In 1924, the United States Mint issued a dime worth noting. The 1924 Mercury Dime is an iconic American coin that collectors worldwide cherish and seek out.
While this popular coin does not carry much face value, its collectability makes the 1924 Dime a good piece for those who know what to look for.
This article will explore the 1924 Dime with a detailed look at its history, value chart and varieties, grading, and errors. With all the information here, you’ll be able to identify and determine what your 1924 Dime is worth.
1924 Dime Details
- Category: Mercury Dime
- Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco
- Total mintage: 24,010,000
- Obverse designer: Adolph Weinman
- Reverse designer: Adolph Weinman
- Edge: Reeded
- Diameter: 17.9mm (0.705 inches)
- Thickness: 1.35mm
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 2.5g
The 1924 dime is a popular coin among collectors because of its historical significance and its attractive design. The original design was created in 1916 and is known as the “Winged Liberty Head” or “Mercury Dime.”
The 1924 dime was released as the Mercury Dime, a coin that has become a classic in American numismatics. Its design was the first dime to feature a real person, with Lady Liberty’s head adorned with wings representing freedom of thought.
The design also contains a fasces, which is a symbol of authority in the form of an axe surrounded by bundled sticks.
Design Details
The design of the 1924 dime was created by Adolph A. Weinman, a renowned sculptor who is also credited with the designs on the Walking Liberty half-dollar and the Winged Liberty Head dime. The obverse of the coin features Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap, with her hair flowing freely behind her. The words “Liberty” and the date of minting, 1924, are inscribed on the obverse. The reverse features a wreath surrounding the words “One Dime” and “United States of America.” The mint mark is located near the bottom.
The diameter of the 1924 dime is 17.9mm (0.705 inches) and it has a thickness of 1.35mm. It weighs 2.5 grams and is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. The silver content gives the coin a silvery-white color whereas the copper content gives it a yellowish hue.
In 1924, the total mintage of this coin was 24,010,000. The coins were minted at three different mints, including Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D mintmark), and San Francisco (S Mintmark). Coins without a mintmark were minted in Philadelphia.
The 1924 dime is a relatively rare coin, making it a popular choice for collectors. The coins are usually found in good condition, with some coins being well-preserved. The coin’s condition is important when determining its value, so it is important to look for coins with no wear or damage.
Also Read: Top 15 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money
1924 Dimes Value Chart
|
Date |
Good
(G-4) |
Fine
(F-12) |
Very Fine
(VF-20) |
Uncirculated
(MS-60) |
Uncirculated
(MS-65) |
| 1924 (P) Dime No Mint Mark Value | 3$ | 4$ | 15$ | 45$ | 175$ |
| 1924 (D) Dime Denver Mint Value | 3.50$ | 10$ | 60$ | 175$ | 950$ |
| 1924 (S) Dime San Francisco Mint Value | 3.50$ | 24$ | 70$ | 200$ | 1250$ |
1924 Dime Values and Varieties Guides
1924 (P) Dime No Mint Mark Value
- Edge: Reeded
- Type: Mercury Dime
- Mint mark: No Mint Mark
- Year of minting: 1924
- $ Price: $3- $175
- Designer: Adolph Weinman
- Place of minting: Philadelphia
- Face value: 0.10 USD
- Quantity produced: 24,010,000
The 1924 Dime without a mint mark is the most common variety of this coin. It has a typical mintage of 24,010,000 and can be found in circulation or purchased from dealers or collectors for around $4 in Fine condition (F12).
In higher grades, this coin’s value increases significantly. Very Fine (VF20) coins can be valued at around $15, and Uncirculated (MS60) specimens are worth around $45. For the highest-grade pieces, such as those graded MS65, the price can increase to $175.
The 1924 Dime with no mint mark is a relatively simple coin to recognize. The obverse design is the same as other dime designs from this era, featuring a portrait of Liberty facing left with “LIBERTY” written across the top of the coin.
At the bottom is an inscription, “IN GOD WE TRUST.” On the reverse, an olive branch and a shield are depicted with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” written across the top of the design.
The coin’s values are inscribed at the bottom with “ONE DIME.” All these features can be seen clearly on a circulated coin.
1924 (D) Dime Denver Mint Value
- Edge: Reeded
- Type: Mercury Dime
- Mint mark: D
- Year of minting: 1924
- $ Price: $3.50- $1250
- Designer: Adolph Weinman
- Place of minting: Denver
- Face value: 0.10 USD
- Quantity produced: 6,810,000
The 1924 Dime with the Denver mint mark is a rarer issue than its Philadelphia counterpart and can be identified by the “D” mintmark on the reverse side of the coin.
Such coins have high markup values even in lower grades, with Fine specimens trading for up to 24 US Dollars and Very Fines fetching up to 70 USD. Uncirculated Mint State 60 examples of this issue tend to command prices of around 200 US Dollars.
At the same time, Uncirculated MS 65 specimens can be worth as high as 1250 US Dollars if certified in perfect condition by a professional grading service.
1924 (S) Dime San Francisco Mint Mark Value
- Edge: Reeded
- Type: Mercury Dime
- Mint mark: S
- Year of minting: 1924
- $ Price: $3.50- $950
- Designer: Adolph Weinman
- Place of minting: San Francisco
- Face value: 0.10 USD
- Quantity produced: 7,120,000
The 1924 Dime struck at the San Francisco Mint can be identified by its “S” mintmark. This coin is one of the rarest dates and mint marks for this series, with a mintage slightly higher than those for the Denver issues.
With only 7,120,000 produced in total, the 1924-S Dime is highly sought after.
This coin’s value will depend on its condition; the better its condition, the higher its price. The values for an average circulated example range from Good 3.50 USD to Fine 10 USD.
