The Mercury Dime is one of the most loved coins in American history. Collectors go crazy over rare versions, and one just sold for an unbelievable $207,000 at auction—starting from a humble $25 estimate! This tiny silver coin proves that small change can become big treasure. In this guide, we break down the top Mercury Dime sales, explain why they’re worth so much, and show you a simple price table to spot valuable dimes in your pocket change.
What Is a Mercury Dime? (Simple Explanation)
The Mercury Dime was minted from 1916 to 1945. Many people think it shows the Roman god Mercury, but it’s actually Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap. The wings stand for “freedom of thought.”
- Metal: 90% silver
- Size: Smaller than today’s dime
- Designer: Adolph A. Weinman (same artist behind the Walking Liberty half dollar)
Even common dates in worn condition are worth 3–5 times face value because of the silver. But rare errors and perfect condition examples? Those are the ones breaking auction records.
Top 5 Mercury Dime Auction Highlights (2020–2025)
Here are the biggest Mercury Dime sales in recent years. Notice how mint marks, errors, and grading turn a 10-cent coin into a six-figure fortune.
| Rank | Year & Mint | Key Feature | Grade | Auction Price | Date Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1916-D | Only 264,000 minted | MS67+ FB | $207,000 | Jan 2025 |
| 2 | 1921-D | Low mintage (1.08M) | MS66 FB | $192,000 | Aug 2023 |
| 3 | 1916-D | Full Bands error | MS68 FB | $180,000 | Mar 2022 |
| 4 | 1942/1 | Overdate error (Philly) | MS65 | $156,000 | Nov 2024 |
| 5 | 1931-S | Tiny mintage (just 866K) | MS67+ FB | $98,500 | Jun 2021 |
FB = Full Bands: The three lines across the fasces (bundle of rods on the reverse) must be fully split. Only the sharpest strikes get this tag—and prices skyrocket.
H3: Why the 1916-D Mercury Dime Is the “King”
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is the ultimate prize. Denver struck just 264,000 that year—far fewer than Philadelphia’s 22 million. Most entered circulation and got scratched up. Finding one in MS67+ (almost perfect) is like winning the lottery.
- Starting bid: $25
- Hammer price: $207,000
- Buyer premium: Final cost ~$250,000 with fees
The coin had full split bands, rainbow toning, and zero marks under 10× magnification. Heritage Auctions called it “the finest known example.”
How to Spot a Valuable Mercury Dime in 3 Steps
You don’t need a million-dollar budget to hunt Mercury Dimes. Follow this checklist:
- Check the Date & Mint Mark
- Look under Liberty’s neck for D (Denver) or S (San Francisco).
- Key dates: 1916-D, 1921, 1921-D, 1926-S, 1942/1, 1942/1-D.
- Look for Errors
- 1942/1 or 1942/1-D overdate: The “1” shows under the “2.”
- Double die obverse (DDO): Letters look doubled under a loupe.
- Examine Condition
- Full Bands (FB) on the reverse = 3×–5× premium.
- Toning: Natural rainbow colors add beauty (but avoid dark spots).
Pro tip: Use a 10× magnifying loupe and good lighting. Even a $50 coin can grade MS65 and sell for $500+.
Mercury Dime Value Chart (Average Retail Prices – 2025)
| Year | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | XF-45 | AU-58 | MS63 | MS65 FB | Record Sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1916-D | $900 | $1,800 | $4,500 | $12,000 | $45,000 | $120,000 | $207,000 |
| 1921-D | $250 | $550 | $1,200 | $3,500 | $15,000 | $65,000 | $192,000 |
| 1942/1 | $400 | $600 | $900 | $1,500 | $8,000 | $35,000 | $156,000 |
| 1931-S | $25 | $45 | $90 | $200 | $800 | $3,500 | $98,500 |
| 1945 (common) | $3 | $4 | $6 | $10 | $25 | $60 | $1,200 |
Prices from PCGS CoinFacts & eBay completed sales (Oct 2025). Values rise 10–15% yearly for top grades.
Where to Buy or Sell Mercury Dimes
- Reputable Dealers
- David Lawrence Rare Coins
- GreatCollections
- Stack’s Bowers
- Auction Houses
- Heritage Auctions (holds the $207K record)
- Legend Rare Coin Auctions
- Online Marketplaces
- eBay (use “sold listings” filter)
- PCGS or NGC certified slabs only
Red flag: Avoid raw (ungraded) “1916-D” dimes sold for $20. Counterfeits flood the market.
Mercury Dime Collecting Tips for Beginners
- Start with “Short Sets”: Collect 1941–1945 (all Philly, Denver, San Francisco). Costs under $300 in MS64.
- Store Properly: Use airtight holders. Humidity ruins silver.
- Get Certified: PCGS or NGC slabs guarantee authenticity and grade.
- Join a Club: American Numismatic Association (ANA) offers free appraisals.
Final Thoughts: Your Pocket Change Could Be Worth a Fortune
The Mercury Dime proves that beauty + rarity = big money. A coin that cost 10 cents in 1916 now funds college tuition—or a down payment on a car. The recent $207,000 sale of the 1916-D in MS67+ FB reminds us: check your change, attic jars, and inherited collections. You might hold the next record-breaker.