SILVER COIN FIELD GUIDE
Mercury Dime
1916-D is the main date to flag. Keep 1921 issues and recognized overdates separate from ordinary silver examples.
The metal baseline
- Profile covers
- 1916–1945
- Composition
- 90% silver
- Standard gross weight
- 2.5 g
- Fine silver per coin
- 0.0723 troy oz
- Face value
- $0.10
Two dime designs share 1916
Barber and Mercury dimes both carry the 1916 date. Identify the design before using a key-date list: a date belonging to one series does not transfer its rarity to the other.
For a possible 1916-D or 1942 overdate, use authenticated examples of the exact issue or variety. An ordinary coin with the same year is not a comparable sale.
Where to look. Look for the mintmark low on the reverse, to the left of the fasces. Added mintmarks and altered 1916-D examples exist.
Dates and details worth a second look
This is a selected watch list, not every key date or variety in the series. Finding a matching date is a reason to inspect further—not proof of authenticity, grade, or a particular value.
What do these collector labels mean?
Key date. An important scarce issue in this series; grade and authenticity still matter.
Better date. A date or issue that merits its own comparison, not an automatic high-value finding.
Variety. A specific attributed design or die difference, not every coin with that year.
- Key date
1916-D
The series key; verify the D mintmark and authenticity.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Better date
1921 · 1921-D
Both are semi-keys. A Philadelphia 1921 has no mintmark.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Variety
1942/1 · 1942/1-D
Specific overdates, not every 1942 dime. Match the date details to a reference.
Check the attribution reference ↗
Two questions, not one price
What is the contained metal worth? This profile uses 0.0723 fine troy ounces of silver per coin. Multiply that by the number of matching coins and a current per-troy-ounce silver quote. The calculator shows the quote and its freshness when available.
What might a collector pay for this coin? That takes the exact issue, condition, surfaces, finish, and any authenticated variety. The checkpoints above explain why a collector sale may differ from the metal estimate. A calculated melt value is neither a guaranteed buying offer nor a complete appraisal.
The listed weights are standard reference specifications, with rounded published fine-metal values. They do not measure wear, damage, missing metal, or authenticity in your individual coin. Gross grams include the alloy; fine troy ounces describe the precious metal itself.
Use this profile in the calculator →Build a useful comparison
- Record the full date, mintmark, denomination, and finish. Photograph both sides and any diagnostic detail.
- Use the specific references above to check a suspected variety. Do not clean the coin to make a feature easier to see.
- Compare completed sales for the same issue and similar condition. Separate proof, special-strike, and attributed examples from ordinary coins.
- Record shipping and other costs separately. An asking price or one exceptional auction result is not a typical sold price.
References and further checking
Use these references to inspect the issue and attribution in more detail. Prices, populations, and market premiums can change.
- PCGS Mercury dime guide ↗
- 1916-D — reference ↗
- 1942/1 · 1942/1-D — reference ↗
- NGC silver melt-value reference ↗
Educational reference only; not individualized appraisal or investment advice. For a potentially valuable or questionable example, use a qualified numismatist or established authentication service.