1934 Mercury Dime Value Guide

The 1934 Mercury Dime is a prized 90% silver coin that represents a post-Depression resurgence in American minting production. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, it features a iconic depiction of Liberty in a winged Phrygian cap, a design so frequently mistaken for the Roman god that it earned the permanent 'Mercury' moniker.

What Is 1934 Mercury Dime Worth?

The typical price range for 1934 Mercury Dime is $6 - $6 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of 'Full Split Bands' on the reverse fasces significantly increases the premium for uncirculated examples.
• Mint location plays a role, as the Philadelphia mintage was higher than the Denver and San Francisco issues for 1934.
• Overall strike quality and the absence of heavy wear on Liberty's hair and the wing feathers.
• Current market spot prices for silver, as the coin contains 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver.

How to Identify 1934 Mercury Dime?

• Verify the 90% silver and 10% copper composition, which gives the coin its distinct metallic ring and luster.
• Check the obverse for the 'AW' monogram located in the lower right field, signifying designer Adolph A. Weinman.
• Examine the reverse for a fasces with an olive branch, ensuring the 'Full Bands' on the fasces are crisp for higher grade specimens.
• Locate the mint mark (D for Denver or S for San Francisco) on the reverse, positioned to the left of the base of the fasces; no mark indicates Philadelphia.

History of 1934 Mercury Dime

Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the Mercury Dime actually depicts Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap to symbolize liberty of thought. However, the public mistook the figure for the Roman god Mercury, and the name stuck. This series replaced the Barber dime in 1916 and was minted until 1945. The 1934 issue marks a return to higher production numbers following the Great Depression slump.