The 1945 Mercury Dime marks the final year of an iconic American coin series, beloved by collectors and investors alike. While the majority of these silver dimes are common, certain mint marks, conditions, and error varieties can command notable premiums. This comprehensive guide covers the coin’s design, mintage figures, error coins, and current market values to assist both new and seasoned numismatists.
Key Highlights
- Last year of the Mercury Dime series (1916–1945)
- Designed by Adolph A. Weinman
- Minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco
- Contains 90% silver, 10% copper
- Certain varieties and errors are valuable to collectors
Who Designed the 1945 Mercury Dime?
The Mercury Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, was designed by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman. His initials “AW” appear on the obverse to the right of Liberty’s neck. Weinman also designed the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, another classic of American coinage.
The “Mercury” nickname comes from the coin’s obverse, which features Liberty wearing a winged cap—a symbol of freedom of thought. This resemblance to the Roman god Mercury led to the coin’s popular nickname.
- Designer: Adolph A. Weinman
- Years of Issue: 1916–1945
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Diameter: 17.9 mm
- Weight: 2.5 grams
Obverse and Reverse Design
The obverse features Liberty facing left, adorned with a winged cap, symbolizing liberty of thought. The word “LIBERTY” arcs above, with the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date “1945” below.
The reverse depicts a fasces—a bundle of rods with an axe—symbolizing unity and strength, with an olive branch wrapping around it, representing peace. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DIME” appear around the edge, with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” to the right.
Which Mints Issued the 1945 Mercury Dime?
The 1945 Mercury Dime was struck at three U.S. Mint facilities:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (D)
- San Francisco (S)
1945 Mercury Dime Mintage Figures
| Mint | Mintage | Mint Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 159,130,000 | None |
| Denver | 40,245,000 | D |
| San Francisco | 41,920,000 | S |
No proof or special issue dimes were struck in 1945, as proof coinage was suspended during World War II (1943–1949).
Notable and Interesting Facts
- The 1945 issue marked the end of the Mercury Dime series, replaced in 1946 by the Roosevelt Dime.
- The Mercury Dime series is renowned for its artistic design and its symbolic representation of liberty and peace.
- 1945 dimes were struck in large numbers, making circulated examples common, but high-grade and certain varieties remain sought after.
Notably Rare 1945 Mercury Dimes
Most 1945 Mercury Dimes are readily available, but a few varieties and high-grade coins are considered rare and valuable:
- 1945-S Micro S: This variety features a smaller-than-normal “S” mintmark. It is scarcer than the standard 1945-S and commands a premium, particularly in higher grades.
- Full Bands (FB): Mercury Dimes with fully separated horizontal bands on the fasces (reverse) are rare in grades MS65 and above, especially for the Denver and San Francisco issues.
The most valuable 1945 Mercury Dimes are generally those graded Mint State (MS67 or higher) with Full Bands.
Notable Error Coins from 1945
Although most 1945 Mercury Dimes were well-struck, some error coins exist and are of particular interest to collectors. The following table highlights notable errors from this year:
| Mint | Error Type | Description | Value Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco (S) | Micro S | Smaller than normal “S” mintmark | $15 (VG) – $1,500 (MS67 FB) |
| Various | Off-Center Strike | Planchet struck off-center, partial design missing | $75 – $400+ |
| Philadelphia/Denver/San Francisco | Clipped Planchet | Coin with a curved clip from miscut planchet | $30 – $200 |
| All | Double Die | Notable doubling on date or lettering (rare) | $100 – $700+ |
1945 Mercury Dime Value by Mint and Condition
Values for 1945 Mercury Dimes depend on mint mark, condition, and variety. The following table provides an overview of value ranges as of 2024:
| Mint | Good (G4) | Very Fine (VF20) | Extremely Fine (EF40) | About Uncirculated (AU50) | Mint State (MS63) | Mint State (MS65 FB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (None) | $2 | $3 | $4 | $6 | $10 | $55 |
| Denver (D) | $2 | $3 | $5 | $8 | $20 | $100 |
| San Francisco (S) | $2 | $3 | $5 | $8 | $18 | $110 |
| San Francisco (Micro S) | $15 | $30 | $65 | $120 | $400 | $1,500 |
FB = Full Bands designation, indicating the coin has fully separated bands on the reverse fasces.
Most Valuable 1945 Mercury Dime Sold at Auction
The most valuable 1945 Mercury Dime sold at auction is a 1945-S Micro S graded MS68 Full Bands by PCGS, which realized $25,850 at a Heritage Auctions sale in 2010. High-grade examples of the 1945-D and 1945-S with Full Bands designations also command significant premiums, often exceeding $5,000–$10,000 at top grades.
Conclusion
The 1945 Mercury Dime is an accessible and historically significant coin for both collectors and investors. While most examples are valued chiefly for their silver content, certain varieties—especially the 1945-S Micro S and high-grade Full Bands coins—offer substantial collectible value. Understanding the nuances of mint marks, error coins, and grading is essential for maximizing the enjoyment and potential investment return of these classic silver dimes.