Mercury Head Dime Value Guide

The 1917 Mercury Head Dime is a prized early-century silver coin featuring Adolph A. Weinman's iconic Winged Liberty Head design. While often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury, this coin represents a pivotal era in American numismatics where artistic symbolism took center stage over traditional portraiture.

What Is Mercury Head Dime Worth?

The typical price range for Mercury Head Dime is $10 - $15 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition and grade, specifically the presence of 'Full Bands' on the reverse fasces, significantly increase market price.
• The 90% silver content provides a baseline bullion value regardless of the coin's numismatic state.
• Mint location, as 1917-D and 1917-S issues often command higher premiums than the Philadelphia mintage.
• Surface preservation, including the absence of heavy scratches or harsh cleaning which can devalue the specimen.

How to Identify Mercury Head Dime?

• Verify the 1917 date located on the lower-left obverse below the bust of Liberty.
• Check for the 'AW' monogram of designer Adolph A. Weinman on the lower-right obverse.
• Confirm the reverse features a fasces and an olive branch, symbolizing America's readiness for war and desire for peace.
• Look for mint marks 'S' (San Francisco) or 'D' (Denver) on the reverse near the bottom left; no mark indicates Philadelphia.

History of Mercury Head Dime

The Mercury Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, was minted from 1916 to 1945. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, its iconic obverse depicts Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, which was misinterpreted by the public as the Roman god Mercury, hence its popular nickname. This coin was part of a broader redesign of American coinage that began in the early 20th century, aiming to create more artistic and symbolic representations of the nation. It was celebrated for its beauty and detail, a stark contrast to the more traditional designs that preceded it. The coin was composed of 90% silver, and its production ceased in 1945, replaced by the Roosevelt Dime following President Franklin D. Roosevelt's death.