If you’re sorting through loose change, you may want to keep an eye out for certain rare coins that could be worth a fortune. While most dimes are only worth their face value, a specific 1916 coin has sold for over $152,000—and it’s still possible to find one in circulation.
A Valuable Find – The 1916 Mercury Dime
One of the most sought-after dimes is the 1916 Mercury dime, designed by renowned sculptor Adolph A. Weinman. Unlike modern dimes featuring President Franklin D. Roosevelt, this version showcases Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought.
The Mercury dime was minted from 1916 to 1945, before being replaced with the Roosevelt design. However, it’s the Denver-minted 1916 dime that collectors are particularly eager to find.
The Denver Mint Difference
Most 1916 dimes were produced in Philadelphia and San Francisco, with mintages of over 22 million and 10 million, respectively. However, the Denver Mint only released 264,000 of these coins, making them significantly rarer.
This low production number resulted from a shift in focus toward minting more quarters that year, limiting the number of dimes made in Denver.
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What to Look For
If you believe you’ve come across a 1916 Mercury dime, check for these key details:
- The “D” Mint Mark – Look for a small “D” on the coin’s reverse side, indicating it was made in Denver.
- The Fasces Design – The back of the coin should feature a bundle of rods tied together, called a fasces, along with an olive branch. This design symbolizes both strength and peace.
- Full Bands Feature – The highest-value versions of this coin display a distinct separation in the middle of the three bands on the fasces. Collectors refer to this as the “full bands” detail, and it significantly increases the coin’s worth.
A Mint State 67 (MS67) 1916-D Mercury dime with full bands grading once fetched over $152,000 at auction. The Mint State scale ranges from 1 to 70, with higher numbers indicating a well-preserved coin.
Other Dimes That Could Be Worth Thousands
While the 1916-D Mercury dime is one of the most valuable, there are other rare dimes that could be worth significant money:
- 1919 Mercury Dime – A high-grade version with similar full bands detailing has sold for $218,500.
- 1983 Roosevelt Dime – A unique variation of this coin has been valued at $8,225.
Final Thoughts
If you happen to find an old dime in your collection, take a closer look—it might be worth far more than just 10 cents. Rare coins can still show up in everyday circulation, making it worthwhile to inspect your spare change.
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