1940 Dime
Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 2/8/2021: Gold $1813 Silver $26.90
- Mercury dimes, more formally known as Winged Liberty Head dimes, minted from 1916 to 1945 is a popular series of U.S. Coins to collect. If the coin shows signs of wear on it due to being used in business transactions, it considered ' circulated.' If it was never used, then it is considered ' uncirculated.'
- This page is dedicated exclusively to the 1940 S Mercury Dime. You will find a lot of information below such as mintages, specifications, and images. Be sure to visit our Mercury Dime Forum if you need help. We also have a Mercury Dime Grading Forum to help you establish a grade for your Mercury Dime. All forums are completely free to register.
All 1940 coins are fully detailed with hand written stats, current melt values, both instrinsic & numismatic, prices,production numbers, and all other stats are current values that represent average marketplace or based off current silver or gold spot. Old silver dimes from the 1940's are commonly found in circulated condition, meaning they have wear on their surfaces. Higher collectable value is found in coins that are 'uncirculated' showing no wear. Pictured is an uncirculated 1941 dime valued in the range of. A value attributed to the situation as many are available today. Ok so my grandpa pasted away 3 days ago and in his will he gave me a crap ton of dimes, week i no, anyway i have around 4000 of these weird dimes. There dates are from 1940-1945, and they have a weird woman on them, and sais 'in god we trust' anyway they are some weird mercury dime and almost all of them are in great condition, how much are each of the dimes worth?
The 1941 dime value is at a minimum of $1.97 - the price of silver it contains. However these old Mercury head dimes are avidly collected today and many are valued higher.
Old silver dimes from the 1940's are commonly found in circulated condition, meaning they have wear on their surfaces. Higher collectable value is found in coins that are 'uncirculated' showing no wear.
Pictured is an uncirculated 1941 dime valued in the range of $5.97 . A value attributed to the situation as many are available today. Although your old dime even if lightly worn does have an appeal, numerous Mercury dime collections have been started with just these types of coins.
Adding to the diversity, values of 1941 dimes vary with the mint marked issues. Those coins minted in Denver and San Francisco are closely priced together but interesting to look for and find.
Discover how much your 1941 dime is worth by judging condition and locating mintmarks, both covered in detail below.
Popularity of collecting Mercury dimes is high.
Often collections are assembled by date and include coins of the different mints that produced dimes in 1941. Mintmarks identify the different mints, a small 'D' for the Denver mint and 'S' for San Francisco are found on the reverse. If your coin is without a mintmark, it was struck at the Philadelphia mint.
| 1941 Dime Value | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condition of Coin | ||||
| Date | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1941 Dime Value Updated | 2/8/2021 | |||
| 1941 | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $5.58 |
| 1941 D | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $7.06 |
| 1941 S | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $5.97 |
Gem Quality 1941 Dime Value
The vast majority of coins in the 1940's entered circulation and immediately began to show wear on the high points of the design. This rare 1941 dime is the exception, and among those saved from the damages of circulating, it stands apart.
Displaying most attributes discerning collectors seek as they assemble the highest quality sets, it is true gem quality. Judging by the strong price of $198 at a David Lawrence Rare Coin Auction, those who saw this gem where impressed enough to bid aggressively.
1940 Dime
Absolutely no wear is apparent, contact marks so small magnification in needed to notice and the luster is as intense as the day of minting. A rare gem quality dime is far above an abraded uncirculated dime with dulling luster. All of your old silver dimes are examined and judged for quality in order to discover their accurate value.
Grading Determines 1941 Dime Value
In their search for the right Mercury dime to add to their collection, collectors judge the condition of each coin, know in the hobby as 'grading.' Different stages and amounts of wear are separated and given a grade. Judge the quality of your coins, comparing them to the images and descriptions, giving an accurate value of your 1941 dime according to its condition.
Uncirculated: At the top in value and desirability an Uncirculated Mercury dime is in the same condition as it left the mint, there is no wear on the coin. The delicate mint luster is unbroken and still covers the entire surface. Examine high points of the design for signs of wear, it occurs first on the hair above the eye and Liberty's cheek just below the eye.
Extremely Fine: Although this coin has been in circulation, it sill remains very detailed in appearance. Across the surface a small amount of wear is visible. The feather details of the wing above Liberty's ear have worn and lost detail but remain separated. Also a slight flatness to the once rounded cheek is noticeable. On the reverse, all of the vertical lines of the 'fasces' are separated.
