The 1921 Mercury Dime stands as one of the key dates in the Mercury Dime series, sought after by collectors and investors alike for its low mintage and historical significance. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a new coin enthusiast, understanding the value, history, and unique features of the 1921 Mercury Dime is essential to making informed collecting or investment decisions.
Key Highlights
- Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the Mercury Dime is renowned for its artistic beauty.
- The 1921 Mercury Dime was minted in Philadelphia and Denver only, with notably low mintages.
- No Proof or special issue dimes were produced in 1921.
- Scarcity in higher grades makes these coins particularly valuable.
- There are some recognized error coins for this year, adding to collector interest.
Who Designed the 1921 Mercury Dime?
The Mercury Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, was designed by noted sculptor Adolph A. Weinman. Weinman also designed the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, another iconic coin from the early 20th century. The Mercury Dime was introduced in 1916, replacing the Barber Dime, and remained in circulation until 1945.
A common misconception is that the obverse depicts the Roman god Mercury; in reality, it is a portrayal of Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. The design is considered one of the most beautiful in American coinage.
Obverse and Reverse Design
Obverse: Features Liberty with a winged cap, facing left. The inscription “LIBERTY” appears along the upper rim, with the date at the lower right and “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left of Liberty’s neck.
Reverse: Shows a fasces—a bundle of rods with an axe, representing strength and unity—overlaid with an olive branch, symbolizing peace. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DIME” encircle the fasces, with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” to the right.
Mints and Mintage Amounts for the 1921 Mercury Dime
In 1921, the Mercury Dime was produced at only two U.S. Mints:
- Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)
- Denver (D Mint Mark)
No Mercury Dimes were struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1921.
| Mint | Mintage |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 1,230,000 |
| Denver | 1,080,000 |
These low mintages contribute to the 1921 Mercury Dime’s desirability, especially in higher grades.
Proof and Special Issues
No Proof or special issue Mercury Dimes were produced in 1921. The U.S. Mint suspended Proof coinage for most circulating coins between 1916 and 1935, making all 1921 Mercury Dimes regular business strikes.
Rare and Notable Coins from the 1921 Mercury Dime Mintage
Both the Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D) issues from 1921 are considered key dates in the Mercury Dime series due to low mintage and high demand. While circulated examples are collectible, coins in uncirculated (Mint State) condition are particularly rare and valuable. Full Bands (FB) designated coins, where the horizontal bands in the fasces on the reverse are fully separated, command significant premiums.
The 1921-D Mercury Dime is especially challenging to locate in Mint State with Full Bands. Well-struck examples with this designation are among the most valuable Mercury Dimes.
Value Range for 1921 Mercury Dime by Mint and Condition
| Condition / Grade | 1921 (Philadelphia) | 1921-D (Denver) |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $60 – $90 | $70 – $110 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $180 – $260 | $200 – $300 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $300 – $450 | $400 – $600 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $550 – $950 | $800 – $1,400 |
| Mint State 60 (MS60) | $1,200 – $2,300 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Mint State 65 (MS65) | $4,000 – $9,500 | $7,000 – $16,000 |
| MS65 Full Bands (FB) | $7,000 – $18,000 | $25,000 – $60,000 |
Values are approximate as of early 2024 and vary by eye appeal, strike quality, and market demand.
Notable Error Coins from 1921
While the 1921 Mercury Dime is not widely known for major errors, there are minor varieties and errors that can interest specialists. These may include off-center strikes, double dies, and clipped planchets. However, none are widely recognized as major errors in mainstream price guides.
| Error Type | Mint | Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-Center Strike | Philadelphia/Denver | Coin struck off-center, missing part of design | $200 – $900+ |
| Clipped Planchet | Philadelphia/Denver | Portion of blank missing due to clip | $150 – $450 |
| Doubled Die Obverse | Philadelphia (rare) | Minor doubling visible on date or letters | $300 – $1,200 |
Collectors should authenticate any potential error coins with a reputable grading service.
The Most Valuable 1921 Mercury Dime Sold at Auction
The highest auction prices for 1921 Mercury Dimes have been achieved by coins with exceptional strike and Full Bands designation. Notably, a 1921-D Mercury Dime graded MS66 Full Bands by PCGS sold for over $60,000 at auction in 2010. Prices for top-graded, well-struck examples remain strong due to persistent demand and the rarity of superb specimens.
Conclusion
The 1921 Mercury Dime is a cornerstone of any complete Mercury Dime collection. Its low mintage, classic design, and strong collector demand ensure that it remains both a challenging and rewarding acquisition. Values have remained robust for both circulated and uncirculated examples, with the highest premiums reserved for Mint State coins with Full Bands. Whether collecting for historical interest or investment potential, the 1921 Mercury Dime offers a blend of scarcity, numismatic artistry, and market stability that few other coins can match.