The value jumps up to 60 USD for coins in Very Fine condition. Uncirculated coins with an MS 60 grade fetch 175 USD, while those graded MS 65 can be worth 950 USD or more.
History of the 1924 Dime
The 1924 Dime is thought to have been minted between 1916 and 1945 and is part of the Mercury Dime series, and Adolph Weinman designed it.
The obverse of the coin depicts a young Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, and many would confuse it with Mercury, the Roman god, which resulted in the name. On the reverse of the coin is a fasces, The other side of a coin has a symbol of strength and unity, known as a fasces. It also has a sign of peace, which is illustrated as an olive branch.
When it was first created in 1916, the Mint officials believed that they were required to change all of their existing designs from 25 years prior. A competition was held amongst three sculptors, including Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, in which Weinman’s designs were selected for the dime and half a dollar.
The coin was initially admired for its beauty, but modifications had to be made after vending machine manufacturers experienced difficulty making it work on their devices.
The coin continued to be produced until 1945 when the Treasury ordered a new design featuring President Franklin Roosevelt to take its place. In 2016, the Mercury dime was minted again in gold as part of its centenary celebration.
Rare and unique, the 1924 Dime has since become a precious coin, with specimens selling for thousands of dollars. This makes it a highly sought-after collectible for numismatists all over the world. The coin is a reminder of the rich history of the United States and its coins.
1924 Dime Grading
Grading a 1924 Dime is determining its condition and assigning it a numerical grade from 1 to 70. A coin’s grade will determine its value, with higher grades commanding higher prices.
To accurately grade a 1924 Dime, several factors must be considered, such as strike quality, surface preservation, luster, and color.
Note that grading a 1924 Dime is subjective, and each grader may have standards for determining a coin’s condition. As such, it is best to consult with a professional grader if you need clarification on the grade of your coin. This will ensure you get an accurate and fair assessment of its value. For more information, check this video explaining coin grading.
1924 Dime Errors
1. 1924 Dime Capped Dies Error
A capped die error occurs when a previously used coin has been lodged in the collar while striking the current image. The result is an obverse or reverse of the struck coin that appears to have a second, smaller version of a design element superimposed over it.
This can be seen as overlapping letters or dates, doubled features, or a wholly doubled image.
2. 1924 Dime Counter Brockage Error
A counter brockage is an inverted version of a blockage error. In this case, the coin was struck twice on the opposite side of the die, resulting in an image that appears to be reversed.
The result is a weak or non-existent rim, flattened details, and an overall lack of definition in the coin’s relief. In some cases, only part of the design appears to be double-struck in reverse.
3. 1924 Dime Uniface Dime Error
A uniface dime error occurs when the die strikes only one side of the coin. These errors can show flattened designs with no detail, partially struck designs that are incompletely formed, and some coins may even appear as if they were cut in half.
The uniface dime error can also be found with die cracks or cuds (increased metal along the edges of a coin caused by die deterioration) on either side, known as brokerages.
4. 1924 Dime Brockage Error
The 1924 Dime Brockage Error is a particularly rare and highly sought-after error coin. It’s widely considered to be one of the most spectacular errors of all time, with its distinct design that features two obverse impressions – one incused (sunken) and one raised.
This unique error was created when an unstruck dime was sandwiched between two previously struck dimes. The result is a stunningly beautiful coin that truly stands out in any collection.
5. 1924 Dime Elliptical Planchet Error
The elliptical planchet error is one of the rarest and most desirable errors on a 1924 Dime. It is caused by an incorrectly made planchet, the metal disk that becomes the struck coin.
The planchet could have been more perfectly circular when it entered the pressing process. This resulted in a distorted image, with details appearing elongated and curved on one side. The 1924 Dime Elliptical Planchet Error is scarce, with only four known specimens.
The 1924 Dime is a highly collectible coin featuring a variety of error coins and rare mint marks. Whether you are looking to add it to your collection or simply want to assign a value for insurance purposes, always have your coin professionally graded and authenticated before making an estimate.
1924 Dime FAQs
Is a 1924 dime worth anything?
Yes, a 1924 dime can be worth anything from a few dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on the grade and any errors that may be present.
The average 1924 dime is worth around $3.54 in a circulated state, but if it’s uncirculated, it could be worth up to $235 or more. Ensure your coin is professionally graded and authenticated for an accurate value.
How much is a 1924 D dime worth?
The value of a 1924 D dime can vary significantly depending on its grade. Good-grade coins are approximately $3.50, while Very Fine grade coins can be worth up to $70 or more.
Uncirculated coins can fetch prices of $1250 or more depending on their condition and rarity.
How do I identify a 1924 dime?
A 1924 dime can be identified by its date, mint mark, and design. On the obverse (front) of the coin, it features a portrait of Liberty, surrounded by the words “United States of America” and “One Dime.”
On the reverse, it features a wreath with the words “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust.” The mint mark is located on the reverse, just above and to the right of the wreath.
Are all 1924 dimes rare?
No, not all 1924 dimes are rare. For example, the common issue 1924-S dime is fairly easy to find and can be worth up to $50 or more in uncirculated condition. However, there are some rare error coins and varieties that can be worth thousands of dollars.
Where is the mint mark on a 1924 Mercury Dime?
The mint mark on a 1924 Mercury Dime is located just below the date on the coin’s reverse side. Depending on the coin’s origin, the mint mark may be either a (D) or (S).
This indicates that the coin was minted in Denver and San Francisco. The Philadelphia Mint did not use a mint mark with its coins. The Philadelphia mint produced the most 1924 Mercury Dimes, accounting for roughly 64% of all coins from that year. The remaining 35% were minted in Denver and San Francisco.
The placement of the mint mark can provide valuable information to coin collectors, so be sure to take a close look at your Mercury Dime.