1916-D Mercury Dime

The 1916-D Mercury dime is one of the most sought-after coins in U.S. numismatics, known for its extremely low mintage and historical significance as the key date in the Winged Liberty Head "Mercury" dime series.

Although widely considered rare, there is an ample supply of circulated specimens, but mint-condition examples are scarce, partly due to hoarding at the time of issue.

The coin’s rarity has made it a prime target for counterfeiters, particularly through the addition of a “D” mintmark.

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Historical Context

Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the Mercury dime was first minted in 1916. The 1916-D issue, produced at the Denver Mint, had the lowest mintage of the series, with only 264,000 coins struck. This low mintage resulted from an abrupt halt in dime production as the Denver Mint shifted focus to producing quarters, leading to the coin's reputation as a rarity.

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Specifications:

Size: Standard Mercury dime size
Denomination: 10 cents (dime)
Gross Weight: 2.50 grams
Actual Silver Weight: 0.07234 troy ounces of silver
Fineness/Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 17.91 millimeters
Thickness: 1.35 millimeters
Specific Gravity: N/A

Coin Description:

The coin features a portrait of Liberty wearing a winged cap on the obverse, symbolizing freedom of thought. The reverse displays a fasces—an ancient Roman symbol of authority—intertwined with an olive branch, representing peace. The Denver Mint's "D" mintmark appears on the reverse, near the fasces.

Many surviving coins are well-struck, with Full Bands on the fasces, indicating clear horizontal and diagonal bands, though weaker strikes can occasionally be found.

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Cultural and Numismatic Significance:

The 1916-D Mercury dime is a key coin in the Mercury dime series, representing the historical transition from the Liberty Head design to the Winged Liberty Head design. It has become a symbol of rarity within U.S. coin collections and holds a near-mythical status due to its low mintage. The coin’s scarcity in mint state, combined with its cultural symbolism of liberty, has kept it in high demand among collectors.

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Numismatic Value:

Due to its key date status, the 1916-D Mercury dime commands a high numismatic value. Circulated examples can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on condition, while mint-state specimens can fetch tens of thousands. Counterfeit versions, particularly those with added mintmarks, are common, making professional authentication essential for high-value transactions.

Free Appraisal With No Obligation To Sell

Take the first step toward selling your silver coins by getting a free appraisal today. Our process is designed to be transparent, convenient, and stress-free, giving you the confidence to sell when you’re ready.

At Coinfully, we’re committed to helping you get the most for your silver coins—all from the comfort of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know I’m getting a fair price for my dimes?

At Coinfully, we pride ourselves on transparency. Our appraisals are based on the current market value of your dimes, including their silver content (for pre-1965 dimes) and their numismatic value. We provide a detailed breakdown of how we determine your offer so that you can be fully informed and confident in the price you receive.

Is my shipment insured when I send my dimes to Coinfully?

Yes, we provide full insurance coverage for your shipment. Whether you’re sending Draped Bust dimes, Mercury dimes, or Roosevelt dimes, your coins are insured throughout the entire shipping process, ensuring that your valuable items are protected and safe.

What types of dimes does Coinfully buy?

We buy all types of U.S. dimes, including Draped Bust, Liberty Seated, Barber, Mercury, and Roosevelt dimes, and other collectible dimes. Whether your dimes are valuable for their silver content or their collectibility, we’re interested in making you a competitive offer.

What if I’m not ready to sell after receiving an appraisal?

There’s no obligation to sell your dimes after receiving an appraisal from Coinfully. We provide a free, no-pressure appraisal service to help you understand the value of your coins. You can choose to sell when you’re ready, with no pressure from us.

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