The 1927-S Mercury Dime is an iconic coin from the United States that holds significant historical and numismatic value. Collectors seek this dime for its rarity and the fascinating history behind it. Here’s everything you need to know about the 1927-S Mercury Dime, from its background to its market value today.
The Historical Significance of 1927-S Mercury Dime
1927 was a remarkable year in American history. It was the year Charles Lindbergh flew his famous solo flight across the Atlantic, revolutionizing aviation. The Ford Motor Company introduced the Model A car, replacing the long-standing Model T.
The era also saw Babe Ruth hitting 60 home runs, leading the Yankees to a World Series victory. Meanwhile, Hollywood saw the arrival of “talkies” with the film The Jazz Singer, and America seemed to be on an upward trajectory of progress and innovation.
However, beneath this era of optimism, dark economic clouds were forming, especially in Europe. Germany faced an economic downturn due to rising interest rates, leading to a stock market crash that eventually contributed to the rise of the Nazi Party. While the U.S. enjoyed a brief period of economic growth, the worldwide financial turbulence was soon to hit home, culminating in the Great Depression by the end of the decade.
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The 1927-S Mercury Dime: Production and Minting
In 1927, the San Francisco Mint struck 4,770,000 Mercury Dimes, marking it as one of several notable coin productions that year. Other coins minted in San Francisco included the Lincoln Cent, Buffalo Nickel, Standing Liberty Quarter, Walking Liberty Half Dollar, Peace Dollar, and the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle.
Among these, the 1927-S Mercury Dime is a sought-after piece, particularly for those aiming to complete their Mercury Dime collections. Despite its relatively high mintage number, finding one in high-grade condition can be challenging, making it a coveted item for collectors.
What Makes the 1927-S Mercury Dime Valuable?
While the 1927-S Mercury Dime isn’t necessarily rare in circulated grades, its value rises dramatically in uncirculated or high-quality conditions, especially those with Full Bands (FB). “Full Bands” refers to the horizontal lines on the reverse side of the coin, which are clearly visible and not worn down.
For circulated examples, the coin can typically be found on eBay and other platforms for prices ranging from $15 for lower grades up to $500 for well-preserved pieces. However, collectors should exercise caution and verify the authenticity of these coins, as counterfeits and harshly cleaned examples are not uncommon.
In uncirculated grades, especially those certified by reputable grading services like CAC, NGC, or PCGS, the value skyrockets. In recent auctions, a Mint State (MS) 62 example sold for $634, while a higher-grade MS63 went for over $1,000. For coins with Full Bands in MS65 or better, the price jumps to over $5,000, with some rare pieces fetching even more.
Record Sales and Top-Grade Specimens
As of October 2024, PCGS reports two MS67FB coins in existence, both linked to high-profile collections. One belongs to billionaire collector Dell Loy Hansen, while the other is part of the “MadHatter” Registry Set. These top-population coins are prized for their superior quality and eye appeal.
Other noteworthy sales include:
- An MS67FB example sold for $19,550 at a Heritage Auction in 2008, and later for the same amount in 2010.
- Another MS66+FB sold for $16,100 in 2011, showcasing the strong market demand for high-grade 1927-S Mercury Dimes.
These exceptional examples feature unique toning patterns, such as streaks of gold, green, and magenta, which further enhance their value and appeal to collectors.
Coin Specifications
- Country: United States of America
- Year of Issue: 1927
- Denomination: 10 Cents (USD)
- Mintmark: S (San Francisco)
- Mintage: 4,770,000
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Weight: 2.5 grams
- Diameter: 17.9 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Designer (Obverse and Reverse): Adolph A. Weinman
- Quality: Business Strike
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Final Thoughts
For numismatists and coin enthusiasts, the 1927-S Mercury Dime is more than just a piece of history. It represents a unique blend of historical significance, artistic design, and market value. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, adding this coin to your collection can be both a rewarding and valuable investment.