1934 Mercury Dime

After a two-year hiatus prompted by the throes of the Great Depression, new Mercury dimes once again appeared in pockets and purses across the United States in 1934. Mercury dimes from that year mark the beginning of a second period in the series. To further clarify, Mercury dimes that were made beginning in 1934, and right up through the end of the series in 1945, are generally far more common than Mercury dimes that were made prior to 1934. Not only are post-1933 Mercury dimes vastly more numerous than those made in 1931 and earlier, but the latter Mercury dimes were also saved by coin collectors in greater numbers than the earlier pieces were.

Here’s a look at mintages and values for 1934 Mercury dimes:

• 1934, 24,080,000 minted; $6

• 1934-D, 6,772,000; $9

*Values are for coins grading Extremely Fine-40.

Both the 1934 and 1934-D Mercury dimes are easily obtainable not only in circulated grades but also in mint state condition. In fact, either can be purchased in a grade of MS-65 for $55 and $90, respectively, putting these high-grade pieces well within the financial reach of many coin collectors. Flashy, white 1934 Mercury dimes with fully split band (FSB) are particularly desirable and can be bought for a small premium.

As a footnote, 1934-D Mercury dimes come in large and small mintmark varieties. However, there’s no significant price difference for dimes of either mintmark variety at this point.