Did you accidentally find a dime from 1916? Or are you interested in buying one? Either way, you probably want to know the price of this beautiful coin.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the 1916 dime value, errors, history, and more.
1916 Dime Value Details
- Type – Mercury dimes
- Mint – Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco
- Total mintage – 32 894 080
- Obverse designer – Adolph A. Weinman
- Reverse designer – Adolph A. Weinman
- Composition – 90% silver; 10% copper
- Weight – 2.50 grams
- Diameter – 17.9 millimeters
One of the most crucial factors that determine the value of a 1916 dime is its condition.
Collectors use a scale that ranges from “poor” to “mint state” (MS) to grade the condition of a coin. While a heavily worn coin may fetch a few dollars, an MS 1916 dime can be worth a staggering $3,500-$4,000.
Another key factor that impacts the value of a 1916 dime is its rarity. The 1916 dime was minted at three different locations, namely, Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
The Philadelphia mint produced the most significant number of dimes, while the Denver and San Francisco mints produced far fewer. With only 264,000 dimes produced, the 1916-D dime is the rarest of the three, making it an alluring find for collectors.
The 1916-S dime is also considered rare, with only 10,450,000 produced. In contrast, the 1916-P dime is the most common, with 22,180,080 produced.
The variation in rarity among these dimes is a significant factor in determining their value, making the 1916-D dime the most valuable and coveted among collectors.
Collectors and numismatists should also pay close attention to the distinctive designs and mint marks that are present on the 1916 dime. The dime was minted in two unique designs, the Barber dime and the Mercury dime.
The Barber dime features the head of Liberty facing right, while the Mercury dime features the head of Liberty with a winged cap symbolizing the freedom of thought.
The latter design, which was created by the renowned sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, has become one of the most iconic coin designs in American history.
Furthermore, the mint mark, a small letter or symbol on the coin indicating where it was minted, also plays an essential role in determining the dime’s value. The Philadelphia mint did not use a mint mark, while the Denver mint used a “D,” and the San Francisco mint used an “S.”
The rarity of specific mint marks, such as the 1916-D and 1916-S dimes, makes them more valuable to collectors.
The 1916 dime is a remarkable coin that holds a special place in American numismatic history. The value of a 1916 dime is determined by its condition, rarity, design, and mint mark variations.
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1916 Dime Value Chart
| 1916 Barber Dime No Mint Mark Value | 1916-D Mercury Dime Value | 1916-S Mercury Dime Value | |
| Poor | $2-$4 | $3-$5 | $3-$5 |
| Fair | $4-$6 | $5-$7 | $5-$7 |
| About Good | $6-$8 | $7-$9 | $7-$9 |
| Good | $8-$10 | $9-$11 | $9-$11 |
| Very Good | $12-$15 | $15-$20 | $15-$20 |
| Fine | $18-$20 | $30-$40 | $35-$45 |
| Very Fine | $25-$30 | $100-$125 | $125-$150 |
| Extremely Fine | $60-$70 | $300-$350 | $400-$450 |
| About Uncirculated | $110-$120 | $600-$700 | $900-$1,000 |
| Mint State (60-63) | $200-$250 | $1,500-$1,750 | $2,500-$3,000 |
| Mint State (64+) | $1,200-$1,500 | $3,500-$4,000 | $5,000-$6,000 |
1916 Dime Value & Varieties Guide
There are several types of 1916 dimes based on the location they were produced in. Let’s learn in more detail everything you should know about these varieties of this dime.
1916 Barber Dime No Mint Mark Value
- Type – Mercury dime
- Edge – reeded
- Mint mark – no mint mark
- Place of minting – Philadelphia
- Year of minting – 1916
- Face value – 10 cents
- Price – $2 – $1 500
- Quantity produced – 22 180 080
- Designer – Charles E. Barber
- Composition – 90% silver; 10% copper
- Mass – 2.5 grams
- Diameter – 17.9 millimeters
1916 Barber Dime with no mint mark was produced at the Philadelphia Mint. The absence of the mint mark was due to the mint’s production process, where mint marks were initially left off of dies to prevent confusion between different coin series.
However, this led to some confusion among collectors, who initially believed that the coin was struck in San Francisco, where previous Barber Dimes without mint marks were produced.
This misunderstanding has contributed to the coin’s popularity among collectors, as it adds an element of mystery and intrigue to the already fascinating history of the 1916 Barber Dime.
1916-D Mercury Dime Value
- Type – Mercury dime
- Edge – reeded
- Mint mark – D
- Place of minting – Denver
- Year of minting – 1916
- Face value – 10 cents
- Price – $3 – $3 500
- Quantity produced – 264 000
- Designer – Adolph A. Weinman
- Composition – 90% silver; 10% copper
- Mass – 2.5 grams
- Diameter – 17.9 millimeters
The rarity of the 1916 D dime is a key factor that contributes to its value. Minted at the Denver Mint, with only a small percentage having the D mint mark, this coin is a scarce and prized specimen that is difficult to acquire.
The rarity of the 1916 D dime also sets it apart from other dimes from the same year, making it all the more valuable and coveted by collectors.
Another crucial factor that determines the value of a 1916 D dime is its condition. Coins that have been well-preserved and are in excellent condition can fetch much higher prices than those that are worn, scratched, or damaged.