Fine: Wear is noticeable over the entire surface. The central part of the wing is now flat and lacking any design detail, as well as the hair braid extending from Liberty's forehead to chin line. On the reverse of your dime, many but not all the vertical lines have merged.
Good: Heavy wear has removed most of the design, leaving only Liberty's portrait in outline. Protection once afforded by the rim is now blending with the lettering. The central device on the reverse 'fasces' is worn smooth, again the rim is worn significantly into the lettering. All silver dimes in this condition are valued based on their silver content.
Coin Values CoinStudy Articles
Date by Date
In Depth Mercury Dime Values
1916 to 1945
1916 | 1924 | 1931 | 1940 |
1917 | 1925 | 1934 | 1941 |
1918 | 1926 | 1935 | 1942 |
1919 | 1927 | 1936 | 1943 |
1920 | 1928 | 1937 | 1944 |
1921 | 1929 | 1938 | 1945 |
1923 | 1930 | 1939 |
Values listed for the entire Mercury head dime series including more on the 1941 dime value. Rare and valuable dates are scattered through out the series contributing to a large spread in Mercury dime values. Additionally, the condition of your old dime plays a key role in today's rare coin values.
One of the most popular and widely collected coins today. Spanning over two hundred years of US dime production with rare coin values listed for literally hundreds of date and mintmark combinations. Examine closely these small potential treasures.
★Coin Values Discovery... finds 1941 dime value and...
all old US coin values. It is an excellent index with images and text links to coin series, from Cents to Gold. Value charts, grading images with descriptions uncover how much your box of old coins is worth.
Rare Dimes!
Awaiting discovery are potentially high value rarities in the US dime series as well as some other possible finds in your box of old coins. Visit... Finding Rare Dimes...
Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 2/8/2021: Gold $1813 Silver $26.90
Mercury dime values start at $1.97 each. With silver at $26.90 an ounce, all have this minimum value.
By following a step by step method the important dates, mintmarks, and condition of your coin is identified. Mercury dime series was minted from 1916 through 1945, with many of the early years now premium coins.
Steps Leading to Value:
- Step 1: Date and Mintmark - Mercury dimes are collected and valued by date and mintmark, identify these accurately.
- Step 2: Grading Condition - All coins are 'Graded' as to their condition. Images, video, and descriptions are used to compare your coin.
- Step 3: Special Qualities - Separate the average dimes from collector quality to realize full potential.
The following chart clearly shows the wide range in values. From $1.97 to hundreds, depending on dates, mint marks and condition.
1940 Dime No Mint Mark
| Mercury Dime Values 1916 to 1945 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condition of Coin | ||||
| Date | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Mint State |
| Mercury Dime Values | 2/8/2021 | |||
| 1916 | $2.37 | $4.86 | $9 | $37 |
| 1916 D | $735 | $1,750 | Rare | Rare |
| 1916 S | $2.37 | $9 | $21 | $38 |
| 1917 | $1.97 | $2.37 | $4.86 | $27 |
| 1917 D | $2.81 | $13 | $44 | $107 |
| 1917 S | $1.97 | $2.81 | $15 | $60 |
| 1918 | $1.97 | $3.66 | $30 | $70 |
| 1918 D | $1.97 | $3.66 | $28 | $78 |
| 1918 S | $1.97 | $2.81 | $20 | $105 |
| 1919 | $1.97 | $2.81 | $10 | $32 |
| 1919 D | $2.37 | $11 | $35 | $217 |
| 1919 S | $2.37 | $10 | $38 | $216 |
| 1920 | $1.97 | $2.37 | $4.86 | $33 |
| 1920 D | $1.97 | $2.81 | $16 | $83 |
| 1920 S | $2.11 | $3.66 | $17 | $172 |
| 1921 | $43 | $85 | $318 | $1,274 |
| 1921 D | $57 | $125 | $388 | $1,235 |
| 1923 | $1.97 | $2.37 | $4.86 | $24 |
| 1923 S | $1.97 | $4.86 | $62 | $174 |
| 1924 | $1.97 | $2.37 | $11 | $46 |
| 1924 D | $2.11 | $4.86 | $50 | $143 |
| 1924 S | $2.11 | $3.66 | $44 | $207 |
| 1925 | $1.97 | $2.81 | $9 | $41 |
| 1925 D | $2.37 | $11 | $108 | $294 |
| 1925 S | $2.11 | $4.86 | $73 | $196 |
| 1926 | $1.97 | $3.66 | $3.66 | $24 |
| 1926 D | $2.11 | $3.66 | $24 | $100 |
| 1926 S | $10 | $26 | $211 | $1,247 |
| 1927 | $1.97 | $2.37 | $4.86 | $22 |
| 1927 D | $2.37 | $4.86 | $73 | $208 |
| 1927 S | $2.11 | $3.66 | $24 | $244 |
| 1928 | $1.97 | $2.37 | $3.66 | $23 |
| 1928 D | $2.37 | $11 | $38 | $186 |
