Mercury (Winged Liberty head) dimes appeared in 1916, and the US Mint kept minting them until 1945, with a pause in 1932 and 1933. Many collectors consider these coins the most beautiful and collectible in the US Mint history.
Interestingly, Americans adored dimes from the first day of minting, and this admiration has stayed until today. Therefore, this series is a part of numerous collections throughout the US. Since many pieces still exist, the 1935 Dime value is moderate, and you can find specimens in the mint state for an affordable price.
1935 Mercury Dime History
Engraver Adolph Weinman designed the Mercury dimes in 1916 to replace the Barber (Liberty head) dimes minted from 1892. These popular coins were in circulation until 1945, but only those produced from 1916 to 1931 are considered scarce.
1935 Mercury dime |
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| Location | Year | Minted |
| Philadelphia | 1935 | 58,830,000 |
| San Francisco | 1935 S | 15,840,000 |
| Denver | 1935 D | 10,477,000 |
| Total | / | 85,147,000 |
When the Treasury Department decided to replace Barber dimes, they organized a design competition in 1916. On March 3, US Mint director Robert Woolley announced that Weinman’s design showing Lady Liberty with a Phrygian cap on her head and wings won.
Wings symbolized the freedom of thought, but most Americans believed that their new coin features the Roman god Mercury. You can see the word LIBERTY along the top coin rim. The obverse also includes the date and motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
1935 Mercury dime |
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| Face value | $0.1 (10 cents) |
| Compound | Silver (90%) and copper (10%) |
| Coin weight | 0.07234 ounces (2.5 g) |
| Coin diameter | 0.70472 inches (17.9 mm) |
| Coin thickness | 0.05315 inches (1.35 mm) |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
Roman fasces on the reverse symbolized power, while an olive branch wrapping around them represented peace. The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination were struck along the coin rim, with a Latin saying E PLURIBUS UNUM on the right.
1935 Mercury dime value* |
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| Quality | 1935 | 1935 S | 1935 D |
| Good | $2.3 | $2.3 | $2.3 |
| Very good | $2.9 | $2.9 | $2.9 |
| Fine | $3.4 | $3.4 | $3.4 |
| Very fine | $3.5 | $3.5 | $3.5 |
| Extra fine | $3.7 | $6.15 | $8.7 |
| AU | $6.5 | $14 | $24 |
| MS 60 | $12 | $25 | $40 |
| MS 65 | $40 | $46 | $103 |
*by USA Coin book
Most collectors believe that Weinman based the Liberty image on poet Wallace Stevens wife’s portrait. Plus, some details remind a sculpture of allegorical Victory in Baltimore.
1935 Mercury Dime Types
Many collectors tend to complete the Mercury dime collection. In most cases, you can get the entire set for $180 in circulated condition, while the one containing coins in the mint state will cost you almost $2,500.
The price of the set with specimens in MS 65+ grade is typically pricey and can reach $27,000 at auctions.
1935 Mercury dime
The Philadelphia mint produced 58,830,000 Mercury dimes in 1935 or more than the other two mints struck together.
1935 Mercury dime value* |
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| Year | Quality | |||
| Good | Fine | Extra fine | Uncirculated | |
| 1935 | $2.25 | $3 | $3.25 | $7 |
| 1935 S | $2.25 | $3 | $5 | $16 |
| 1935 D | $2.25 | $3 | $8 | $26 |
*by JM Bullion
Those coins are typically affordable, and you should set aside $2.5 to $6.5 for a piece in low grades. Only coins in the mint state are more pricey and will cost you $40 to $100 on average.
1935 S Mercury dime
With 15,840,000 Mercury dimes, the San Francisco mint was the second-largest mint producer in 1935. All these coins had the S mint mark at the base of an olive branch on the coin reverse.
1935 Mercury dime value* |
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| Quality | 1935 | 1935 S | 1935 D |
| Good | $3.3 | $3.3 | $3.3 |
| Very good | $3.6 | $3.6 | $3.6 |
| Fine | $3.8 | $3.8 | $3.8 |
| Very fine | $4.8 | $4.8 | $6.7 |
| Extra fine | $5.7 | $5.7 | $13.3 |
| Uncirculated | $11 | $26 | $38 |
| Brilliant uncirculated | $33 | $38 | $76 |
| BU-FB | $71 | $380 | $523 |
*by Hobbizine
The average price for circulated coins is $2.5 to $14, while those in the mint state can reach $50. Only those in MS 67 grade are more valuable and cost about $250 to $300.
1935 D Mercury dime
Precisely 10,477,000 Mercury dimes produced in 1935 had the D mint mark on the reverse. That was a sign that they were struck in Denver. This mint made the lowest number of coins that year, making them the most expensive of the three types.
Specimens in low grades will cost you $2.5 to $24, depending on condition, while you should set aside $40 to $100 for uncirculated pieces.
