1919 Mercury Dime Value Guide

The 1919 Mercury Dime is a classic example of Adolph A. Weinman’s iconic Winged Liberty Head design, prized by collectors for its high silver content and artistic merit. Minted shortly after World War I, this coin represents a transitional era in American numismatics before the design was eventually replaced by the Roosevelt Dime.

What affects the value of 1919 Mercury Dime?

• The presence of 'Full Bands' (FB) on the reverse fasces significantly increases the market value beyond the standard $10-$12 range.
• Overall strike quality and the level of detail remaining in Liberty's hair and the feathers of her cap.
• The current spot price of silver, as the coin contains 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver.
• Surface preservation, including the absence of heavy scratches, cleaning marks, or significant environmental toning.

How to Identify 1919 Mercury Dime?

• 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 in the lower right field, behind the neck of the Winged Liberty.
• Examine the reverse for the fasces and olive branch motif, ensuring the horizontal bands are visible for higher grade assessment.
• Look for the mint mark (D for Denver or S for San Francisco) on the reverse near the bottom left; coins without a mark were minted in Philadelphia.

History of 1919 Mercury Dime

The Mercury Dime, officially called the Winged Liberty Head Dime, was designed by Adolph A. Weinman and minted from 1916 to 1945. It features a young Liberty with a winged Phrygian cap, mistakenly thought to resemble the Roman god Mercury, hence its popular name. This design replaced the Barber Dime and was itself replaced by the Roosevelt Dime.