| 1928 S | $1.97 | $2.37 | $19 | $102 |
| 1929 | $1.97 | $2.37 | $3.66 | $22 |
| 1929 D | $1.97 | $2.81 | $14 | $25 |
| 1929 S | $1.97 | $2.37 | $4.86 | $27 |
| 1930 | $1.97 | $2.37 | $4.86 | $23 |
| 1930 S | $1.97 | $2.81 | $17 | $75 |
| 1931 | $1.97 | $2.81 | $9 | $26 |
| 1931 D | $3.66 | $14 | $42 | $89 |
| 1931 S | $2.37 | $3.66 | $20 | $74 |
| 1934 | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $21 |
| 1934 D | $1.97 | $2.11 | $3.66 | $47 |
| 1935 | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $7.68 |
| 1935 D | $1.97 | $2.11 | $3.66 | $29 |
| 1935 S | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.81 | $20 |
| 1936 | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $7.68 |
| 1936 D | $1.97 | $2.11 | $3.66 | $22 |
| 1936 S | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $20 |
| 1937 | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $7.06 |
| 1937 D | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.81 | $19 |
| 1937 S | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $18 |
| 1938 | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $8.53 |
| 1938 D | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.81 | $18 |
| 1938 S | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $18 |
| 1939 | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $6.54 |
| 1939 D | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $5.97 |
| 1939 S | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.81 | $19 |
| 1940 | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $5.58 |
| 1940 D | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $6.54 |
| 1940 S | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $7.06 |
| 1941 | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $5.58 |
| 1941 D | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $7.06 |
| 1941 S | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $5.97 |
| 1942 | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $5.58 |
| 1942/41 | $233 | $246 | $345 | $1,988 |
| 1942 D | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $5.97 |
| 1942 S | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $8.53 |
| 1943 | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $5.58 |
| 1943 D | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $6.54 |
| 1943 S | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $7.06 |
| 1944 | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $5.58 |
| 1944 D | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $6.54 |
| 1944 S | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $7.06 |
| 1945 | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $5.58 |
| 1945 D | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $5.58 |
| 1945 S | $1.97 | $2.11 | $2.37 | $6.54 |
The above are wholesale Mercury dime values. Computed from dealer's price lists with various mark-up factors figured in. They reflect closely the value you would expect to receive when selling. Variations in value do occur subject to subtle grading points, collector demands and dealer needs. For more background information, see how value listings in the Coin Value Guide are determined.
Step 1: Date and Mintmark are Identified
1940 Dime Silver
A favorite with collectors, who refer to the series as Mercury dimes; the coin features a bust of Liberty wearing a winged cap; symbol of freedom of thought. The reverse is an ancient Roman symbol the fasces. A bundle of rods tied around an axe; whose meaning is strength through unity.
Mints and Mintmarks of Mercury Dimes
A new design replacing the Barber dime and well receive by the public. Three mints struck dimes over the 1916 to 1945 span of the series. Assembling a set of each date and mintmark combination is usually the focus of collectors. Mints and their mintmarks are imaged below. Each is valued separately and by state of preservation.
San Francisco Mint
In 1916 the San Francisco mint finished striking the last of the Barber series and began producing the Mercury dime series. Over the life of the series production was interrupted a few years notably; 1922, 1932, and 1933 when no dimes by any of the mints were struck. San Francisco contributed just over 440 million Mercury dimes.
On the reverse is found the 'S' mintmark of San Francisco. At the base of the Fasces to the left is a small 'S' indicating San Francisco struck the dime.
