1916-D Mercury Dime The Liberty Head Dime of A.A. Weinman, more commonly called the Mercury Dime, made its debut in 1916. The Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints cranked up their coining presses to strike millions and millions of the new dime, whereas the branch in Denver was concentrating on the Barber Quarter for most of the year. 1916-D AR Mercury Dime. By Adolph Weinman Denver. KM 140; Breen 3599.

Background and History

The 1916-D Mercury Dime (Buy on eBay) represents one of the most well-known key date coins of the 20th century. During a time when the hobby of coin collecting was increasing in popularity, many beginning collectors sought to acquire the coin from circulation to complete their sets. With a mintage of just 264,000 pieces, the likelihood of encountering the issue in loose change was remote but not impossible. Whether or not the search was successful, the thrill of the hunt and the appreciation for low mintage issues would provide a shared foundational experience for a generation of collectors.

The design for the Mercury Dime was created during the so-called Renaissance era of United States coinage. During his Presidency, Theodore Roosevelt began the process of redesigning the various denominations with the goal of elevating America’s circulating coinage to objects of beauty and expressions of national identity. The gold denominations would be redesigned in 1907 and 1908, followed by the cent in 1909, but the silver dime, quarter, and half dollar would have to wait until 1916. These denominations all carried similar designs created by Charles E. Barber which had been introduced in 1892. Under statute, the designs were required to be used for a minimum of 25 years before they could be changed. Once the mandatory period had passed, a competition was held to find suitable designs for each of the three denominations. Designs created by Adolph A. Weinman would be selected for both the dime and half dollar, with a design by Hermon A. MacNeil selected for the quarter.

Weinman’s design for the dime featured the head of Liberty facing to the left and wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wings to symbolize freedom of thought. The inscription LIBERTY appeared widely spaced above, with IN GOD WE TRUST to the left and the date at the truncation of the neck. The reverse design featured Roman fasces, or an axe tied to a bundle of rods, with an olive branch intertwined. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DIME appeared surrounding, with E PLURIBUM UNUM to the right of the fasces. Once released, the public immediately associated with obverse design with the Roman god Mercury and referred to the new coins as “Mercury Dimes.”

Coin Mintage

The mintage of the 1916-D Mercury Dime is by far the lowest of the series and in fact the lowest mintage for a circulating dime of the entire 20th century. Whereas the Philadelphia Mint would strike more than 22 million dimes featuring the new design, the Denver Mint struck just 264,000 examples which were delivered in November 1916. It is believed that a decision was made at this time to focus production on the quarter for the duration of the year and forgo other denominations. This is supported by delivery reports which show a sudden increase in quarters for both November and December 1916.

1916 D Mercury Dime Mintage

As coin collecting gained in popularity within the United States, the demand for the 1916-D Mercury Dime increased resulting in steadily rising prices. Unfortunately, this situation led to a relatively large number of counterfeits. This includes added mint marks (adding the “D” mint mark to a genuine 1916 Mercury Dime struck at the Philadelphia Mint) as well as struck counterfeits. Examining the style of the mintmark is an important method for determining if a given coin is genuine. It must be noted that various mintmark styles exist, making professional authentication strongly advisable for coins in all grades.

Finest Known and Values

The majority of examples of the 1916-D Mercury Dime immediately went into circulation after being struck, resulting in a relatively small proportion of uncirculated survivors. Coins graded MS-65 and higher are particularly difficult to find. Circulated examples are more available, but remain expensive, due to the high demand for this rare issue.

The value of heavily circulated examples of this key date in very low grades can be as much as $500 each. For lightly circulated pieces, the price shows a strong increase. As an example, a nicely circulated VF specimen, certified by PCGS, can easily bring $3,000 to $4,000 at public auction.

The finest known specimens with the “Full Bands” designation (determined by the sharpness of the bands in the fasces on the reverse) are ten pieces graded MS-67 FB by PCGS and four graded MS-67 FB by NGC. It appears that these numbers are influenced by at least a few resubmissions, with fewer coins than the indicated populations actually available. One of the coins graded PCGS MS-67 FB displaying attractive original toning and carrying a CAC verification sticker sold for $204,000 in 2020. Another example graded PCGS MS-67 FB with considerably less eye-appeal sold for $96,000 in 2018, showing the large price disparity that often exists for coins in the same numerical grade.

