Did you find a 1926 dime? If so, you are probably wondering about its worth and whether it is worth selling or just keeping! Luckily for you, you have come to the right place! Considering a large number of coins and different varieties, people are often perplexed by details and the grading system.
So, in most cases, they do not know whether the coin has value and whether it is worth having it graded! So, the 1926 dime is not particularly popular among the collector, and you can get one in an average state for $3. However, pieces in mint state with a specific error can cost a fortune!
1926 Dime Details
- Category: Mercury Dimes (1816-1945)
- Mint: Philadelphia, San Francisco, Denver
- Obverse Designer: Adolph A. Weinman
- Reverse Designer: Adolph A. Weinman
- Composition: Silver 90% and 10% copper
- Fineness: 0.9
- Mass: 2.5g (0.08038 ounces)
- ASW:723oz
- Melt Value:$1. 70
- Mintage: 40,508,000
The 1926 dime is considered one of the most beautiful pieces of history due to its unique design. The total mintage of 1926 is pretty high: 40, 508,000 meaning that these coins are not particularly sought-after.
However, considering Mercury dimes are made of silver, they are always worth their weight in silver. The obverse of the 1926 dime features Winged Liberty facing left and surrounded by the inscription “LIBERTY” alongside the upper rim of the coin.
Liberty is commonly found on silver coins in the US for several reasons.
The Lady Liberty symbolizes freedom of speech and thought – the fundamental American principle.
Considering that Lady Liberty was initially thought to represent the Roman god Mercury, the name Mercury dime was tied to the coin.
Underneath the chin of Lady Liberty is the American motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The date of mintage is placed on the right side of the Lady Liberty underneath her cut neckline. The reverse of 1926 is often considered one of the most complex and beautiful designs.
It features a Roman fasces positioned in the center of the dime, with an ax on top. The fasces is a bundle of wooden rods, seemingly tied together by thongs. In Roman times, the fasces represented power and authority, or a man holding executive authority.
It also symbolizes justice and strength. Alongside the rime of the reverse is the capitalized inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” while on the lower rim of the coin is the denomination “ONE DIME.”
On the right side of the reverse or the right side from the Roman fasces is the American motto “E PLURIBUS UNUS,” meaning “Out of many, one.” On the right side of the Roman fasces is also a big olive branch, symbolizing peace.
1926 Dime Value Chart |
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| Mint Mark | Fine | Extremely Fine | Mint State 65 | MS 67 |
| 1926 No Mint Mark Mercury Dime | $2.50 | $7.50 | $180 | $500-$600 |
| 1926 S Mercury Dime | $5-$7 | $20-$25 | $1,000-1,500 | $8,000-9,000 |
| 1926 D Mercury Dime | $3.4 | $20-$30 | $300-$400 | / |
1926 Dime Value and Varieties Guides
The 1926 dime was minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Although the mintage number is not particularly low, the 1926 dime is collectible, and considering that there were no 1926 proof dimes, the demand for these coins is pretty high.
However, one of the major issues is that most of the coins circulated, meaning that the ones in the mint state, such as MS 63 or MS 67, are scarce and pricey. When establishing the primary value of a coin, the metal composition also plays a vital role.
The 1926 dime is always worth at least its melt value, which often fluctuates. The standard melt value for the 1926 dime is approximately $1.70 for a non-collectible specimen.
Coins made of certain metals, such as the 1926 dime, have a higher value than pennies made of copper. However, there are other factors to consider when determining the value. The mint mark can also drastically change the price of the 1926 dime.
The most collectible and sought-after varieties are the dimes produced in San Francisco. Finding the dime with an S mint mark in a mint state can be lucrative- they generally cost a couple of thousands.
Another specific feature is tied to 1926 Mercury dimes, such as a dime with full bands. Any variety in mint state with full bands can cost a fortune and is often desirable among passionate numismatists.
The term ‘full-bands’ refers to the special grade-related designation often abbreviated as FB. The FB designation is attributed to a dime with entire upper and lower Roman fasces bands. The middle set of bands must be visibly separated, showing a complete split.
A coin must have split and rounded bands to be given this special designation. The pieces with fully split bands can cost a couple of thousands. However, they are very rare, expensive, and hard to find.
This is mainly because coins that have spent much time circulating have scratches, damage, and faded details. If you are not sure about the value of your coin, you can always have it graded.
1926 No Mint Mark Dime Value
- Type: Mercury Dime
- Edge: Plain
- Mint Mark:/
- Place of Minting: Philadelphia
- Year of minting: 1926
- Face Value: One dime ($0.10)
- Price: $2.5 -$600
- Quantity produced:32,160,000
- Designer: Adolph A. Weinmann
- Composition:90% silver and 10% copper
- Diameter:1 mm (0.70472)
- Shape: Round
- Thickness:35mm (0.05314)
The highest mintage was in Philadelphia-32,160, 000. Therefore, you can purchase many 1926 No Mint mark dimes, especially in good or fine condition. Considering the high mintage, they are not that collectible.
However, many collectors like to have them due to their complex design and metal composition. The mint mark is a major factor with 1992 Mercury dimes, given the significant differences in production volume. As usual, pieces produced in Philadelphia do not have a mint mark.
For a 1926 Mercury dime with no mint mark in good or fine condition, you can expect to pay around $2.5. Specimens in extra fine condition can cost from $9 to $11. The most valuable pieces are those with MS63 and FB designation- their price range from $60 to $65.
Some rare coins with higher grades, such as MS 67 and FB designation, can cost around $500 to $600.