Denver Mint
Denver struck a total just under 476 million Mercury dimes, second highest of the three mints. Notable is the very small number of 1916-D dimes - 264,000, the key to the series. Later issues of the teens and twenties are also elusive. All needed to complete a date and mint set.
Indicating the Denver mint struck the dime is a small 'D' mintmark on the reverse. Just to the left of the olive stem at the bottom of the coin along the rim look for the 'D' mark.
Philadelphia Mint
Philadelphia is the main and original mint of the US. Its total production of Mercury dimes exceeded 1.7 billion coins. A greater number than the two branch mints combined. Notable low mintage years are 1921 and 1930. 1921 is a scarce coin in any grade, however, the 1930 is a premium value in higher grades.
Philadelphia did not use a mintmark to indicate its production of coins at the time. If there is no mintmark at the lower rim, left of the Fasces, Philadelphia struck the coin.
Step 2: Grading Condition Determines a Narrow Value Range
Rare dates and mint marks are two key factors affecting Mercury dime values. Also, the condition of your coins is important in determining how much your Mercury Dime is worth.
Mercury Dime Values Rise with Condition
Mercury Dime values are directly tied to condition. Whether a rare date or a common one, values rise with rising condition. Collectors want the nicest coins for their collections and are willing to pay a premium for high condition examples.
Compare your coins to the grading images below, find the closest match and assign each a 'Grade'.
Grading a coin is straight forward. As a coin circulates, elements of the design wear and disappear. Visually different stages of wear are assigned a grade.
Mint State Grade: Mercury Dime
Obverse: Features Identifying Mint State Grade: An uncirculated - mint state - coin must not show any evidence of wear to the surface. High points of design are closely examined confirming original surfaces remain intact.
Waves of hair above Liberty's forehead sit high in profile and luster quickly wears from the surface. A color change and smoothing of the metal are signs the coin saw use in commerce. An even texture of the metal along high points of hair matching lower areas indicates a mint state coin.
Leading edge of the wing is also an area to judge. Fine lines are part of the design and original texture remains overall helping to judge evidence of wear.
A subtle indicator of wear is a smoothing of metal to Liberty's cheek and jaw line. A close look fines a continuous, even texture of metal overall.
Reverse: Features Identifying Mint State Grade: When rotated and tilted under a light, mint luster reflects a shine.
High areas include the bands over the Fasces. These are showing no dullness and smoothing. Both horizontal and diagonal bands are lustrous and exhibit an original texture.
Additionally, leaves of the olive branch each have a 'glow' similar to the fields of the coin just below.
Extremely Fine Grade: Mercury Dime
Obverse: Features Identifying Extremely Fine Grade: Small amounts of wear have now flattened high point areas. Wear is light however, with many fine details remaining.
Distinct waves show in Liberty's hair above her forehead. A few small details are merging but major waves are well raised.
Small areas are flattened on hair curls at back of neck with major lines of separation remaining.
Lower portion of wing is smooth across the fine feather detail. Full separation remains of the upper feathers along the horizontal lines.
Liberty cheek is full with high and low areas defining her cheek, jaw, and eye brow.
Leaves over the vertical lines remain outlined with no merging, a small but important detail.
Reverse: Features Identifying Extremely Fine Grade: A first indicator of an Extremely Fine grade Mercury dime are full diagonal bands as they cross the vertical lines.
As the top and bottom band cross the center, a clear line remains.
Wear has removed the line in the horizontal band creating a small flat area. All three horizontal band are well defined from the vertical lines.
Vertical lines of the rods are beginning to show flatness but remain completely separated.
Fine Grade: Mercury Dime
Obverse: Features Identifying the Fine Grade: Wear has created areas of the surface appearing both heavily worn and moderately worn. An overall sharp look remains because of finer lines visible.
Hair curls alone Liberty's face are now beginning to merge with her forehead. A slight separation remains with a faded contour line.
Leading edge of the wing is faded only in disconnected areas. Majority of wing outline remains defined and recognizable from the cap areas below.
A bold Fine grade coin shows inner wing detail.
Upper ends of letters are fully defined and not connected to the rim.
Reverse: Features Identifying the Fine Grade: A modernly detailed Fasces remains as the center of a Fine grade Mercury dime.
Traces of diagonal bands are visible as they cross the vertical lines. When closely examined; often the lower edge of the band is sharper.
