Rare 1919 Mercury Dime Worth $103,500 – Could You Have One?

Introduction

The 1919 Mercury Dime is one of the most sought-after coins in American numismatics. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, this coin was part of a series minted from 1916 to 1945. While many Mercury Dimes remain in circulation, few are as rare and valuable as the 1919 Mercury Dime, with some specimens fetching over $103,500 at auctions.

If you’re a collector or just stumbled upon an old dime, you might be holding onto a small fortune! In this article, we’ll dive deep into the history, value, rarity, and key identification features of the 1919 Mercury Dime to help you determine if you own one of these rare treasures.

History of the 1919 Mercury Dime

The Mercury Dime was first minted in 1916, replacing the Barber Dime. The coin’s design features Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. The reverse side displays a fascis (a bundle of rods with an axe blade), representing unity and strength, with an olive branch for peace.

The 1919 Mercury Dime was struck during a period of economic growth post-World War I. Despite high mintage numbers, finding one in pristine condition is incredibly rare, making it a valuable asset for collectors.

Rare 1919 Mercury Dime Worth $103,500 – Could You Have One?

Why Is the 1919 Mercury Dime So Valuable?

Several factors contribute to the high value of this coin:

High Demand Among Collectors – As an early-year Mercury Dime, it is highly desirable.
Low Survival Rate – Many coins from 1919 were heavily circulated, leading to significant wear.
Mint Condition Rarity – Finding a Full Bands (FB) version is extremely rare.
Historical Significance – A coin from the post-WWI era holds great numismatic and historical importance.
Auction Records – Some 1919 Mercury Dimes in MS-67 FB condition have sold for over $103,500.

1919 Mercury Dime Mintage & Varieties

Year	Mint Mark	Mintage	Estimated Value (Good)	Estimated Value (Mint State)
1919	No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)	35,740,000	$4 – $40	$2,500 – $50,000+
1919-D	Denver	9,939,000	$5 – $60	$5,000 – $75,000+
1919-S	San Francisco	8,850,000	$6 – $70	$6,500 – $103,500+

The 1919-S Mercury Dime is the rarest of the three, particularly in high grades with Full Bands (FB), making it the most valuable.

$1,810 Social Security Boost in March 2025: Know Your Eligibility and Payment Schedule

Identifying a Rare 1919 Mercury Dime

If you believe you own a 1919 Mercury Dime, follow these steps to verify its authenticity and potential value:

1. Check the Date and Mint Mark

The year “1919” should be clearly visible on the front.
Mint marks (“D” for Denver and “S” for San Francisco) are located on the reverse, near the bottom left of the fasces.

2. Look for Full Bands (FB)

Coins with strong, complete separation in the bands on the fasces are highly valuable.
These “Full Band” (FB) specimens command premium prices at auction.

3. Condition Matters

The higher the grade, the higher the value.
Look for coins with minimal wear, strong details, and original luster.

4. Get Your Coin Graded

Professional grading from PCGS or NGC can significantly increase value and authenticate condition.

5. Avoid Cleaning Your Coin

Cleaning can damage the surface and reduce its value.

Auction Records & Value Trends

Grade	Price Estimate
Good (G-4)	$4 – $10
Fine (F-12)	$15 – $50
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	$150 – $500
Mint State (MS-60)	$1,500 – $3,500
MS-65 (Full Bands)	$50,000 – $85,000
MS-67+ (Full Bands)	$103,500+

In 2019, a 1919-S MS-67 FB Mercury Dime sold for $103,500 at a major auction, setting a record for this date.

Where to Sell a 1919 Mercury Dime

If you believe you have a valuable 1919 Mercury Dime, here are the best places to sell it:

Major Auction Houses – Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and GreatCollections specialize in rare coin sales.
Online Marketplaces – eBay, PCGS CoinFacts, and Numista are great platforms.
Local Coin Shops – Some dealers may offer competitive rates.
Coin Shows – Connecting with collectors and dealers in person can help maximize your sale.
Grading Services – Getting your coin graded by PCGS or NGC can attract high-end buyers.

The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $4.2 Million, Still in Circulation

Conclusion

The 1919 Mercury Dime is a true gem in the numismatic world, with the rarest specimens commanding over $103,500 at auctions. If you own one, check for mint marks, Full Bands, and overall condition to determine its worth.

Before selling, consider grading the coin and choosing the right marketplace to get the best value. With historical significance and high collector demand, the 1919 Mercury Dime remains one of the most valuable dimes ever minted.

FAQs

1. How can I tell if my 1919 Mercury Dime is valuable?

Look for Full Bands, minimal wear, and a high-grade condition. Getting it graded by PCGS or NGC is recommended.

2. What is the most expensive 1919 Mercury Dime ever sold?

A 1919-S MS-67 FB sold for $103,500 at a major auction, making it one of the highest-priced Mercury Dimes.

3. Where is the mint mark on a 1919 Mercury Dime?

The mint mark (“D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco) is on the reverse side, near the bottom left of the fasces.

4. Should I clean my 1919 Mercury Dime before selling it?

No! Cleaning can damage the coin’s surface and reduce its value significantly.

5. Where can I sell my 1919 Mercury Dime for the best price?

The best places to sell are major auction houses (Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers), online platforms (eBay, PCGS), or reputable coin dealers.