The 1919 Mercury Dime, often known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, remains one of the most cherished coins among collectors and investors. With its iconic design, rich silver content, and rarity in certain grades, this small silver coin can command jaw-dropping prices—sometimes as high as $150,000.
Let’s explore why this coin is so special, how much it’s worth in various conditions, and what to watch for if you think you might have one.
Why the Mercury Dime Is So Popular
Introduced in 1916, the Mercury Dime replaced the Barber Dime and was a major aesthetic upgrade. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the coin features Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought.
Collectors love the Mercury Dime for:
- Its 90% silver content
- Artistic and historical appeal
- Collectible value based on mint mark, grade, and rarity
Value of the 1919 Mercury Dime: Full Price Breakdown
Depending on its mint mark and condition, the 1919 Mercury Dime can range in value from a few dollars to six figures—especially if it features the Full Bands (FB) designation, indicating sharply struck lines on the reverse fasces.
1919 Mercury Dime Values by Mint Mark & Condition
| Mint Mark | Extremely Fine (XF) | AU58 (About Uncirculated) | MS63 | MS66 | MS67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) | $20 | $60 | $200 (FB: $275) | $1,050 (FB: $1,850) | $2,350 (FB: $11,500) |
| D Mint (Denver) | $75 | $335 | $800 (FB: $3,250) | $4,750 (FB: $135,000) | – |
| S Mint (San Francisco) | $75 | $375 | $1,150 (FB: $5,000) | $3,500 (FB: $100,000) | $4,750 (FB: $150,000) |
How to Grade a 1919 Mercury Dime
Grading plays a huge role in determining your dime’s worth. Here’s what to look for:
Key Features of an Uncirculated 1919 Mercury Dime
- Lustrous finish with no signs of wear
- Sharp details on Lady Liberty’s hair, ear, and cheek
- Clear, complete center bands on the reverse fasces
- Well-defined olive leaves on the reverse
Simple Coin Grading Scale for Mercury Dimes
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Basal/Fair | Heavily worn, barely identifiable |
| Good–Very Good | Worn, but legends and date visible |
| Fine–Very Fine | Moderate wear, details emerging |
| Extremely Fine (XF) | Light wear on high points |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | Nearly mint, minimal wear |
| Mint State (MS60–MS70) | Uncirculated, graded by strike and luster |
Detailed Look at Each 1919 Mercury Dime Variant
1919 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
- Mintage: 35+ million
- Common in lower grades
- Value ranges from $20 to $11,500+ depending on condition and Full Bands status
1919 D Mint Mark (Denver)
- Mintage: ~9.9 million
- Rarer in mint state
- MS66 Full Bands dimes can reach up to $135,000
1919 S Mint Mark (San Francisco)
- Mintage: ~8.8 million
- Toughest to find in high grades with Full Bands
- MS67 Full Bands examples have sold for up to $150,000
1919 Mercury Dime Errors That Add Big Value
Mint errors are another reason your 1919 dime might be worth much more than expected.
Notable 1919 Dime Errors
- Doubled Die Obverse: Misaligned die causes doubling in text like “In God We Trust”. One sold for $2,800.
- Off-Center Strike: Part of the design is missing due to a shifted strike. A 10% off-center MS62 sold for $300.
- Broadstrike Error: Die strikes outside collar, expanding the coin. An AU50 version fetched $100.
Thinking of Selling Your 1919 Mercury Dime?
Before selling, get your coin professionally graded or appraised. Third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC add credibility and can boost your selling price.
You can sell through:
- Trusted coin dealers
- Online auction sites like eBay or Heritage Auctions
- Collector forums and Facebook groups (with caution)
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
How much is a 1919 Mercury Dime worth?
Anywhere from $2.50 for a worn example to $150,000 for a rare Full Bands MS67.
What’s the silver content?
Each 1919 Mercury Dime is 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 2.5 grams. The melt value alone is about $2–$3 based on current silver prices.
What are the rarest 1919 dimes?
The 1919-S and 1919-D dimes with Full Bands in MS66+ grades are the rarest and most valuable.
Are 1919 Mercury Dimes with errors worth more?
Yes! Errors like doubled dies or off-center strikes can dramatically increase the coin’s value.
Final Thoughts: Is That Old Dime in Your Drawer Worth a Fortune?
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a curious coin hoarder, the 1919 Mercury Dime is a small piece of American history that could be hiding a massive payday. Its unique artistry, silver content, and rarity make it a true standout.
If you suspect you’ve got one, don’t clean it—get it evaluated by a trusted expert. Who knows? That little dime could be your ticket to thousands of dollars.
Keywords: 1919 Mercury Dime, Mercury Dime Value, Rare Dimes, Full Bands Mercury Dime, 1919 D Mercury Dime, 1919 S Dime Value, Mint Errors, Silver Dime, Coin Grading, Rare Coins Worth Money
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