1935 Mercury Dime Key Dates and Rarities
You can often find a few key dates, varieties, and rarities in the Mercury dime series, but no such pieces were struck in 1935. Coins produced this year were typically ordinary and affordable without any highly appreciated exceptions.
1935 Full Bands Mercury dime value* |
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| Quality | 1935 | 1935 S | 1935 D |
| MS 61 | / | / | $50 to $57.5 |
| MS 62 | $22 to $26.4 | $50 to $60 | $65 to $74.7 |
| MS 63 | $30 to $36 | $85 to $102 | $90 to $103.5 |
| MS 64 | $37 to $44.4 | $110 to $132 | $165 to $189.7 |
| MS 65 | $55 to $66 | $250 to $300 | $290 to $350 |
| MS 66 | $105 to $126 | $450 to $540 | $600 to $690 |
| MS 67 | $285 to $340 | $850 to $1,200 | $1,320 to $2,400 |
| MS 68 | $2,000 to $2,500 | $25,000 | / |
*by Greysheet
However, 1935 Full Bands Mercury dimes with uninterrupted horizontal lines on the fasces are worth more than regular coins. The most appreciated pieces are in MS 68 grade.
Those minted in Philadelphia will cost you $2,000 to $2,500, while specimens with the S mint mark are pricey and are worth $25,000.
You can’t find coins with the D mint mark with this rating, but those in MS 67 grade are the most expensive pieces struck in Denver. Their value is about $1,300 to $2,400.
Market Analysis
Remember that silver coins, including Mercury dimes, are worth at least their weight in precious metal they are made of.
Since the silver spot price on the current market is $25.94 per 1 troy ounce (31.1 g), the minimal Mercury dime’s melt value is $1.88. In other words, even circulated coins in the worst possible condition are worth at least that much.
With that in mind, you can be sure that your coin will be valuable even in the future. Even though the silver price fluctuates over time, it always exists.
However, you should consider these collectible coins’ historical value and the inevitable reduction in available pieces. So, you can be sure they are an excellent investment for future generations.
1935 Mercury Dime Grading
Most collectors prefer buying coins estimated by one of the official coin grading services like PCGS or NGC. However, you can determine your coin value on your own by following established guidelines.
Uncirculated – This Mercury dime never spent a minute in circulation, so it has an original luster or slight toning and original texture. Since it is not particularly expensive, most collectors look for a piece in the mint state without any visible changes on the surface.
1935 Mercury dime value* |
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| Quality | 1935 | 1935 S | 1935 D |
| Good | $ 1.94 | $ 2.1 | $ 2.1 |
| Very good | $2 | $2.2 to $2.3 | $2.2 to $2.3 |
| Fine | $2.3 | $2.6 | $2.6 |
| Very fine | $3.2 to $3.4 | $3.2 to $3.4 | $3.2 to $3.4 |
| Extra fine | $ 3.8 | $5 to $7.2 | $9 to $14.4 |
| AU | $4 to $5.1 | $7 to $16.8 | $19 to $30 |
| MS 60 | $7 to $7.2 | $18 to $21.6 | $28 to $33.6 |
| MS 61 | $7 to $7.2 | $19 to $22.8 | $30 to $36 |
| MS 62 | $7 to $8 | $20 to $24 | $32 to $38.4 |
| MS 63 | $ 9 | $22 to $26.4 | $35 to $42 |
| MS 64 | $13 to $15.6 | $26 to $31.2 | $45 to $54 |
| MS 65 | $17 to $22 | $27 to $32.4 | $70 to $84 |
| MS 66 | $40 to $48 | $60 to $72 | $130 to $156 |
| MS 67 | $85 to $102 | $240 to $276 | $550 to $632.5 |
*by Greysheet
Extra fine – This coin spent limited time circulating, but it is almost impossible to see any changes on its surface with the naked eye. You will need a magnifying glass to notice light signs of wear, primarily on the wing above Liberty’s ear.
Fine – This coin spent some time in use, which left noticeable signs of wear on its surface. You can see that the central wing part and hair braid are flattened without delicate details. Many vertical lines on the reverse are merged, but inscriptions are still legible.
 1935 Mercury dime value* |
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| Year | Quality | |||
| Good | Fine | Extra fine | Uncirculated | |
| 1935 | $1.8 | $1.9 | $2.1 | $6.9 |
| 1935 S | $1.8 | $1.9 | $2.53 | $20 |
| 1935 D | $1.8 | $1.9 | $3.3 | $29 |
*by CoinStudy
Good – After years in circulation, this coin is worn out with flattened details and barely visible inscriptions. Its surface is full of scratches, and it is not rare to notice bent pieces.
This dime is not exceptionally desirable, but it is worth something because of its silver content. Plus, it can be an excellent starting point for novices.
Summary
The Mercury dime value primarily depends on its condition and the mint mark. Since the US Mint didn’t strike proofs and there are no significant errors, all pieces minted this year are affordable more or less. They are primarily interesting for collectors who want to complete the series.
