The 1918-S Mercury Dime is a prized piece for collectors, thanks to its historical significance and rarity in higher grades. This guide will break down the key facts and features of the 1918-S Mercury Dime, including its production, unique characteristics, and market value.
The History of the 1918-S Mercury Dime
In 1918, the San Francisco Mint was one of the busiest in the country, producing a range of denominations. Among them was the 1918-S Mercury Dime, part of the Mercury Dime series designed by Adolph A. Weinman. Below is an overview of the coins minted that year in San Francisco:
| Coin Type | Mintage (1918) |
|---|---|
| Lincoln Cent | 34,680,000 |
| Buffalo Nickel | 4,882,000 |
| Mercury Dime | 19,300,000 |
| Standing Liberty Quarter | 11,072,000 |
| Walking Liberty Half Dollar | 10,282,000 |
As you can see, the Mercury Dime was one of the higher-minted coins that year, with over 19 million produced. Despite the large mintage, finding high-quality examples is still a challenge for collectors.
The Importance of Full Band Dimes
One of the features that make certain 1918-S Mercury Dimes more valuable is the presence of “Full Bands” on the reverse side. Full Band (FB) dimes show complete details in the bands across the fasces. However, due to the somewhat soft strike of many of these coins, finding a Full Band 1918-S Mercury Dime, particularly in higher grades, is quite rare.
Market Data and Notable Sales
Over the years, the market for the 1918-S Mercury Dime has fluctuated. Below are some notable sales of high-grade, Full Band 1918-S Mercury Dimes:
| Grade & Certification | Sale Date | Auction House | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NGC MS68FB | January 1996 | Heritage Auctions | $22,000 |
| NGC MS68FB | August 2001 | Heritage Auctions | $35,075 |
| PCGS MS67FB CAC | April 2009 | Heritage Auctions | $63,250 |
| PCGS MS67FB CAC | January 2019 | Heritage Auctions | $144,000 |
| PCGS MS66FB | August 2024 | DLRC | $21,075 |
As seen above, the highest recorded sale price for a 1918-S Mercury Dime was $144,000 in 2019, making it one of the most valuable dimes of its kind. Coins graded by PCGS and NGC with Full Bands tend to command significantly higher prices.
Coin Specifications
To better understand the coin, here are its key specifications:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country | United States of America |
| Year of Issue | 1918 |
| Denomination | 10 Cents (USD) |
| Mintmark | S (San Francisco) |
| Mintage | 19,300,000 |
| Alloy | .900 Silver, .100 Copper |
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Obverse Designer | Adolph A. Weinman |
| Reverse Designer | Adolph A. Weinman |
| Strike Type | Business Strike |
These specifications are crucial for identifying the coin and assessing its value, especially when buying or selling high-grade examples.
Conclusion
The 1918-S Mercury Dime remains a key piece for any serious coin collector. Its historical significance, coupled with the rarity of Full Band examples in top grades, makes it a valuable addition to any collection. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, understanding the details and market trends of the 1918-S Mercury Dime is essential for making informed decisions.
FAQ’s
What makes the 1918-S Mercury Dime valuable?
The 1918-S Mercury Dime is valuable due to its relatively high mintage but poor strike quality, making well-preserved and Full Band examples rare and sought after by collectors.
What is a Full Band Mercury Dime?
A Full Band Mercury Dime has fully visible horizontal bands on the fasces on the reverse side, indicating a strong strike. These dimes are rarer and more valuable in higher grades.
How much is a high-grade 1918-S Mercury Dime worth?
A high-grade 1918-S Mercury Dime with Full Bands can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. The highest sale recorded was $144,000 for a PCGS MS67FB in 2019.
