Have you ever wondered if that old dime tucked away in your change jar might be worth more than its face value? For coin collectors and history enthusiasts alike, the 1936 Mercury dime holds a special allure. This article will dive deep into the fascinating world of 1936 dimes, uncovering their rich history, true market value, and the exciting errors that can make some of these coins truly extraordinary.
A Journey Through Time: The Mercury Dime's Legacy
Before we explore the specifics of 1936 dimes, let's take a moment to appreciate the coin's design and origin.
- Designed by renowned sculptor Adolph A. Weinman in 1916
- Features Lady Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom of thought
- Nicknamed "Mercury dime" due to Liberty's resemblance to the Roman god Mercury
- Minted from 1916 to 1945, replaced by the Roosevelt dime in 1946
The Mercury dime is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful coins in American numismatic history, making it a perennial favorite among collectors.
The 1936 Mercury Dime: A Closer Look
To truly understand the value of a 1936 dime, it's essential to know its key features:
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 2.5 grams
- Diameter: 17.9 mm
- Edge: Reeded (118 reeds)
- Mint marks: None (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco)
- Designer: Adolph A. Weinman
- Obverse: Profile of Liberty wearing a winged cap
- Reverse: Fasces (bundle of rods) with an olive branch
Grading the 1936 Mercury Dime: A Numismatist's Perspective
The value of a 1936 dime largely depends on its condition. Professional coin graders use the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from 1 to 70, with 70 being perfect condition. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Good (G-4): Heavily worn but major features still visible. Rims must be complete.
- Very Good (VG-8): Moderate wear, all major details clear. Some of Liberty's hair details visible.
- Fine (F-12): All major details clear, but worn. Full rim and clear LIBERTY.
- Very Fine (VF-20): Light wear on high points. All letters in LIBERTY clear.
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): Light wear, some mint luster may remain. All details sharp.
- About Uncirculated (AU-50 to AU-58): Slight wear on high points, most luster intact.
- Mint State (MS-60 to MS-70): No wear, ranging from imperfect to flawless. Full luster.
1936 Dime Values by Mint Mark: A Comprehensive Guide
1936 (Philadelphia – No Mint Mark)
- Mintage: 87,500,000
- Circulated condition:
- Good: $2.75
- Fine: $3.20
- Extremely Fine: $3.95
- Mint State:
- MS-60: $10
- MS-63: $20
- MS-65: $65
- MS-67: $400
- MS-68: $650
1936-D (Denver)
- Mintage: 16,132,000
- Circulated condition:
- Good: $3.25
- Fine: $4.50
- Extremely Fine: $21
- Mint State:
- MS-60: $26
- MS-63: $55
- MS-65: $150
- MS-67: $325
- MS-68 Full Bands: $4,500
1936-S (San Francisco)
- Mintage: 9,210,000
- Circulated condition:
- Good: $3.20
- Fine: $4
- Extremely Fine: $9
- Mint State:
- MS-60: $24
- MS-63: $55
- MS-65: $125
- MS-67: $225
- MS-68 Full Bands: $20,000
The Allure of Full Bands: A Collector's Holy Grail
Collectors place a significant premium on Mercury dimes with "Full Bands" (FB). This designation refers to the complete separation of the horizontal bands on the fasces on the reverse of the coin. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), Full Bands examples can command substantially higher prices:
-
1936 FB:
- MS-61: $15
- MS-65: $150
- MS-67: $750
- MS-68: $2,400
-
1936-D FB:
- MS-61: $33
- MS-65: $350
- MS-67: $1,500
- MS-68: $4,500
-
1936-S FB:
- MS-61: $28
- MS-65: $325
- MS-67: $3,000
- MS-68: $20,000
1936 Proof Mercury Dimes: A Numismatic Treasure
The Philadelphia Mint produced 4,130 proof Mercury dimes in 1936. These specially struck coins are highly prized by collectors for their mirror-like fields and frosted devices. According to recent auction data:
- PR-60 to PR-64: $650 to $925
- PR-65 to PR-67: $1,200 to $3,500
- PR-68: $28,000 to $33,600
- PR-69: $45,000+ (extremely rare)
Fascinating 1936 Mercury Dime Errors: A Treasure Hunter's Guide
Error coins can be some of the most valuable and interesting to collectors. Here are some notable errors found on 1936 Mercury dimes:
Double Die Obverse
This error occurs when the die strikes the coin twice, slightly offset. According to the Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties:
- MS-64: $129
- MS-65: $325
- MS-66 Full Bands: $975
- MS-67 Full Bands: $1,795
Die Clash
When two dies strike each other without a planchet between them, it can leave a faint image on subsequent coins. This error is relatively common on 1936 dimes and typically adds a 20-30% premium to the coin's value.
