1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury dime is one of the most sought-after coins in U.S. numismatics, known for its extremely low mintage and historical significance as the key date in the Winged Liberty Head "Mercury" dime series. Although widely considered rare, there is an ample supply of circulated specimens, but mint-condition examples are scarce, partly due to hoarding at the time of issue. The coin’s rarity has made it a prime target for counterfeiters, particularly through the addition of a “D” mintmark.
Historical context
Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the Mercury dime was first minted in 1916. The 1916-D issue, produced at the Denver Mint, had the lowest mintage of the series, with only 264,000 coins struck. This low mintage resulted from an abrupt halt in dime production as the Denver Mint shifted focus to producing quarters, leading to the coin's reputation as a rarity.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 17.9 millimeters |
| Denomination | 0.10 USD |
| Gross Weight | 2.5 grams |
| Actual Silver Weight | 0.0723 troy ounces of silver |
| Fineness/Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Diameter | 17.9 millimeters |
| Thickness | 1.35 millimeters |
| Specific Gravity | ~10.34 |
| Numismatic Price Range | $800 - $200000 |
Coin description
The coin features a portrait of Liberty wearing a winged cap on the obverse, symbolizing freedom of thought. The reverse displays a fasces—an ancient Roman symbol of authority—intertwined with an olive branch, representing peace. The Denver Mint's "D" mintmark appears on the reverse, near the fasces. Many surviving coins are well-struck, with Full Bands on the fasces, indicating clear horizontal and diagonal bands, though weaker strikes can occasionally be found.
Cultural and
numismatic significance
The 1916-D Mercury dime is a key coin in the Mercury dime series, representing the historical transition from the Liberty Head design to the Winged Liberty Head design. It has become a symbol of rarity within U.S. coin collections and holds a near-mythical status due to its low mintage. The coin’s scarcity in mint state, combined with its cultural symbolism of liberty, has kept it in high demand among collectors.
Numismatic value
Due to its key date status, the 1916-D Mercury dime commands a high numismatic value. Circulated examples can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on condition, while mint-state specimens can fetch tens of thousands. Counterfeit versions, particularly those with added mintmarks, are common, making professional authentication essential for high-value transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Coinfully, we pride ourselves on transparency. Our appraisals are based on the current market value of your dimes, including their silver content (for pre-1965 dimes) and their numismatic value. We provide a detailed breakdown of how we determine your offer so that you can be fully informed and confident in the price you receive.
Yes, we provide full insurance coverage for your shipment. Whether you’re sending Draped Bust dimes, Mercury dimes, or Roosevelt dimes, your coins are insured throughout the entire shipping process, ensuring that your valuable items are protected and safe.
We buy all types of U.S. dimes, including Draped Bust, Liberty Seated, Barber, Mercury, and Roosevelt dimes, and other collectible dimes. Whether your dimes are valuable for their silver content or their collectibility, we’re interested in making you a competitive offer.
There’s no obligation to sell your dimes after receiving an appraisal from Coinfully. We provide a free, no-pressure appraisal service to help you understand the value of your coins. You can choose to sell when you’re ready, with no pressure from us.
View our key services
Get a Coin Appraisal
Think you’re onto something big with your coin collection? Let’s talk.
401 Hawthorne Ln, Ste 110-323 - Charlotte, NC 28204
Having issues with this submission form? You can send us pictures by email as well.