The 1945 Mercury dime is a classic American coin that holds significant historical and numismatic value. As the final year of production for the beloved Mercury or Winged Liberty dime series, 1945 saw dimes minted at three U.S. Mint facilities – Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco. For coin collectors, uncovering a 1945 dime is always a thrilling find, but understanding the value of these 77-year-old coins can be tricky. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive deep into the 1945 dime, examining its history, key features, mintages, values and grading.
Whether you‘re a seasoned collector or just starting to explore the fascinating world of numismatics, this article will equip you with the knowledge needed to confidently assess and appreciate any 1945 dimes in your collection. So grab your magnifying glass and let‘s uncover the secrets of this historic coin!
History and Background of the Mercury Dime
Before we focus on the 1945 dime, it‘s essential to understand the history of the broader Mercury dime series. Designed by noted sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, the Mercury dime was first issued in 1916 as part of a significant overhaul of U.S. coinage driven by the Renaissance of American Coinage.
Contrary to the coin‘s common name, the obverse actually features a depiction of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, which was confused for the Roman god Mercury. The reverse showcases the fasces, an ancient Roman symbol of authority, with an olive branch signifying peace.
Mercury dimes were minted annually from 1916 through 1945 at multiple mint facilities, with several noteworthy varieties and errors occurring throughout the series. Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, these coins were widely circulated and remained a key part of American currency for decades.
1945: The Final Year of the Mercury Dime
The year 1945 marked a significant turning point for the United States and the world, as World War II came to an end with the surrender of Germany and Japan. On the numismatic front, 1945 would also prove to be a milestone, as it was the final year of production for the Mercury dime.
After a nearly 30-year run, the Mercury dime series ended in 1945, with the U.S. Mint producing the coin one last time at its Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco facilities. In total, more than 159 million Mercury dimes were struck in 1945, making it a relatively common date in the series.
However, the 1945 dime still holds a special place in the hearts of collectors as the capstone of this beloved series. It represents the end of an era and the last opportunity for the Mint to produce this iconic design before transitioning to the new Roosevelt dime in 1946.
1945 Dime Specifications and Design
The 1945 Mercury dime adheres to the same specifications and design as all other coins in the series. It has a diameter of 17.9 millimeters, a thickness of 1.35 millimeters, and a weight of 2.5 grams. The coin‘s composition is 90% silver and 10% copper, giving it a distinct silver appearance and a slightly golden tone due to the copper content.
Adolph A. Weinman‘s iconic design is showcased in intricate detail on both the obverse and reverse of the 1945 dime. The obverse features a left-facing profile of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap with wings, symbolizing freedom of thought. The motto "LIBERTY" arcs above her head, while the date "1945" is positioned below the neck truncation. The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears in two parts flanking Liberty.
The reverse design prominently displays a fasces, an ancient Roman symbol of authority and strength, with an olive branch wrapped around it, signifying peace. The denomination "ONE DIME" is inscribed below the fasces, while "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arcs above. The motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is split into two parts, with "E PLURIBUS" to the left of the fasces and "UNUM" to the right.
1945 Dime Mintages
In 1945, Mercury dimes were produced at three U.S. Mint facilities: Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Each mint contributed a significant number of dimes to the year‘s total production. Here‘s a breakdown of the 1945 dime mintages:
- 1945 (Philadelphia): 159,130,000
- 1945-D (Denver): 40,245,000
- 1945-S (San Francisco): 41,290,000
These mintage figures demonstrate that the Philadelphia Mint produced the lion‘s share of 1945 dimes, accounting for nearly 66% of the total output. Denver and San Francisco each contributed around 17% of the year‘s production.
It‘s worth noting that while these mintages are relatively high compared to earlier years in the series, they are still significantly lower than the mintages of modern-day circulating coins. As a result, finding high-grade examples of 1945 dimes can be challenging, especially for the Denver and San Francisco issues.
1945 Dime Value by Grade/Condition
The value of a 1945 Mercury dime can vary greatly depending on its grade or condition. Coins are graded on a 70-point scale developed by William Sheldon, with "1" representing a barely identifiable coin and "70" indicating a perfect mint state specimen.
Here‘s a look at the approximate values of 1945 dimes in various grades:
- Good (G-4): $2-$3
- Very Good (VG-8): $3-$4
- Fine (F-12): $4-$5
- Very Fine (VF-20): $5-$7
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): $8-$12
- About Uncirculated (AU-50): $12-$18
- Mint State (MS-60): $20-$30
- Gem Mint State (MS-65): $50-$100
As you can see, the value of a 1945 dime increases significantly as its grade improves. Coins in lower grades, such as Good or Very Good, are relatively common and affordable, making them an excellent option for collectors on a budget. However, high-grade examples, especially those in Mint State condition, can command much higher prices due to their rarity and superior preservation.
It‘s important to note that these values are approximate and can fluctuate based on market conditions and other factors. Additionally, some 1945 dimes may exhibit exceptional eye appeal, attractive toning, or other desirable characteristics that can further increase their value to collectors.