Planchet Error
Imperfections in the metal sheet used to create the coin blanks can lead to interesting errors. These rare coins can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Examples include:
- Lamination errors: $50-$200
- Off-center strikes: $100-$500 (depending on severity)
- Clipped planchets: $50-$150
Broad Struck
When the collar that holds the planchet in place during striking fails, it can result in a wider, thinner coin with an unusual shape. These errors typically sell for $50-$150, depending on condition and the extent of the error.
Record-Breaking 1936 Mercury Dimes: Auction Highlights
Some 1936 Mercury dimes have achieved remarkable prices at auction, showcasing the potential value for top-grade specimens:
- 1936 PR-68: $29,375 (Heritage Auctions, March 12, 2015)
- 1936-S MS-68 FB: $23,000 (Bowers & Merena, November 9, 2006)
- 1936 MS-68+ FB: $15,275 (Legend Rare Coin Auctions, August 27, 2020)
- 1936-D MS-68 FB: $14,950 (Heritage Auctions, November 7, 2003)
Expert Tips for Collecting 1936 Mercury Dimes
As a seasoned US coin collecting expert, I recommend the following tips for those interested in starting or expanding a collection of 1936 Mercury dimes:
-
Focus on quality: Higher-grade coins tend to appreciate more over time. Invest in the best condition you can afford.
-
Look for Full Bands: These specimens command a premium and are highly sought after. Use a magnifying glass to check for complete separation of the bands on the fasces.
-
Consider mint marks: The San Francisco (S) mint produced the fewest coins in 1936, making them potentially more valuable. Pay attention to the mintmark location on the reverse, near the base of the fasces.
-
Be aware of errors: Familiarize yourself with common errors to spot potentially valuable coins. Join online forums or local coin clubs to share knowledge with other collectors.
-
Invest in proper tools: A good magnifying glass (at least 10x) and a reliable coin scale are essential for accurately grading and authenticating coins.
-
Study die varieties: Learn about the different die varieties for 1936 dimes, as some can command significant premiums.
-
Build relationships: Establish connections with reputable dealers and fellow collectors. They can be invaluable sources of information and opportunities.
Preserving Your 1936 Mercury Dimes: Best Practices
To maintain the value and condition of your coins:
- Handle them by the edges, never touching the faces to avoid leaving fingerprints
- Store in non-PVC holders or albums to prevent chemical reactions
- Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations
- Consider having valuable specimens professionally graded and encapsulated by PCGS or NGC
- Regularly inspect your collection for any signs of toning or environmental damage
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of 1936 Mercury Dimes
The 1936 Mercury dime represents a fascinating slice of American numismatic history. Its elegant design, silver content, and potential for valuable errors make it a perennial favorite among collectors of all levels.
Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or just starting your coin collecting journey, these coins offer something for everyone. From the thrill of hunting for a rare error to the beauty of a high-grade specimen, 1936 Mercury dimes continue to captivate coin enthusiasts nearly a century after they were minted.
Remember, while not every 1936 dime will make you rich, each one tells a story of American craftsmanship and artistry. So the next time you come across a Mercury dime, take a moment to appreciate its history – you might just be holding a small treasure in your hand. Happy collecting!
