1939 Mercury Dime
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$6,600 MS69 04-25-2021 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1939 Mercury Dime is a dime from the Philadelphia Mint, belonging to the Mercury Dimes 1916-1945 series. The U.S. Mint produced 67.7 million examples, making this the highest mintage among 3 variants, accounting for 66% of the year's production. 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. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $7 to $37 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.5 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #5016.
External References
Error Varieties(13)
1939 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001
1939 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002
1939 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003
1939 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-005
1939 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1939 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002
1939 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003
1939 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004
1939 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005
1939 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-007
1939 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008
1939 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-009
1939 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-010
Other Strike Types in This Series
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