1931 Mercury Dime

About This Coin

The 1931 Mercury Dime is a United States dime from the Mercury Dimes 1916-1945 series — 15th of 27 years in the series. In 1931, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Denver, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 6.2 million. This represents the second-lowest annual mintage in the series, 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. Depression-era low mintages across all mints. The 1931-D and 1931-S are semi-key dates. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.5 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have cataloged 8 known die varieties for this date. Produced 10 years after the celebrated 1921 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $8 to $442 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $1.8K in MS67 grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman.