The 1940 Mercury Dime is one of the most iconic coins minted by the United States. Originally issued between 1916 and 1945, this dime is famous not only for its silver content but also for its design and historical significance. Collectors value this coin for both its silver composition and numismatic rarity.
What is the 1940 Mercury Dime Made Of?
This dime is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with an actual silver weight (ASW) of 0.0723 oz. The coin weighs 2.5 grams, has a diameter of 17.9 mm, and features a reeded edge.
Designed by sculptor Adolph Weinman, the Mercury Dime’s front shows a young Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, which many thought resembled the Roman god Mercury—hence the nickname “Mercury Dime.” However, its proper name is the “Winged Liberty Head Dime.”
On the reverse, the design includes a fasces, an ancient symbol of authority, surrounded by an olive branch representing peace. This mix of imagery is both powerful and elegant, making it a favorite among collectors.
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1940 Mercury Dime Varieties
Several varieties of the 1940 Mercury Dime were minted, each coming from different mints. Below is a breakdown:
| Variety | Mint Location | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1940 D | Denver | 21,198,000 |
| 1940 S | San Francisco | 21,560,000 |
| 1940 P | Philadelphia | 65,350,000 |
| 1940 Proof | Philadelphia | 11,827 |
1940 D Mercury Dime (Denver Mint)
- Mintage: 21,198,000
- Price Range: $2.25 to $5.00 (circulated condition)
The Denver Mint produced over 21 million dimes in 1940. This variety is known for having well-struck examples with Full Bands, which are popular with collectors.
1940 S Mercury Dime (San Francisco Mint)
- Mintage: 21,560,000
- Price Range: $2.25 to $6.00 (circulated condition)
The San Francisco Mint slightly increased its production over previous years. These dimes are often sought for their quality, with Full Band examples being the most desirable.
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1940 P Mercury Dime (Philadelphia Mint)
- Mintage: 65,350,000
- Price Range: $2.25 to $5.00 (circulated condition)
With over 65 million dimes produced, the Philadelphia Mint made the highest number of coins in 1940. While common in circulated condition, uncirculated examples above MS 67 are rare.
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1940 Proof Mercury Dime
- Mintage: 11,827
- Price Range: $110+ (circulated condition)
Philadelphia also produced 11,827 proof coins in 1940. These are highly sought after by collectors, and in top conditions, their value can exceed thousands of dollars.
1940 Mercury Dime Errors
Even though the US Mint tries to avoid errors, some 1940 Mercury Dimes have notable mistakes that can add to their value. A popular error is the Repunched Mintmark (RPM), commonly found in Denver-minted dimes. These errors happen when the mintmark is struck twice, slightly off, creating a unique look. The more visible the error, the more valuable the coin.
How Much Is the 1940 Mercury Dime Worth Today?
Though the 1940 Mercury Dime has a face value of just 10 cents, its silver content alone gives it a melt value of around $1.73 (depending on the current price of silver).
However, in great condition or with rare attributes, these coins can be worth significantly more. For example, a 1940 Philadelphia Mint dime in MS 68+ condition sold for $35,250 in 2019.
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Where to Buy or Sell a 1940 Mercury Dime?
You can find 1940 Mercury Dimes in coin shops, auctions, and even online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon. If you’re selling, setting up an account on platforms like eBay could be a great way to reach collectors.
FAQs
- Where is the mint mark on a 1940 Mercury Dime? The mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin, near the tip of the olive branch. Look for a “D” or “S” to indicate Denver or San Francisco minting.
- Is a 1940 Mercury Dime worth anything? Yes! While its face value is only 10 cents, well-preserved dimes can sell for thousands of dollars. For instance, one in superb condition sold for over $35,000.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.