Mercury dimes are very popular ten-cent pieces produced by the United States Mint from 1916 to 1945. This dime is composed of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. The coin contains a total of just over .072 troy ounces of silver.
The Mercury Dime is also commonly referred to as the Winged Liberty Head Dime and was designed by Adolph Weinman. The coin got its common name from its obverse depiction of a young Liberty which was confused with the Roman god Mercury.
The coin that coined the Great Depression phrase "Brother, Can you spare a dime?"
Although the coin’s design was looked upon favorably, some modifications had to be made because the coin did not get along with vending machines. The coin was produced until 1945, at which time the Treasury ordered a new design featuring recently deceased President Franklin Roosevelt.
The value of a Mercury Dime can vary significantly depending on its date, condition and mint mark. These values can range from less than $1.50 to over $1500 for a single coin. If you have a Mercury Dime of a sought-after mint year and it appears to be in good condition, you may want to consider having it graded by a professional coin grading company such as PCGS or NGC.
By taking the time to have your Mercury Dime graded, you may be able to get a closer idea as to what the coin might be worth to coin dealers and collectors. The grading process is very thorough and can account for even very minor imperfections. By having the coin graded, you will also rest easy knowing that its metal content and authenticity have been verified.