity, collectors will pay over $1,500 for one in excellent condition.
7. 1926-S Mercury Dime – A Tough Find in High Grade
Only 1.5 million of these dimes were produced, making them one of the lowest-mintage coins in the series.
Finding a 1926-S Mercury dime in high-grade condition is rare, and collectors are willing to pay $4,500+ for a well-preserved one.
8. 1919-D Mercury Dime – A Worn-Out Classic
The 1919-D Mercury dime had a relatively low mintage, and because it circulated for many years, finding one in high quality is difficult.
A well-preserved coin from this year can sell for over $2,000.
9. 1931-S Mercury Dime – One of the Lowest Mintage Coins
With a mintage of only 866,000 coins, the 1931-S Mercury dime is one of the scarcest in the series. Even in average condition, this dime can be worth over $1,200, making it a great find for collectors.
10. 1925-S Mercury Dime – A Hidden Treasure
With only 1.8 million produced, the 1925-S Mercury dime is a low-mintage rarity. If you find one in great condition, it could be worth $2,500 or more!
Table: 10 Most Valuable Mercury Dimes in Circulation
| Coin | Mint | Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | Denver (D) | $15,000+ | Lowest mintage Mercury dime (264,000) |
| 1921 Mercury Dime | Philadelphia (P) | $2,500+ | Low mintage (1 million) |
| 1921-D Mercury Dime | Denver (D) | $3,000+ | Low mintage (1.2 million) |
| 1942/1 Overdate Mercury Dime | Philadelphia (P) | $10,000+ | Overdate error (1941 over 1942) |
| 1942/1-D Overdate Mercury Dime | Denver (D) | $12,000+ | Rare Denver overdate error |
| 1931-D Mercury Dime | Denver (D) | $1,500+ | Low mintage (1.2 million) |
| 1926-S Mercury Dime | San Francisco (S) | $4,500+ | Low mintage (1.5 million) |
| 1919-D Mercury Dime | Denver (D) | $2,000+ | Hard to find in high grade |
| 1931-S Mercury Dime | San Francisco (S) | $1,200+ | Scarce with only 866,000 minted |
| 1925-S Mercury Dime | San Francisco (S) | $2,500+ | Low mintage (1.8 million |
Mercury dimes are some of the most popular and valuable U.S. coins among collectors. While most dimes are worth only their face value, certain rare editions can be worth thousands of dollars.
Whether it’s due to low mintage, historical significance, or minting errors, these 10 Mercury dimes are worth keeping an eye out for. If you’re lucky enough to find one in circulation, old coin collections, or estate sales, you might just hit the jackpot!
