Mercury dimes are among the most beautiful American coins produced in the 20th century’s first half. Although no longer made, the Mercury dime popularity is not declining and is still in high demand among collectors. However, most Mercury dimes are not particularly costly despite their popularity.
Collectors value uncirculated coins the most, especially because the 1936 Dime value is low, and they can find excellent pieces at an affordable price. However, some specimens can be worth more, depending on their condition, the mint mark, and possible errors.
1936 Mercury Dime History
The US Mint started producing Mercury dimes in 1916, according to Adolph Weinman‘s beautiful design. That year, the Treasury Department announced a competition for a conceptual design solution to replace the previous Barber dimes.
1936 Mercury dime |
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| Location | Year | Minted |
| Philadelphia | 1936 | 87,500,000 |
| Philadelphia | 1936 proof | 4,130 |
| San Francisco | 1936 S | 9,210,000 |
| Denver | 1936 D | 16,132,000 |
| Total | / | 112,846,130 |
Weinman never revealed who the model for the Lady Liberty bust was. However, there were various speculations that the model was Elsie Stevens. She was lawyer Wallace Stevens’s wife, who rented an apartment from the sculptor.
1936 Mercury dime |
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| Face value | 10 cent ($0.10) |
| Compound | 90% silver with copper |
| Coin weight | 0.08037 troy ounces (2.5 g) |
| Silver weight | 0.07234 troy ounces (2.25 g) |
| Coin diameter | 0.7051 inches (17.91 mm) |
| Coin thickness | 0.0768 inches (1.95 mm) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Shape | Round |
The coin obverse design depicts a Lady Liberty bust facing left, with a Phrygian cap and wings on her head. You can read the inscription LIBERTY on the upper rim, while the minting date is placed below the Liberty bust. Finally, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST is on the left coin side.
1936 Mercury dime value* |
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| Quality | 1936 | 1936 S | 1936 D |
| Good | $2.2 | $2.2 | $2.2 |
| Very good | $2.8 | $2.8 | $2.8 |
| Fine | $3.3 | $3.3 | $3.3 |
| Very fine | $3.4 | $3.4 | $3.9 |
| Extra fine | $3.8 | $3.8 | $6.4 |
| AU | $6.8 | $14 | $17 |
| MS 60 | $12 | $27 | $28 |
| MS 65 | $35 | $40 | $63 |
| PR 65 | $1,594 | / | / |
*by USA Coin book
You can notice that the coin reverse is extremely interesting. It shows the Roman fascia with an olive branch surrounding it from behind. To the right of the fascia is the saying E PLURIBUS UNUM.
The country’s name, the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, is placed along the upper coin rim, while the denomination ONE DIME is on its bottom.
1936 Mercury Dime Types
In 1936, three mints minted Mercury dime, Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Nearly 113,000,000 specimens were minted by these mints that year.
1936 Mercury dime
The 1936 Mercury dimes without a mint mark are undoubtedly from the Philadelphia mint. This mint minted 87,500,000 coins that year. Unfortunately, they have no significant value on the current coin market due to the high mintage.
1936 Mercury dime value* |
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| Quality | 1936 | 1936 S | 1936 D |
| Good | $1.5 to $2 | $1.5 to $2 | $1.5 to $2 |
| Fine | $1.75 to $2.25 | $1.75 to $2.25 | $1.75 to $2.25 |
| Very fine | $3 to $3.5 | $3 to $3.5 | $3 to $3.5 |
| Uncirculated | $4.5+ | $4.5+ | $4.5+ |
*by Hobbizine
That is why this coin in good condition can be yours for about $2. Interestingly, even a piece with an MS 67 rating is not pricey, and you can buy it for a little over $110.
1936 proof Mercury dime
The US Mint resumed proof coins production in 1936, which it discontinued in 1916 due to reduced interest from collectors. The Philadelphia mint minted only 4,130 proof Mercury dimes in 1936, making them valuable.
If you want to add one of these pieces in high grade to your collection, you will need to set aside $550 to $3,000 for it. The final price will primarily depend on its rating.
1936 S Mercury dime
With just 9,210,000 minted Mercury dimes, the San Francisco mint produced the fewest specimens that year. You can quickly recognize this coin by the S mark on the reverse.
1936 Mercury dime value* |
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| Quality | 1936 | 1936 D | 1936 S |
| Good | $2 | $2 | $2 |
| Fine | $2 | $2 | $2 |
| Very fine | $3 | $3 | $3 |
| Extra fine | $3 | $3 | $8 |
| AU | $10 | $18 | $18 |
| MS 63 with full bands | $18 | $47 | $25 |
*by Coin HelpU
Despite the small number of minted coins, their value on the market is not significant. You can buy a piece in good condition for about $2, while a dime with an MS 67 rating is a bit more expensive and will cost you about $200.
1936 D Mercury dime
The Denver also participated in the Mercury dimes production in 1936. This mint made 16,132,000 coins with the D mint mark.
