1918 Mercury Dime Value Guide

The 1918 Mercury Dime is a prized piece of American numismatic history, celebrated for Adolph A. Weinman's iconic Winged Liberty Head design. Minted during the final year of World War I, this 90% silver coin is highly collectible for its artistic beauty and its symbolic representation of unity and peace.

What affects the value of 1918 Mercury Dime?

• The presence of 'Full Bands' on the reverse fasces significantly increases the coin's market value.
• Overall strike quality and the amount of wear on Liberty's hair and the wing feathers.
• Surface preservation, including the absence of scratches, cleaning marks, or heavy oxidation.
• The specific mint of origin, with Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) strikes often carrying a premium over Philadelphia issues.

How to Identify 1918 Mercury Dime?

• Look for the designer's initials 'AW' located in the lower right field on the obverse behind the neck.
• Verify the composition of 90% silver and 10% copper, which gives the coin its distinct metallic ring and luster.
• Check the reverse for the fasces and olive branch motif, ensuring the 'United States of America' and 'One Dime' inscriptions are clear.
• Examine the mint mark located on the reverse, to the left of the base of the fasces; 1918 coins may be from Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S).

History of 1918 Mercury Dime

The Mercury Dime was minted from 1916 to 1945. It features Lady Liberty with a winged Phrygian cap, mistakenly believed to be the Roman god Mercury, hence its popular name. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, it is considered one of the most beautiful U.S. coins ever produced. Its reverse displays a fasces, symbolizing unity and strength, and an olive branch, signifying peace.