Mercury Dime
1916 - 1945
Coin Specifications
| Years Minted | 1916 - 1945 |
|---|---|
| Silver Percentage | 90% |
| Silver Content, as struck | 0.0723 troy oz |
| Silver Content, worn (trading convention) | 0.0715 troy oz 0.715 troy oz per $1 of face value, the figure dealers quote from |
| Face Value | $0.10 |
| Denomination | dime |
Mercury Dime value by year
Every year the Mercury Dime was struck in silver, with mintage by mint and a melt value that follows the live silver spot price. The series ran from 1916 to 1945 across 27 years of coinage, with none struck in 1922, 1932, 1933.
- 1916 32,894,080 struck - key date
- 1917 91,962,000 struck
- 1918 68,654,800 struck
- 1919 54,529,000 struck
- 1920 92,021,000 struck
- 1921 2,310,000 struck - key date
- 1923 56,570,000 struck
- 1924 37,940,000 struck
- 1925 36,577,000 struck
- 1926 40,508,000 struck - key date
- 1927 37,662,000 struck
- 1928 31,041,000 struck
- 1929 35,734,000 struck
- 1930 8,613,000 struck
- 1931 6,210,000 struck
- 1934 30,852,000 struck
- 1935 85,147,000 struck
- 1936 112,842,000 struck
- 1937 80,746,000 struck
- 1938 35,817,000 struck
- 1939 102,674,000 struck
- 1940 108,108,000 struck
- 1941 263,814,000 struck
- 1942 315,450,000 struck
- 1943 324,059,000 struck
- 1944 343,124,000 struck
- 1945 241,295,000 struck
Historical Context
The Mercury Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, was minted from 1916 to 1945. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, it features Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. The coin’s popular nickname “Mercury Dime” comes from Liberty’s resemblance to the Roman god Mercury.
Composition and Silver Content
Each Mercury Dime contains 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 2.5 grams total. The silver content per coin is 0.0723 troy ounces as struck, making these coins highly sought after by both collectors and silver investors. Worn examples trade at the junk silver convention of 0.715 troy ounces per $1 of face value, which works out to 0.0715 troy ounces per dime.
Collectibility
Mercury Dimes are among the most beloved U.S. coin designs. Key dates include the 1916-D (low mintage) and 1942/1 overdate varieties. Common dates in circulated condition are readily available and popular for junk silver stacking.