The 1919 Mercury Dime Worth Up to $150,000, Still in Circulation

The Mercury Dime, also called the Winged Liberty coin, remains a favorite among collectors for its unique design and historical value. The coin’s artistic upgrade over the earlier Barber dime made it an instant hit. Additionally, its high silver content further enhances its appeal. Among the various years, the 1919 Mercury dime stands out, especially in terms of rarity and value in certain grades.

Value Breakdown for the 1919 Mercury Dime

Mint Mark	Extremely Fine	AU58 (About Uncirculated)	MS63 (Select Uncirculated)	MS66 (Gem Uncirculated)	MS67 (Superb Gem Uncirculated)
1919 No Mint Mark	$20	$60	$200 Full Bands: $275	$1,050 Full Bands: $1,850	$2,350 Full Bands: $11,500
1919 “D” Mint	$75	$335	$800 Full Bands: $3,250	$4,750 Full Bands: $135,000	–
1919 “S” Mint	$75	$375	$1,150 Full Bands: $5,000	$3,500 Full Bands: $100,000	$4,750 Full Bands: $150,000

Coin Grading for the 1919 Mercury Dime

The value of any coin depends heavily on its condition. Uncirculated coins are more sought-after than those that have been heavily circulated. To determine whether a 1919 Mercury dime is uncirculated, look for these features:

• Bright luster and shine
• No wear on key areas like Lady Liberty’s hair, cheek, or ear
• Well-defined center bands on the fasces on the reverse
• Clear, detailed leaves on the olive branches

Grading Scale for Mercury Dimes

Here’s a simple scale to assess the condition of your coin:

1. Basal State-1
2. Fair
3. Very Fair 4-6. Good 7-10. Very Good 12-15. Fine 20-30. Very Fine
4. Extremely Fine
5. About Uncirculated 60-70. Mint State

1919 No Mint Mark Dime

In 1919, the Philadelphia Mint struck over 35 million Mercury dimes. These dimes are often more accessible in lower grades, as many of the coins were circulated heavily. However, the 1919 (P) dimes, while abundant, still hold historical and numismatic value. Here’s an overview of their value:

• In Extremely Fine condition, a 1919 (P) dime is worth approximately $20.
• An AU58 version can fetch about $60, while MS63 coins are priced around $200.
• Uncirculated examples are worth more: MS66 coins can be valued at $1,050, and MS67 versions can go for $2,350. Coins with a Full Bands designation are even more valuable.

1919 D Mint Dime

The Denver Mint produced just under 10 million dimes in 1919, making the 1919 D dime relatively rarer than the Philadelphia variety. Even circulated versions are harder to find, and mint-state coins are especially prized. Below are the values for this variety:

• A circulated 1919 D dime starts around $9, with prices rising to $75 for Extremely Fine and $335 for AU58.
• In MS63, expect a value of $800. However, if the coin has the Full Bands designation, the price can soar to $3,250.
• The rarest MS66 examples are worth $4,750, and Full Bands specimens can fetch up to $135,000!

1919 S Mint Dime

The San Francisco Mint produced the fewest dimes in 1919, just over 8.8 million, making the 1919 S dimes more difficult to find in good condition. The following outlines their value:

• Extremely Fine examples begin around $75, while AU58 coins range from $110 to $375.
• Uncirculated versions are more sought after, with MS62 coins valued at $825, and higher-grade versions reaching prices like $1,650 for MS64.
• Coins with the Full Bands designation are exceptionally rare, and the value can reach up to $100,000 for MS66 and $150,000 for MS67 specimens.

1919 Dime Errors

Rare mint errors found on 1919 dimes can significantly increase their value. Here are a few notable errors:

• Doubled Die Obverse: This occurs when the die is misaligned during the minting process, leading to a doubled image. A 1919 dime with this error, particularly visible in the words “In God We Trust,” can sell for significantly more than a standard coin. One was sold for over $2,800 despite being in poor condition.
• Off-Center Strike: If a coin is struck at an angle, parts of the design may be cut off. An MS62 coin with a 10% off-center strike once sold for $300.
• Uncentered Broadstrike: This occurs when the die pushes the planchet out of its collar, causing the coin to expand outward. A 1919 dime with this error sold for $100 despite being in only AU50 condition.

Selling Your 1919 Dime

If you own a 1919 Mercury dime, it’s essential to have it appraised before selling. Many platforms offer free appraisals and are reliable for both buying and selling valuable coins.

In conclusion, a 1919 Mercury dime can vary significantly in value depending on its condition, mint mark, and any potential errors. If you own one of these coins, it’s worth getting it assessed by a professional to determine its true worth.

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