1939 Mercury Dime
Base
About This Coin
The 1939 Mercury Dime is a United States dime from the Mercury Dimes 1916-1945 series — 21st of 27 years in the series. In 1939, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 102.7 million. This ranks 20th 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 24 known die varieties for this date across 3 categories, including doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse, repunched mint mark. Across its variants, estimated values range from $7 to $286 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $22K in PR68+ grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
