The Mercury Dime, also known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, is a favorite among coin collectors. Its beautiful design and rich history make it a special coin.
First made to replace the Barber dime, this coin quickly caught attention for its elegant look. It’s made of 90% silver, which adds both collectible and material value. Among the years it was made, the 1919 version stands out for being rare and valuable, especially in excellent condition.
How Much Is a 1919 Mercury Dime Worth?
The coin’s value depends on where it was made (mint mark) and its condition. Here’s a general price guide:
Mint Mark Extremely Fine AU58 (Almost Uncirculated) MS63 (Uncirculated) MS66 (Gem Uncirculated) MS67 (Superb Uncirculated)
1919 (No Mint Mark) $20 $60 $200 (Full Bands: $275) $1,050 (Full Bands: $1,850) $2,350 (Full Bands: $11,500)
1919 “D” (Denver) $75 $335 $800 (Full Bands: $3,250) $4,750 (Full Bands: $135,000) –
1919 “S” (San Francisco) $75 $375 $1,150 (Full Bands: $5,000) $3,500 (Full Bands: $100,000) $4,750 (Full Bands: $150,000)
Understanding Coin Grading for the 1919 Dime
A coin’s value goes up a lot if it’s in great shape. Uncirculated coins, meaning they haven’t been used much or at all, are worth more. To check if your 1919 dime is uncirculated, look for its original shine and detail.
Pay attention to Lady Liberty’s hair, cheek, and ear—if there’s no wear, it might be uncirculated. On the back, the bands on the fasces (a bundle of rods) should be clear and complete. These are called “Full Bands,” and they make the coin more valuable.
Coin Grading Basics
Here’s a quick look at the different grades for coins:
Basal State-1: Almost impossible to identify
Fair / Very Fair (4-6): Very worn, barely readable
Good (7-10): Worn but readable
Very Good (12-15): More details visible
Fine (20-30): Moderate wear
Very Fine / Extremely Fine: Slight wear
About Uncirculated: Minor signs of wear
Mint State (60-70): Like new
Higher grades mean higher prices, especially if the coin has strong details and Full Bands.
1919 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
Over 35 million dimes were made in Philadelphia in 1919. These are easy to find in lower grades, but well-kept ones are more valuable. A coin in Extremely Fine shape can be worth about $20.
If it’s AU58, it might sell for $60. Uncirculated (MS63) coins can fetch around $200. Higher-grade coins like MS66 can reach $1,050, and MS67 ones may be worth $2,350. If the coin has Full Bands, prices go up even more—sometimes up to $11,500.
1919 D Mint Mark (Denver)
The Denver Mint made fewer than 10 million dimes in 1919, making them harder to find. Even used coins from Denver are considered rare. In Extremely Fine condition, it can be worth around $75.
AU58 coins may sell for $335. Uncirculated (MS63) versions are worth about $800, but with Full Bands, they can reach $3,250. A high-quality MS66 coin might be sold for $4,750, and a Full Bands version of that grade has sold for a whopping $135,000 at auctions.
1919 S Mint Mark (San Francisco)
San Francisco produced just over 8.8 million dimes in 1919, the lowest among the three mints that year. These coins are even rarer in good shape. In Extremely Fine condition, one could sell for around $75, and AU58 versions can go for $110–$375.
Mint State coins are far more valuable. An MS62 example might be worth $825, and MS64 versions up to $1,650. Coins with Full Bands bring in the most money—MS66 coins can be worth $100,000, and MS67 ones might sell for as much as $150,000.
Rare Errors in 1919 Dimes
Some 1919 Mercury dimes have mistakes from the minting process that make them worth a lot more. One rare error is the Doubled Die Obverse, where parts of the front design look doubled. This is often noticeable in the phrase “In God We Trust.” Even worn coins with this error have sold for more than $2,800.
Another type is the Off-Center Strike, where the design is misaligned. A dime with a 10% off-center error in MS62 condition sold for $300. There’s also the Broadstrike Error, where the coin is struck without the collar, giving it a stretched look. One in AU50 grade sold for about $100.
Selling a 1919 Mercury Dime
Thinking of selling your 1919 dime? It’s best to get it professionally graded first. Many trustworthy dealers offer free evaluations and can help you sell your coin for the best price.
The condition, mint mark, and any errors all affect how much your coin is worth. Coins in great shape or with rare features are especially valuable to collectors, so getting a proper appraisal is key. If your coin is rare or in Mint State, having it certified can significantly increase what someone will pay for it.