The Mercury dime is one of the most iconic and beloved coin designs in U.S. history. Minted from 1916 to 1945, these 90% silver 10-cent pieces feature a striking portrait of Liberty in a winged Phrygian cap, which led to the coin‘s common "Mercury" nickname.
While the entire Mercury dime series is popular with collectors, the 1943 issue holds a special place of significance. Minted in the midst of World War II, this coin serves as a tangible piece of history from that era.
But how much is a 1943 Mercury dime worth today? The answer depends on a number of factors, from the condition and grade to the mint mark and any notable errors or varieties. In this article, we‘ll take an in-depth look at the 1943 dime value in today‘s market for collectors.
The History and Significance of 1943 Mercury Dimes
To fully understand and appreciate 1943 Mercury dimes requires a look back at the coin‘s origins and the historical context of its mintage that year.
The Mercury dime was introduced in 1916 as part of a broader effort to refresh and modernize U.S. coinage designs. The public had grown tired of the staid Barber dime that had been in use since 1892. The U.S. Mint held a competition to solicit new designs, with the aim of representing "Liberty of thought" on the coin.
The winning obverse design was submitted by noted sculptor Adolph A. Weinman. His portrait depicts a youthful Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap with wings, which symbolize freedom of thought.
This winged cap led to the public immediately nicknaming the coin after Mercury, the Ancient Roman messenger god, who was often depicted with wings on his helmet or feet. While not Weinman‘s original intent, the Mercury moniker stuck and is still commonly used by collectors today.
Weinman‘s reverse design features a fasces, an ancient Roman symbol of authority, with an olive branch signifying peace. The inscriptions "ONE DIME" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" are prominently displayed.
Fast-forward to 1943, with World War II raging, the Mercury dime took on special significance in American culture and economic policy. Dimes and other coins from this year were struck in the midst of rationing, material shortages, and general uncertainty.
Notably, the U.S. Mint made a major shift in 1943 to conserve nickel and copper for the war effort. The 5-cent nickel coin was changed to a composition of 35% silver for one year. This left the Mercury dime as the only remaining coin that kept its 90% silver composition throughout the war.
Americans in 1943 were encouraged to save dimes and other coins to help fund the war effort. Mercury dimes also took on heightened importance in commerce during the war rationing years, especially as a board game token stand-in when metal tokens were scarce.
The U.S. Mint facilities in Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco struck a combined total of over 324 million Mercury dimes bearing the 1943 date. This large mintage reflected the economic demands of the time as well as the aim to replace older, worn coins in circulation.
While not rare in absolute terms, many of these 1943 Mercury dimes were later melted for their silver content, especially in the 1960s and 1970s when silver prices spiked. This, combined with the historical significance of a coin minted during the height of World War II, makes the 1943 Mercury dime a special find for modern collectors.
1943 Mercury Dime Value and Price Guide
With over 300 million dimes bearing a 1943 date, how rare and valuable is this coin today? Let‘s break down the 1943 Mercury dime value based on a number of important factors that impact the coin‘s collectibility.
1943 Mercury Dime Value by Condition and Grade
As with any collectible coin, the condition makes a big difference in value for 1943 Mercury dimes. Coins are graded on a 70-point scale by leading grading services like PCGS and NGC to determine their condition.
Here are typical values for regular-issue 1943 Mercury dimes in various conditions:
- Good (G-4) – $2.50-$5
- Very Good (VG-8) – $3-$6
- Fine (F-12) – $3-$8
- Very Fine (VF-20) – $3-$10
- Extremely Fine (EF-40) – $5-$25
- About Uncirculated (AU-50) – $10-$30
- Mint State (MS-60) – $15-$50
- Mint State (MS-63) – $20-$65
- Mint State (MS-65) – $40-$100
- Mint State (MS-66+) – $75-$500+
As you can see, there‘s a wide range of potential values based on the condition and numeric grade of the coin. A well-worn dime in Good condition may only be worth a few dollars, while an pristine, uncirculated example could be worth hundreds.
Eye appeal is very important for 1943 Mercury dimes. Collectors prize coins with full luster, minimal marks and abrasions, and strong strikes that bring out the details of Weinman‘s design. Mercury dimes with "full split bands," showing complete separation in the horizontal bands of the fasces on the reverse, are especially coveted.
Value by Mint Mark
In addition to the condition and grade, an important factor for 1943 Mercury dime values is the mint mark on the coin‘s reverse.
In 1943, dimes were minted at three facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D) and San Francisco (S). While all three mints struck dimes dated 1943, the mintages and values can vary. Here‘s a breakdown:
- 1943 (Philadelphia) – 191,710,000 minted – $5 to $500+ based on condition
- 1943-D (Denver) – 71,949,000 minted – $5 to $750+ based on condition
- 1943-S (San Francisco) – 60,400,000 minted – $5 to $850+ based on condition
In general, San Francisco examples are most valuable, followed by Denver, with Philadelphia dimes being most common. However, condition is the most important factor, as a high-grade 1943 dime will always be worth more than a low-grade example from a scarcer mint.