Horizontal bands tying the rods are now smooth, lacking any center line. Top, center, and bottom bands are merging with center vertical rods.
Vertical lines are merging in areas. Merging of vertical lines must remain disconnected and confined where diagonal bands cross.
Lettering is complete and separate of the rim. Additionally, a full rim is noted with a raised inner edge.
Good Grade: Mercury Dime
Obverse: Features Identifying the Good Grade: Wear has now removed all finer detail and major details are mostly an outline.
Liberty's hair is merged with her forehead and a flat area extends into the wing. Starting at her cheek a flat area is smooth across her hair and wing.
Date remains bold with a small blending of the last digit with the rim. Any separation of the last digit and rim is a strong Good grade.
Legend is clear. Tops of letters are worn and becoming faint in areas. Letters touching the rim is found only in isolated spots.
Reverse: Features Identifying the Good Grade: A strong outline of the Fasces remains along with a mintmark if present.
All traces of diagonal and horizontal bands are flattened and missing. A vertical line or two is often visible, mainly at the edges.
Legend is readable with most letters very plain. Rim is just beginning to fade into the tops of letters in areas. Important, letters are only merged with rim in disconnected areas and only the tops of letters are involved.
Video: Grading Mercury Dimes
Video details the process used to grade the condition of Mercury dimes. Key elements of the design are judged and depending on the amount of remaining detail, an accurate grade is assigned. Close-up images are used to compare your coin helping recognize condition.
Step 3: Special Qualities to Recognize
Two separate markets determine Mercury dime values. First are the collector quality dimes, higher grade pieces with aesthetic appeal. Second market is the very abundant dates and mintmark combinations available in large quantities.
Mercury Dime Collector Market
Collector quality dimes are scarce when compared to the numbers of bullion pieces. To meet high quality a coin has limited to no wear, pleasing toning to bright mint silver, and few distractions.
Collectors develop a preference for a particular 'look' and enjoy the search finding a suitable example. Often many examples are viewed before one meeting their preference is found. These collections are built with all coins closely matching visually.
A set of lightly circulated, similarly toned Mercury dimes is an enjoyable challenge to many collectors. Solid values are the result.
affordable
Mercury Dime Bullion Market
Second large market in Mercury dimes are the bullion quality coins. These coins are identified by their heavy wear and dates available in large quantities. Many in Fine grade or less are considered as part of this group. Silver price moves the value of bullion dimes up or down as silver prices change.
Listings on the chart in the $1.97 to $2.37 range (up-dated weekly) identify these coins. Grading the condition of the coin is a large deciding factor between bullion and collector quality. If all of the vertical lines in the Fasces on the reverse show it is a strong candidate to the collector grade. Viewing closely the grading images helps decide if your coin is a collector quality, higher value Mercury dime.
References
US Mint. 1948 US Mint Annual Report. https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/339
US Mint. 1916 US Mint Annual Report https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/514129
Coin Values CoinStudy Articles
Date by Date
In Depth Mercury Dime Values
1916 to 1945
1916 | 1924 | 1931 | 1940 |
1917 | 1925 | 1934 | 1941 |
1918 | 1926 | 1935 | 1942 |
1919 | 1927 | 1936 | 1943 |
1920 | 1928 | 1937 | 1944 |
1921 | 1929 | 1938 | 1945 |
1923 | 1930 | 1939 |
Special Note: Mercury dimes dated 1940-1945 are generally collected in Uncirculated grade. Values normally range from $5.58 to $8.53 depending on how nice the mint state condition. The fewer marks, brightness of luster, beauty of toning, and fullness of strike all have a role in determining Mercury dime values.
Designer's Initials Prominently Displayed
One of the few US coins with the designer's initials - Adolph A. Weinman, displayed in an open field of the design. He designed both the Mercury dime and Walking Liberty half dollar, considered two of the best US coin designs. A stylized 'AW' is on the obverse field just behind Liberty. These initials are found on all Mercury dimes.
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★Coin Values Discovery finds Mercury Dime Values and...
All US coin values. Images of the different coin series link to value charts, listing the dates and mintmarks for each series. Step by step; identify both the condition and grade of your coin, locate important mintmarks and popular varieties.
Print the Coin Values Worksheet to list your Mercury dime values. Should you decide to sell... use the worksheet as an invoice and packing slip when sending coins through the mail to dealers. It indicates you have done your coin values homework.