1930 Mercury Dime

About This Coin

The 1930 Mercury Dime is a United States dime from the Mercury Dimes 1916-1945 series — 14th of 27 years in the series. In 1930, coins were struck at the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 8.6 million. This ranks 3rd of 27 years by total mintage, below the series median of 56.6 million. The obverse features young Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom of thought — often called the "Mercury" dime despite not depicting the Roman god and the reverse displays a Roman fasces — a bundle of rods with an axe — entwined with an olive branch, symbolizing strength through unity tempered by peace. Struck during the Great Depression, when mintages dropped sharply and the United States abandoned the gold standard in 1933. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.5 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have identified one known die variety for this date (repunched mint mark). Produced 9 years after the celebrated 1921 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $8 to $262 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $2.1K in MS66 grade at Superior Galleries. Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman.