A Mercury Dime contains 0.0723 troy oz of pure silver, worth $3.91 at today's spot price.
Officially the Winged Liberty Head dime, it is called the Mercury dime because Liberty's winged cap reminded people of the Roman god Mercury. It was designed by Adolph A. Weinman.
Melt values use these spot prices (US dollars):
- Silver $54.05 per troy oz Current quote · Quote time Oct 24, 12:19 AM EDT
Some prices could not be refreshed recently and may be out of date.
Melt value is the metal content at spot price, not a buy or sell price. Collectible coins can be worth much more. For reference only.
Specifications
| Years | 1916–1945 |
|---|---|
| Face value | 10¢ |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Gross weight | 2.5 g |
| Fineness | .900 (90%) |
| Pure metal | 0.0723 troy oz (2.25 g) |
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Standard roll | 50 coins |
How the melt value is worked out
Melt value is the pure silver in the coin multiplied by the spot price. We use the coin's standard minted weight; worn coins weigh slightly less.
-
2.5 g × .900 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.0723 troy oz
0.0723 troy oz × $54.05 spot = $3.91
How to identify it
- Liberty wears a winged cap. The reverse shows a fasces (a bundle of rods with an axe) beside an olive branch.
- The mint mark (D or S) is on the reverse, near the rim to the left of the fasces; Philadelphia coins have none.
- No Mercury dimes were struck in 1922, 1932 or 1933.
Melt value vs. collector value
Common dates in circulated grades trade for their silver. Key dates such as the 1916-D and 1921, and coins showing fully split bands on the fasces, are worth far more. Our free Mercury dime sorting sheet helps you organize a pile by year.
Related tools
Sources
- US Mint: Domestic and Foreign Coins Manufactured by Mints of the United States, 1792–1965 — checked 2026-10-22
- Coinage Act of 1873 (17 Stat. 424) — checked 2026-10-22