The 1945 Mercury Dime holds a special place among U.S. coin collectors due to its stunning design and historical significance.
It’s often regarded as one of the most beautiful dimes ever minted, with many considering it a masterpiece of American coinage.
Collectors treasure it not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its rarity, especially when it comes to dimes featuring “Full Bands.”
What Makes the 1945 Mercury Dime Special?
The 1945 Mercury Dime, sometimes referred to as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, is notable for its high silver content—90% silver and 10% copper. Weighing 2.5 grams with a diameter of 17.91 millimeters, it features a reeded edge with 118 reeds.
This dime was minted in three main locations—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco—making it available in different varieties, each carrying a distinct mint mark or, in the case of the Philadelphia mint, no mint mark at all.
One standout feature for collectors is the “Full Bands” designation. Coins with fully visible horizontal bands on the fasces (the bundle of rods on the reverse side) are highly sought after. Of the millions of dimes minted in 1945, only a small number have been certified with Full Bands, making them rare and valuable.
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History Behind the 1945 Mercury Dime
Designed by Adolph Weinman, the Mercury Dime was first introduced in 1916 and was in production until 1945.
This year marked the end of World War II, which also coincided with the final production of this iconic coin series. The dime was subsequently replaced by the Roosevelt dime, marking the end of an era in American coinage.
Collectors today still admire the Mercury Dime’s design, especially its depiction of Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought.
Varieties and Mintage Numbers
The 1945 Mercury Dime was minted in three main varieties:
- 1945-P (Philadelphia Mint): With over 159 million dimes produced, the Philadelphia mint holds the highest mintage. These dimes typically lack a mint mark.
- 1945-D (Denver Mint): Around 40 million dimes were minted in Denver, marked with a “D.” This variety is slightly rarer than the Philadelphia version.
- 1945-S (San Francisco Mint): Approximately 41 million dimes were minted in San Francisco, marked with an “S.” Some of these coins feature the highly collectible “Micro S” mint mark, known for its smaller size compared to standard mint marks.
Errors and Rare Varieties
Along with standard varieties, collectors also seek out error coins from 1945. One famous error is the “Micro S” found on some San Francisco dimes.
These errors occur when an outdated puncheon, originally intended for foreign coins, is used. Other popular errors include strike mistakes, such as off-center strikes and broad strikes, as well as die breaks.
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Value of the 1945 Mercury Dime Today
The value of a 1945 Mercury Dime can vary greatly depending on its condition, mint mark, and whether it has Full Bands. In circulated condition, most dimes from this year are worth between $2.50 and $5.
However, uncirculated and well-preserved dimes can fetch much higher prices, with some Full Band specimens reaching up to $13,000.
The melt value of the dime, which is determined by its silver content, typically hovers around $1.75, though market fluctuations can impact this.
For serious collectors, dimes in pristine condition and those with Full Bands are considered the most valuable.
Conclusion
The 1945 Mercury Dime is more than just a coin; it’s a piece of history that collectors deeply value. Its intricate design, silver composition, and historical significance make it a must-have for coin enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, this dime is an affordable yet valuable addition to any collection, especially if you’re lucky enough to find one with Full Bands or a rare mint error.