1916-D Mercury Dime Once Sold Above $200,000, Still a lot are in Circulation
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is a ten-cent coin struck by the United States Mint in Denver in 1916. MS67 FB (Full Bands), sold for $207,000 at a Heritage Auction in 2019.
Background
The Mercury Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, was minted from 1916 to 1945. It features a youthful Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. Many people mistakenly believe the image is Mercury, the Roman god—hence the nickname “Mercury Dime.”
- Designer: Adolph A. Weinman
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 2.5 grams
- Diameter: 17.9 mm
Does the 1916-D Mercury Dime Still Exist in 2025?
Yes, it does.
Although rare, thousands of genuine 1916-D Mercury Dimes still exist, especially in lower grades.
Estimated survival numbers:
- Circulated examples: Around 10,000+
- Uncirculated (Mint State) coins: Less than 1,000
- Top-grade (MS66 and above): Just a handful
Value of the 1916-D Mercury Dime in 2025
The value depends heavily on the condition (grade). Here’s a breakdown of estimated market values in 2025:
| Grade/Condition | Estimated Value in 2025 |
| Good (G-4) | $1,000 – $1,400 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $2,800 – $3,500 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $4,200 – $5,500 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $6,500 – $8,000 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $12,000 – $15,000 |
| MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated) | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Top Grade (MS66 or higher) | $50,000 – $85,000+ |
Record-Breaking Sales
Here are some real-world auction records:
- MS67 FB (Full Bands): Sold for $207,000 at a Heritage Auction in 2019
- MS66 FB: Sold for $152,750 in 2011
- Prices for top-graded coins have steadily risen due to demand and scarcity
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
| Coin Name | 1916-D Mercury Dime |
| Mint Location | Denver |
| Total Mintage | 264,000 |
| Designer | Adolph A. Weinman |
| Metal | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Current Existence | Yes – thousands, mostly circulated |
| 2025 Value Range | $1,000 – $85,000+ (based on grade) |
| Highest Known Sale | Over $200,000 (MS67 Full Bands) |
Final Thoughts
The 1916-D Mercury Dime isn’t just a rare coin, it’s a symbol of classic American coinage and a gateway into serious collecting. With its low mintage, beautiful design, and ever-growing value, it remains a centerpiece for numismatists in 2025.
