1917-D Mercury Dime Value Guide

The 1917-D Mercury Dime is a classic early-issue silver coin designed by Adolph A. Weinman, featuring Liberty in a winged Phrygian cap. Minted at the Denver facility during the second year of the series, it remains a cornerstone for collectors building a complete Winged Liberty Head set.

What affects the value of 1917-D Mercury Dime?

• The presence of the 'D' mint mark, which indicates production at the Denver Mint.
• Overall strike quality, specifically the level of detail remaining in Liberty's hair and the feathers of the cap.
• Surface preservation, where coins free of heavy scratches or 'environmental damage' command the full $10-$15 range.
• The clarity of the horizontal bands on the reverse fasces, which can significantly increase value if fully split.

How to Identify 1917-D Mercury Dime?

• Locate the 'D' mint mark on the reverse side, positioned at the bottom left near the rim, next to the olive branch.
• Verify the 90% silver and 10% copper composition, which gives the coin its distinct metallic ring and luster.
• Check for the designer's initials 'AW' located on the obverse, tucked behind Liberty's neck.
• Examine the fasces on the reverse to see if the horizontal bands are clearly separated, known as Full Bands (FB).

History of 1917-D Mercury Dime

The Mercury Dime was minted from 1916 to 1945, designed by Adolph A. Weinman. Despite its popular name, the figure on the obverse is actually Liberty, not the Roman god Mercury. The winged cap was intended to symbolize liberty of thought. These dimes are highly sought after by collectors, especially those with clear details and rare mint marks.