1936 Mercury Dime

About This Coin

The 1936 Mercury Dime is a United States dime from the Mercury Dimes 1916-1945 series — 18th of 27 years in the series. In 1936, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 112.8 million. This ranks 22nd of 27 years by total mintage, above 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 cataloged 47 known die varieties for this date across 4 categories, including doubled die obverse, repunched mint mark, spiked head and 1 other types. Across its variants, estimated values range from $7 to $1.2K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $29K in PR68 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman.