If you have been collecting coins for a long time, chances are you have the 1945 Mercury dime. This is one of the most special coins to have come from the 1940s. In this post, you will learn what makes 1945 dimes valuable and how much they are worth in different states (well-preserved to circulated)
The 1945 Mercury dime—also known as the Winged Liberty Head dime—is a beloved yet unusual coin. If you are new to coin collecting, you might find it challenging to value the coin due to its unusual design and intricate details. However, as a seasoned collector, you will recognize the coin's great worth and appreciate the effort put into its exquisite design.
Despite this, determining the dime's worth in 1945 may be difficult for you. If that's the case, worry not; we have you covered. This post provides a comprehensive guide on the 1945 dime value, giving you all the information you need to accurately value the coin. Read on to learn more!
Brief History of The 1945 Dime
The 1945 Mercury dime is named so because the coin's obverse features a portrait of the Roman god, Mercury. The dime marked the end of World War II, which started in 1941 and symbolized victory for the United States. Thanks to American sculptor Adolph A.
Weinman who created the coin's aesthetic design, many collectors consider the coin one of the most beautiful in American history. This makes the coin highly sought-after and valuable.
The Mercury dime was last struck in 1945 after a long run of about 30 years, which is quite long compared to other coin series. In 1946, the currency was withdrawn from circulation and replaced by the Roosevelt dime, which had an entirely new design.
How Valuable Is the 1945 Dime?
The condition, rarity, and market demand all play a role in the Mercury dime's value, as they do with every collector coin. The metallic composition is also important due to the value of the metal used.
If you have a Mercury coin in good condition, you fetch about $3.00 —the price is higher for higher-grade coins. You can get up to $35.00 or more if the coin is extremely fine or uncirculated. It's worth noting that if a collector comes across a coin that's in remarkably fine condition, they may give it an evaluation of $80.
To fetch a higher value from 1945 Mercury dimes, look for high-quality specimens with good eye appeal and few blemishes. While proof and error coins can also be valuable, they may be harder to find and more expensive to acquire.
1945 Dime Value Chart
When determining the value of a 1945 Mercury coin, you need to take the quality of the coin into consideration. The coin's value might fluctuate depending on the amount of wear and tear on the silver and copper. If your coin has undergone much wear and tear, the value will be much lower than if it was in pristine condition.
The mint mark is yet another factor to take into account when determining the coin’s value. The Mercury coin was minted in three different locations—San Francisco (S), Denver (D), and Philadelphia (no mint mark)—with Philadelphia being the rarest and most valuable of the three.
That said, the following chart shows the value of a 1945 dime in various conditions and with various mint marks:
| Coin | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1945 | $1.49 | $1.59 | $1.79 | $4.21 |
| 1945 D | $1.49 | $1.59 | $1.79 | $4.21 |
| 1945 S | $1.49 | $1.59 | $1.79 | $4.21 |
How Much Is a 1945 Mercury Dime Error?
You can always bet that an error coin will be worth more than its face value, especially a 1945 Mercury dime error. Errors can manifest in many ways, including incorrect mintmarks, missing or misaligned lettering, and off-center placement. Of course, unique and rare errors can be worth more than standard errors.
Also, note that most collectors take the condition of the coin into consideration when determining the value of an error coin. Depending on the error, you can fetch anywhere from $10-$100 or more for a 1945 Mercury dime error.
How Much Silver Is In a 1945 Mercury Dime?
The silver content in a coin is a crucial factor in determining its value in the numismatic world. If a coin is pristine, you can always bet it is worth at least its silver weight value—the 1945 Mercury dime is no exception! The coin is made up of 90% silver and 10% copper meaning you can fetch a reasonable amount for it considering the value of silver in the current market.
Both silver and copper are prone to oxidation, which can decrease the coin's value. Always ensure the coin is in good condition before buying it to avoid making costly mistakes.
How to Grade the 1945 Mercury Dime?
When grading a coin, it all comes down to condition. The following are some ways you can grade the 1945 Mercury dime:
- Good: A good coin is a coin that is not in pristine condition. The coin has lost some of its sharpness, and the design details are worn down. Typically, these coins have scratches and nicks, making them less valuable.
- Fine: A coin in Fine condition will show some light wear on the high points of the design. Just like Good coins, these coins have lost their sharpness of detail but still have some clarity.
- Extremely Fine: The coin should show a minimum amount of wear. These coins should have all design details clearly visible and only show minor signs of wear. They are only lightly circulated and still have a full luster. You should be able to fetch a high price for coins in this condition.
- Uncirculated: An uncirculated 1945 Mercury dime is one that has not been circulated and is in its original condition. This is the highest grade for a 1945 Mercury dime and is worth the most. If you have such a coin, you may want to get it certified by a third-party grading service to ensure it is as valuable as possible.
Assessing a coin's grade is subjective; therefore, use a grading agency to give an unbiased judgment. Top services include PCGS, NGC, and ANACS.
Bottom Line
A 1945 Mercury dime can be a valuable addition to any coin collection. Its unique design, historical significance, and rarity make it a highly sought-after coin. Depending on its condition, mint mark, and possible errors, a 1945 Mercury dime can fetch anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds.
So, if you're a coin collector or looking to start a collection, don't overlook the value of a 1945 Mercury dime. Who knows, you might just have a treasure in your hands!