Most Valuable 1943 Mercury Dime Varieties and Errors
Astute collectors always look out for odd varieties and errors that can send a coin‘s value soaring. 1943 Mercury dimes are no exception, with several notable varieties that are worth well above the typical prices for the issue.
The most valuable is the 1943/2-P overdate. On some 1943 dies, Mint workers impressed a 1943 date over an unused 1942 die by hand. The result is a coin with the 3 digit clearly punched over a 2, especially visible under magnification. PCGS estimates that around 40,000 of these 1943/2 overdates were produced.
In 2019, an especially high-grade 1943/2-P in MS-67FB (full bands) sold for $129,250! Even in lower mint state grades, this overdate commands a significant premium, often selling for $2,000 and up.
Other valuable varieties and errors for the 1943 Mercury dime include:
- 1943-S doubled die obverse – $50 to $500+
- Missing "STATES" in legend – $100 to $750
- Repunched mint marks – $25 to $250
- Off-center strike – $100 to $500+
- Clipped planchets – $50 to $150
Of course, these errors are much scarcer than regular-issue 1943 dimes, so finding one requires patience and a trained eye. If you think you have found a valuable variety, it‘s wise to have it authenticated by a top grading service.
How to Determine Your 1943 Dime‘s Value
Do you have a 1943 Mercury dime and want to know what it could be worth? Here are some tips for evaluating your coin:
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Check the date and mint mark. The mint mark (if present) is on the reverse above the E in ONE.
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Give your coin a close visual inspection, ideally under magnification. Note any odd doubling, repunched mint marks, off-center strikes, or other errors.
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Evaluate the coin‘s condition and wear. Is it worn slick or does it still have some luster and sharp details? Refer to the guidelines on the grading scale to estimate its grade.
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Look up values for your coin‘s date, mint mark, and estimated grade in a price guide like the "Red Book" for U.S. Coins. Online price guides can also be helpful.
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For a definitive assessment and grade, consider submitting your 1943 Mercury dime to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. This will give you a certified grade and can help with resale value.
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Consider taking your coin to a local coin dealer or attending a coin show for an in-person evaluation. A knowledgeable dealer can help estimate your coin‘s grade and value.
Remember, cleaning or polishing your 1943 Mercury dime will not increase its value. In fact, cleaned coins are worth less to collectors. Handle your coin carefully by the edges to preserve its condition.
What Makes 1943 Mercury Dimes So Special?
With so many dimes struck in 1943, what makes this coin stand out from the rest of the Mercury dime series? It really comes down to the historical significance and becoming a tangible piece of the World War II era.
Imagine all that a 1943 Mercury dime may have seen in its journey. It could have been earned by a factory worker making aircraft engines for the war effort. Maybe it was spent at a newsstand to buy a paper announcing the Allied invasion of Italy. It may have been saved in a piggy bank by a child who would later become one of the "Greatest Generation."
The Mercury dime design itself also captures a spirit of American idealism and the potential for progress, even in an uncertain time. Weinman‘s Liberty looks forward, not gazing at the past. She rises above the chaos with wings symbolizing freedom of thought.
Today, 1943 Mercury dimes represent a snapshot of a pivotal year in world history. They are an accessible way for anyone to own a piece of that story. For collectors, finding a high-grade or rare variety is an extra special treat to treasure.
Whether you have one 1943 Mercury dime or one hundred, take a moment to appreciate the history and symbolism these 90% silver pieces carry. Then, preserve them for future generations of collectors to study and admire. Perhaps someday, your coins will be cherished reminders of the trials and triumphs of the World War II generation.
Final Thoughts
In summary, 1943 Mercury dimes are not the rarest of the series in absolute terms, but they are some of the most historically significant. Values can range from a few dollars to hundreds or even thousands based on condition and variety.
If you think you may have a valuable 1943 dime, look for key factors like pristine condition, full bands on the reverse, rare mint marks, and odd errors or varieties. Have your coin evaluated by a dealer or grading service to determine its worth.
Most of all, enjoy collecting these 90% silver pieces of World War II history. Each 1943 Mercury dime carries a story and represents the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation. By preserving them for the future, we honor that legacy today.
Sources:
- PCGS Coinfacts – https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1943-10c/5040
- NGC Coin Explorer – https://www.ngccoin.com/coin-explorer/mercury-dimes-1916-1945-pscid-18
- USA Coin Book – https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/3573/dimes/mercury/1943-P/