While the majority of uncirculated 1916-D Mercury Dimes have been certified with the FB designation, there are also some high-grade examples without the designation. These coins usually trade for much smaller premiums compared to examples certified with Full Bands, although offerings are scarce. PCGS has graded a single MS-66 as the finest example with just a handful graded MS-65. NGC has graded two examples in MS-66 as the finest without the FB designation.

Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 2/8/2021: Gold $1813 | Silver $26.90

Minimum 1916 dime value is $2.37 for a coin in 'good' condition, closely following its silver value. Of added interest to collectors, 1916 is the ending of the old Barber dime series and the introduction of Mercury dimes.

Each series has its differences in values. And depending on the mint that struck your dime the possibility of a very big change in value.

The Denver mint struck the least amount of dimes in 1916 and minted only the Mercury series, creating a rare dime in great demand by collectors. Today's value of a well worn example is over $700.

The main mint in Philadelphia and the third mint in San Francisco also produced dimes, all combined, Barber and Mercury 1916 dime value has five date and mintmark combinations.

Three mints produced dimes for this year. Starting with the rare Denver mint coin, it is identified by a 'D' mintmark found on the reverse. The San Francisco mint used an 'S' mintmark also located on the reverse, and Philadelphia, the main mint, did not place a mintmark on coins.

Also moving values up or down is the eye appeal of your coin, is it sharply detailed or very worn? Below are images showing coins representing various stages of wear, helping judge how much your 1916 dime is worth.

Originality Charts High 1916 Dime Value

Rare coin collectors describe the surfaces of this dime as frosty white. Combine mark free surfaces with the original bright luster from the day it was minted and this 1916-D Mercury is a true rare dime.

It took a hammer price of $26,450 competing against multiple bidders at a David Lawrence Rare Coin Auction to secure a rare addition to an advanced dime collection.

Mercury Dimes For Sale

Handled carefully, and protected from the elements allowed this coin to survive to the present in a rarely found pristine condition. Dealers and collectors welcome such a find.

Quality and originality does enhance your 1916 dime value, from the ultra gems to the worn examples in the lower grade.

1916 D Mercury Dime For Sale

Higher Condition Leads to Higher 1916 Dime Value

The chart shows the value of a 1916 dime in 'extremely fine' condition is far higher than a coin in 'good' condition. Collectors and dealers are always searching for the best quality, best preserved coins. They judge the condition of each and assign a 'grade.' Comparing your coins to the images finds the accurate condition value on the chart.

Uncirculated: No wear is visible on the surfaces. Mint luster, the radiating shine, is unbroken. These dimes appear as brand new although toning is often present. Rotate your coin under a light, examine the cheek area for breaks in this luster. A Barber or Mercury dime in uncirculated condition is always in demand.

Extremely Fine: Even wear, but very light, is typical of this condition. All of the design details are very distinct. Upon close examination, flatness of once rounded details is evident. Dimes in extremely fine condition stand out as crisp and sharp in appearance.

Fine: Wear is noticeable covering the entire surface, diminishing the minor parts of the design. A blending of hair details on the obverse and a flattening of the design in the leaf details on the reverse. At this stage of wear your old coin still retains a pleasing look.

1916 D Mercury Dime Fake

Good: After many years of use the portraits of each series are reduced to just an outline with little detail remaining. The rim of the Barber dime is distinct, however the rim of the Mercury dime is beginning to merge with the lettering. Worn almost smooth these dimes are at the low end of the 1916 dime value.

Coin Values | CoinStudy Articles

Date by Date
In Depth Mercury Dime Values
1916 to 1945

Values listed for the entire Mercury dime series including more on the 1916 dime value. Rare and valuable dates are scattered through out the series. Additionally, the condition of your old dimes play a key role in value.

One of the most popular and widely collected coins today. Spanning over two hundred years of US dime production and literally hundreds of date and mintmark combinations. Examine closely these small potential treasures.

★Coin Values Discovery... finds 1916 dime value and...

all old US coin values. It is an excellent index with images and text links to coin series, from Cents to Gold. Value charts, plus grading images with descriptions uncover how much your box of old coins is worth.

1916 D Mercury Dime Uncirculated

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1916 D Mercury Dime Pcgs

Awaiting discovery are potentially high value rarities in the US dime series as well as some other possible finds in your box of old coins. Visit... Finding Rare Dimes...