Grading a 1945 Dime
Accurately grading a 1945 Mercury dime is essential for determining its value and rarity. While professional grading services like PCGS and NGC are the most reliable options, collectors can learn to grade their coins using the Sheldon scale and a few key factors.
When grading a 1945 dime, consider the following aspects:
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Wear: Assess the amount of wear on the coin‘s high points, such as Liberty‘s hair, cheek, and winged cap on the obverse, and the fasces and olive branch on the reverse.
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Luster: Evaluate the coin‘s luster, which is the natural sheen created during the minting process. Higher-grade coins will display more intact luster.
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Marks and Scratches: Look for any signs of damage, such as nicks, scratches, or dings, which can detract from the coin‘s grade.
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Eye Appeal: Consider the overall appearance of the coin, including its color, toning, and aesthetic appeal.
By carefully examining these factors, collectors can assign a grade to their 1945 dimes and get a better sense of their value. However, for the most accurate and widely accepted grading, it‘s always best to submit coins to professional grading services.
1945 Dime Error Coins and Varieties
While the 1945 Mercury dime series doesn‘t have any major recognized varieties, there are a few interesting error coins and minor variations that collectors should be aware of. These include:
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1945 Micro S Dime: Some 1945-S dimes feature a smaller than usual "S" mintmark, which is believed to have been caused by a worn or damaged punch. These "Micro S" coins are scarce and can command a premium over regular 1945-S dimes.
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Clipped Planchet: Occasionally, coins will be struck on planchets that were improperly cut or clipped during the minting process, resulting in a flat or straight edge on part of the coin. Clipped planchet errors are relatively rare and desirable to error coin collectors.
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Double Strike: In some cases, a coin may be struck twice by the dies, resulting in a doubling of design elements. Double strike errors are highly sought-after by collectors, and their value depends on the severity and visibility of the doubling.
While these errors and varieties can add an interesting dimension to a 1945 dime collection, they are generally scarce and may require patience and diligence to locate.
Collecting 1945 Dimes – Tips and Advice
For those interested in collecting 1945 Mercury dimes, here are a few tips and pieces of advice to keep in mind:
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Set Goals: Determine what you want to achieve with your collection, whether it‘s assembling a complete set of 1945 dimes from all three mints or focusing on high-grade examples.
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Budget Wisely: Establish a budget for your collecting endeavors and stick to it. Consider starting with lower-grade coins and working your way up to higher-grade examples as your budget allows.
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Study and Research: Take the time to learn about the 1945 dime series, its history, and the nuances of grading. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you‘ll be to make informed decisions when buying coins.
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Buy from Reputable Sources: Purchase coins from trusted dealers, reputable online marketplaces, or established coin shows. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as counterfeits and misrepresented coins are not uncommon.
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Store and Handle Properly: Invest in proper storage materials, such as archival-quality coin holders or albums, to protect your 1945 dimes from damage and environmental factors. Always handle your coins with care, using gloves or holding them by the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints or causing unnecessary wear.
By following these tips and continually expanding your knowledge, you‘ll be well on your way to building a rewarding and enjoyable 1945 Mercury dime collection.
Frequently Asked Questions about 1945 Dimes
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Q: Are all 1945 dimes made of silver?
A: Yes, all 1945 Mercury dimes are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. -
Q: Which 1945 dime is the rarest?
A: While there aren‘t any particularly rare regular-issue 1945 dimes, the 1945-S Micro S variety is considered scarcer than other issues from that year. -
Q: How much is a 1945 dime worth in uncirculated condition?
A: A 1945 dime in uncirculated (MS-60) condition is typically worth around $20 to $30, while a gem uncirculated (MS-65) example can fetch $50 to $100 or more. -
Q: Is it safe to clean my 1945 dime?
A: No, it‘s generally not recommended to clean your coins, as improper cleaning can cause damage and decrease their value. Leave the cleaning to professional conservation services if necessary. -
Q: How can I tell if my 1945 dime is genuine?
A: Familiarize yourself with the key characteristics of genuine 1945 dimes, such as the design details, weight, and dimensions. If in doubt, have your coin authenticated by a reputable grading service or numismatic expert.
Conclusion
The 1945 Mercury dime is a fascinating and historically significant coin that holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. As the final year of the beloved Mercury dime series, 1945 marks the end of an era and the last opportunity to own a piece of this iconic design.
By understanding the key features, mintages, and values of 1945 dimes, as well as the nuances of grading and collecting, you‘ll be well-equipped to appreciate and pursue these classic American coins. Whether you‘re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, the 1945 dime offers a compelling and rewarding collecting experience.
As you explore the world of 1945 Mercury dimes, remember to continually expand your knowledge, set clear goals, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. With patience, diligence, and a passion for numismatics, you‘ll soon find yourself immersed in the rich history and enduring allure of these timeless silver coins.
