The 1919 Mercury Dime—also known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime—is more than just spare change. This small, silver coin holds serious value for collectors, with rare examples fetching up to $150,000 at auction. But what makes this particular dime so valuable?
From its stunning design and precious metal content to its scarcity in top condition, this dime tells a fascinating story. Let’s dive into what makes the 1919 Mercury Dime so special, how much it’s worth, and how to spot one that could be worth a fortune.
Why Collectors Love the Mercury Dime
First introduced in 1916, the Mercury Dime replaced the Barber Dime with a bold new look. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the coin features Lady Liberty in a winged cap—a symbol of freedom of thought, often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury.
Collectors prize this dime for:
- 90% silver content
- Iconic, artistic design
- Historical significance
- High-value potential based on mint mark, condition, and strike quality
1919 Mercury Dime Value Breakdown
The value of a 1919 Mercury Dime can range from just a few dollars in circulated condition to six figures for top-grade coins—especially those with the Full Bands (FB) designation, which refers to sharply defined horizontal lines on the fasces on the reverse.
1919 Mercury Dime Values by Mint Mark & Grade
| Mint Mark | XF (Extremely Fine) | AU58 | MS63 | MS66 | MS67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Mint (Philadelphia) | $20 | $60 | $200 (FB: $275) | $1,050 (FB: $1,850) | $2,350 (FB: $11,500) |
| D (Denver) | $75 | $335 | $800 (FB: $3,250) | $4,750 (FB: $135,000) | – |
| S (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
Coin grading plays a crucial role in determining value. Here’s what to check:
Top-grade features include:
- No signs of wear
- Lustrous finish
- Sharp facial details on Lady Liberty
- Fully defined bands and olive leaves on the reverse
Quick Grading Guide
| Grade | Condition |
|---|---|
| Basal/Fair | Extremely worn, barely identifiable |
| Good–Very Good | Legends visible, heavy wear |
| Fine–Very Fine | Moderate wear, visible details |
| Extremely Fine (XF) | Light wear on high points |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | Nearly mint with slight wear |
| Mint State (MS60–MS70) | Uncirculated, graded by luster and strike quality |
1919 Mercury Dime Variants and Rarity
1919 (Philadelphia, No Mint Mark)
- Mintage: 35+ million
- Common in lower grades, scarce in MS67 FB
- Values range from $20 to over $11,500
1919-D (Denver Mint)
- Mintage: ~9.9 million
- Much rarer in mint state
- MS66 FB dimes have sold for $135,000
1919-S (San Francisco Mint)
- Mintage: ~8.8 million
- The rarest and most valuable of the year
- MS67 FB coins have sold for $150,000
Rare 1919 Mercury Dime Errors
Mint errors can significantly boost a coin’s value. Here are some notable 1919 Mercury Dime errors:
- Doubled Die Obverse: Doubling in inscriptions like “In God We Trust” – sold for $2,800
- Off-Center Strike: Part of the design is misaligned – sold for $300
- Broadstrike Error: Coin expands outside the collar – sold for $100
Planning to Sell Your 1919 Mercury Dime?
Before selling, get your coin professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC to maximize value and buyer confidence. Consider selling through:
- Reputable coin dealers
- Online auction platforms like eBay or Heritage Auctions
- Collector forums and Facebook groups (use caution)
FAQs
How much is a 1919 Mercury Dime worth?
Anywhere from $2.50 to $150,000, depending on condition, mint mark, and whether it has Full Bands.
What’s the silver content?
Each coin contains 90% silver, weighing 2.5 grams—worth about $2–$3 in melt value today.
Which 1919 dimes are the rarest?
The 1919-S and 1919-D dimes with Full Bands in Mint State are the rarest and most valuable.
Are error coins worth more?
Absolutely—certain errors can boost value significantly, especially in high-grade examples.
Final Thoughts: Could That Old Dime Be a Treasure?
The 1919 Mercury Dime isn’t just a beautiful piece of coinage—it’s a miniature work of art and a potential financial windfall. If you have one tucked away in a drawer or inherited from a relative, don’t clean it—have it evaluated.
You could be holding a dime worth thousands, or even six figures.