The grading system, which evaluates the quality of a coin’s surfaces, strike, and luster, plays a critical role in determining a 1916 D dime’s value. Coins that receive high grades from reputable grading services are more valuable and command higher prices.
The historical significance of the 1916 D dime also adds to its value. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, one of the most prominent American sculptors of his time, the Mercury dime features an intricate depiction of the Roman god Mercury.
This design was well-received by the public and has since become one of the most beloved coin designs in American history. The 1916 D dime was one of the first coins to feature this iconic design, making it a rare and treasured artifact.
1916-S Mercury Dime Value
- Type – Mercury dime
- Edge – reeded
- Mint mark – S
- Place of minting – San Francisco
- Year of minting – 1916
- Face value – 10 cents
- Price – $3 – $6 000
- Quantity produced – 10 450 000
- Designer – Adolph A. Weinman
- Composition – 90% silver; 10% copper
- Mass – 2.5 grams
- Diameter – 17.9 millimeters
One lesser-known fact about this coin is that it was produced during a time of transition in U.S. coinage, as the mint was moving away from the design of the Barber coinage and transitioning to the new Winged Liberty or Mercury dime design.
As a result, the 1916-S Mercury Dime is considered a key date in the series and is highly valued by collectors.
Additionally, it is believed that a large number of 1916-S Mercury Dimes were melted down during the silver bullion crisis of the early 1980s, adding to their scarcity.
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1916 Dime History
The 1916 dime is a significant coin in American history, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. The dime was first introduced in 1796 and was known as the “disme,” but it wasn’t until 1837 that the design that is still used today was adopted.
The historical significance of the 1916 dime is multifaceted, extending beyond its function as a medium of exchange during the early 20th century.
While the coin is renowned for its distinct design, rarity, and value, its role in American numismatic history has been somewhat overlooked.
Specifically, the 1916 dime was emblematic of a transitional period in US coinage that saw a shift away from the traditional motifs of Lady Liberty and the eagle towards more contemporary designs.
With the introduction of the Mercury Dime in 1916, sculptor Adolph A. Weinman was instrumental in ushering in a new era of coinage art that moved away from the neoclassical tradition of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Weinman’s design, featuring a depiction of Liberty wearing a winged cap, was a departure from the more conventional and static depictions of Liberty seen on earlier US coins.
The design was widely praised for its innovation and served as a precursor to the Art Deco movement that would dominate American design in the 1920s and 30s.
Moreover, the 1916 Dime was produced during a time of great social and political upheaval in the United States. The country was on the brink of entering World War I, and the issues of suffrage and prohibition were at the forefront of national discourse.
Against this backdrop, the introduction of a new coin design represented not only a shift in numismatic aesthetics but also a reflection of broader cultural and societal changes.
Despite its significance as a marker of this transitional period, the 1916 Dime’s historical importance has been somewhat overlooked by collectors and scholars alike.
While the coin’s rarity and value have been extensively documented, its role in American art and cultural history remains underappreciated.
The 1916 Dime stands not only as a testament to the skill of its designer and the technical achievements of the US Mint but also as a symbol of the broader cultural and artistic movements of its time.
1916 Dime Grading
The grading process for a 1916 coin is a crucial step in assessing its condition and value. In order to properly grade a coin, it is graded on a scale that ranges from 1 to 70. Each grade on this scale reflects the level of wear and overall preservation of the coin.
The grading process involves a detailed visual inspection of the coin’s surfaces, including both obverse and reverse, to carefully examine for signs of wear, damage, or other defects that may affect the coin’s overall condition and value.
Lists of 1916 Dime Errors
As with any coin, various errors can occur during the minting process that can impact its value and desirability among collectors. Here are some of the most common errors associated with the 1916 dime.
1. 1916 dime repunched mint marks
This error occurs when the mintmark on the coin is struck more than once, resulting in a slightly distorted or doubled mintmark. These errors can be subtle and difficult to detect, but they can add significant value to the coin for collectors.
2. 1916 dime die cracks
A die crack occurs when the stamp used to mint the coin develops a crack, which can cause a distorted or incomplete image on the coin. This error can occur on both the obverse and reverse of the coin and can range in severity from minor to significant.
3. 1916 dime cud
A cud is a raised area on the coin caused by a piece of the die breaking off during the minting process. This error can result in a distinctive raised area on the coin that is highly sought after by collectors.
These errors can affect the value of the coin and can make it more desirable to collectors. However, it is important to note that not all 1916 Dimes have these errors and that each coin should be evaluated individually based on its specific characteristics and condition.
FAQs
What steps do collectors take to ensure the authenticity of a 1916 dime before purchasing it?
Discerning collectors take painstaking measures to ensure the legitimacy of a 1916 dime prior to making an investment.
Such measures include, but are not limited to inspecting the coin under magnification for any indications of tampering or counterfeiting, and seeking counsel from professional grading services to authenticate both the legitimacy and condition of the coin.
How have the technology and online marketplaces impacted the trade of 1916 dimes in the numismatic community?
Collectors must be aware that advancements in technology and the rise of online marketplaces have both positive and negative impacts on the buying and selling of 1916 dimes. They must take necessary measures to verify the authenticity of coins before making purchases.
Utilize tools such as computer imaging and 3D scanning to detect counterfeit coins. Furthermore, collectors must rely on trusted sources and use caution when purchasing rare coins to avoid falling victim to fraudulent activities.