1926 “S” Dime Value
- Type: Mercury Dime
- Edge: Plain
- Mint Mark:S
- Place of Minting: San Francisco
- Year of minting: 1926
- Face Value: One dime ($0.10)
- Price: $5 -$1,100 and more
- Quantity produced:1,520,000
- Designer: Adolph A. Weinmann
- Composition:90% silver and 10% copper
- Diameter:1 mm (0.70472)
- Shape: Round
- Thickness:35mm (0.05314)
The most valuable variety in the series is the 1926 Mercury dime with an “S” mint mark. The mint marks are generally located between the denominations “One” and “Dime” on the reverse. The reason why these dimes are so valuable is the low mintage number.
The San Francisco mint produced 1,520,000 coins; even in average or fine condition, they are worth $5 to $25. In extra fine condition, the 1926 S Mercury dime can cost around $150, and if the coin is uncirculated with MS 63, its price range is between $1,000 and $1,150.
If the coin has FB designation, the price can even go higher. The highest amount paid at an auction for a 1926 S Mercury dime in MS 67 was $54,620.
1926 “D” Dime Value
- Type: Mercury Dime
- Edge: Plain
- Mint Mark:D
- Place of Minting: San Francisco
- Year of minting: 1926
- Face Value: One dime ($0.10)
- Price: $3.3 -$600
- Quantity produced:6,828,000
- Designer: Adolph A. Weinmann
- Composition:90% silver and 10% copper
- Diameter:1 mm (0.70472)
- Shape: Round
- Thickness:35mm (0.05314)
The second highest mintage in the series was in Denver-6,828,000. Even though the mintage number is not as low as in San Francisco, the 1926 Mercury dimes with a D mint mark are very collectible and can cost from $50 to $76 in extremely good or near-perfect condition.
The mint mark can be found on the reverse, next to the denomination “ONE DIME.” In average and fine condition, they cost from $3.00 to $8.30. The 1926 D Mercury dime in extra fine condition costs $19 to $22.
The rarest uncirculated pieces with a D mint mark can cost around $90 or even more. Remember that some collectors are willing to pay even more if they are passionate about the coin or want to complete a series.
Also Read: Top 15 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Worth Money
1926 Mercury Dime History
The mercury dimes were struck at the US mint from 1916 to 1945 and designed by Adolph Weinman. The series contains 77 regular-issue coins with different mint marks and minting years.
The dime is very recognizable due to its complex design, which features the image of young Liberty wearing her winged Phrygian cap.
Although it was never confirmed, it is believed that Weinman used the wife of Wallace Stevens, the famous poet, as the model or muse for Lady Liberty. Before Weinman, the design for the dime, quarter, and half-dollar was the task given to Charles E. Barber.
At the time, it was believed that the coins’ design had to be changed from to time. Therefore, a competition was held to choose the best sculptor and engraver for the design of the Mercury dime. The contest was won by Weinman, who designed one of the most interesting and intricate coins.
However, initially, the production suffered various setbacks because the coin’s design did not fit the wending machines. Therefore, the US mint changed its size and design to facilitate the easy use of vending machines.
The production of the Mercury dimes was halted in 1945 when it was replaced by a new design, which featured Franklin Roosevelt.
Fun fact: the Mercury dime made a short comeback in 2016 when it was minted in gold for the centenary.
Also Read: Top 15 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money
1926 Mercury Dime Grading
If you have any knowledge of coins and the grading process, you know that it can be very complicated and differ for certain types of coins and varieties. The most desirable are the coins with the highest grades, such as MS 67 and full bands (FB).
For a coin to be given the highest grade, it must be scratch-free, with visible details and no sign of any damage to the surface of the coin
1926 Mercury Dime List of Errors
The 1926 Mercury dime has few mistakes, and it is believed that over 97% of the coins were struck without any mistakes.
1. 1926 Mercury Dime Broad Struck Error
The error called a broad struck or off-center coin refers to the unique process done incorrectly. The coin’s design is not centered correctly and within the retaining collar. This happens when the die collar is loose, creating this uneven or seemingly off-centered image.
Interestingly pieces with this error can boost the coin’s price up to $400 or even more, depending on the condition.
2. 1926 Mercury Dime Lamination Error
The lamination error occurs when a fragment of metal peels off the surface of the dime. It is a foreign body or impurity trapped within the melted metal. Generally, lamination errors do not boost the price notably.
However, if this error is in combination with a broad-struck design, the 1926 S Mercury dime can be worth over $450.
1926 Mercury Dime FAQ
Is a dime from 1926 worth anything?
The answer is yes! The 1926 Mercury dime is made of silver and copper, so it is always worth its weight in silver or melt value. Generally, their melt value is $1.70, given the coin’s weight. The most attractive and sought-after pieces include the S mint mark and full bands.
Where is the mint mark on a 1926 Mercury Dime?
The mint mark on the 1926 Mercury dime is on the reverse- between the denomination “One” and “Dime.” If you cannot find the mint mark on the dime, it was produced in Philadelphia.
What’s the history of the Mercury Dime?
The ten-cent Mercury Dimes were produced from 1926 to 1946 and designed by the famous engraver Adolph Weinman. Considering the design on the obverse, which features Lady Liberty, the coin is also referred to as the Winged Liberty Head dime.
How can you tell if a dime is rare?
The rarity of a coin depends on several factors; its condition, level of preservation, presence of errors or defects, mintage number, year of minting, and mint mark.
Depending on the coin type and its varieties, coins with CC mint marks are the most desirable because of the low mintage number and rarity.
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