1936 Mercury dime value* |
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| Year | Quality | |||
| Good | Fine | Extra fine | Uncirculated | |
| 1936 | $2.25 | $3 | $3.5 | $7 |
| 1936 S | $2.25 | $3 | $3.5 | $13 |
| 1936 D | $2.25 | $3 | $6 | $16 |
*by JM Bullion
If you want to add this dime to your collection, a piece in good condition will cost you about $2. However, you will need a little more money, around $410, for a specimen with an MS 67 rating.
1936 Mercury Dime Rarities and Key Dates
The Full Bands label for Mercury dime refers to the coin reverse design. It shows the separation on the strip that wraps the bundle of sticks and the ax, especially in the middle.
1936 Full Bands Mercury dime value* |
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| Quality | 1936 | 1936 S | 1936 D |
| MS 62 | / | / | $54 to $62 |
| MS 63 | $31 to $37.26 | $41.85 to $50 | $94 to $109 |
| MS 64 | $36.45 to $47.25 | $65 to $78 | $130 to $169 |
| MS 65 | $88 to $128 | $122 to $140 | $247 to $284 |
| MS 66 | $130 to $154 | $162 to $195 | $273 to $314 |
| MS 67 | $403 to $500 | $468 to $572 | $780 to $897 |
| MS 68 | $2,750 to $3,250 | $15,000 to $18,000 | $7,500 to $8,620 |
*by Greysheet
Most collectors prefer to choose Mercury dime with this label because it shows a strong strike on the coin surface, unlike other pieces in the series. However, those specimens are more an exception than a rule.
Some of these Mercury dimes can be costly. Their price ranges from $2,750 to $18,000, depending on the mint mark and grade.
1936 Mercury Dime Grading
When you start evaluating a coin, you first need to determine if it has the mint mark. The next step is to check its condition. Every collector wants to make sure that a dime added to their collections is of the highest quality possible.
For that reason, they often send coins to an authorized company for evaluation. However, you can do this yourself by following the coin characteristics typical for each grade.
Uncirculated – The 1936 Mercury dime with this rating never went from hand to hand. Therefore, you can see the original shine on its surface without any changes in the texture. As expected, a coin with this rating has the highest value on the market.
1936 Mercury dime value* |
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| Year | Quality | |||
| Good | Fine | Extra fine | Uncirculated | |
| 1936 | $1.8 | $1.9 | $2.14 | $6.9 |
| 1936 S | $1.8 | $1.9 | $2.14 | $21 |
| 1936 D | $1.8 | $1.9 | $3.3 | $24 |
*by CoinStudy
Extra fine – The coin rated in this way spent a short time in circulation. Although it looks intact at first glance, a closer check will show that the Liberty’s hair near her eye is slightly flattened. Plus, feathers are smooth in some areas.
Fine – This Dime was in circulation for a long time and has suffered some damage during that period. Although you can notice signs of wear on its surface, this coin is in decent condition, given its age. You can typically see partial flattening on the relief, particularly on Liberty’s hair.
1936 Mercury dime value* |
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| Quality | 1936 | 1936 S | 1936 D |
| Good | $2.5 | $2.8 | $2.8 |
| Very good | $2.55 to $2.6 | $2.9 to $3 | $2.9 to $2.97 |
| Fine | $3 | $3.38 | $3.4 |
| Very fine | $4.2 to $4.5 | $4.19 to $4.5 | $4.2 to $4.5 |
| Extra fine | $5 | $6.75 to $9.7 | $9.72 to $11.3 |
| AU | $5.2 to $6.95 | $9.45 to $25.9 | $12.15 to $27.6 |
| MS 60 | $9.45 to $9.7 | $27 to $32.4 | $28.35 to $34 |
| MS 61 | $9.45 to $9.7 | $28.35 to $34 | $31 to $37.6 |
| MS 62 | $9.45 to $10.8 | $29.7 to $35.6 | $33.75 to $40.5 |
| MS 63 | $12.15 | $32.4 to $38.9 | $37.8 to $45.4 |
| MS 64 | $17.55 to $21 | $33.75 to $40.5 | $44.55 to $53 |
| MS 65 | $22.95 to $29.7 | $35.1 to $42.1 | $54 to $65 |
| MS 66 | $47.25 to $57 | $74 to $89 | $88 to $105 |
| MS 67 | $94 to $113 | $169 to $203 | $358 to $411 |
*by Greysheet
Good – This assessment shows that the dime was in circulation for a very long time. On its surface are noticeable scratches and significant damage. In some cases, Liberty’s portrait is a barely visible outline with only a few details, and the letters in the inscriptions are scarcely visible.
Summary
The 1936 Mercury dime value depends on several factors. In the first place is this 100-year-old coin’s preservation. The mint mark also affects the coin value, plus you should calculate the silver value on the current precious metal market. Remember that this piece has both collectible and bullion value.
