Mercury Dimes Key Years and Values
Mercury dime key dates have gotten complicated with all the grade distinctions, full bands premiums, and market fluctuations flying around. As someone who has built multiple Mercury dime sets, I learned everything there is to know about which years matter. Today, I will share it all with you.
The Series
Probably should have led with this section, honestly—Mercury dimes ran 1916-1945. Adolph Weinman’s design shows Liberty in a winged cap (symbolizing freedom of thought, not Mercury).
True Key Dates
That’s what makes key date hunting endearing to us Mercury collectors:
- 1916-D: Only 264,000 minted—the undisputed king
- 1921 and 1921-D: Post-WWI low mintages
- 1926-S: Scarce San Francisco issue
Semi-Keys
1919-D, 1919-S, 1927-D, 1931-D, and 1931-S have lower mintages affecting availability in higher grades.
Full Bands Premium
Coins showing complete separation of horizontal bands on the fasces (“FB”) command premiums in all dates. Even common dates become valuable in FB condition.
Overdate Varieties
The 1942/1 overdates (P and D) show a 1942 date punched over 1941. These recognized varieties are popular with error collectors.
