The 1917-S Mercury Dime value ranges from approximately $3 in heavily circulated condition to over $1,500 for high-grade Mint State examples. Whether you found one in an old jar or inherited a collection, this San Francisco minted coin is a classic piece of American history with significant collector appeal.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $3 – $5 |
| Fine (F-12) | $8 – $12 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $35 – $50 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $150 – $200 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-65+) | $600 – $1,500+ |
History and Significance of the 1917-S Mercury Dime
The 1917-S Mercury Dime was struck during the second year of this iconic series’ production. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the coin actually features Lady Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, which symbolized liberty of mind. However, the public mistook her for the Roman messenger god Mercury, and the name stuck.
If you are unsure if your coin is the real deal, using the best coin identifier app can help you confirm the date and mint mark location instantly. During 1917, the United States was entering World War I, and the San Francisco Mint was busy producing millions of these silver dimes to keep up with wartime inflation and economic demand.
Because these coins were used heavily in daily commerce—buying everything from newspapers to loaves of bread—finding one in perfect condition today is quite rare. For the everyday person, checking your change with CoinHix is a great way to ensure you don’t spend a hidden gem at face value at the grocery store.
Identifying the “S” Mint Mark on Your 1917 Dime
To determine the true 1917-S silver dime price, you first need to confirm the mint mark. The Mint “S” stands for San Francisco, and it is located on the reverse (back) of the coin. Look at the bottom left, near the rim, just to the left of the base of the fasces (the bundle of rods with an axe).
If there is no letter there, the coin was minted in Philadelphia. If there is a small “D,” it was minted in Denver. The San Francisco version is generally more valuable than the Philadelphia version in higher grades but falls slightly behind the Denver mint in terms of absolute rarity.
Identifying these small letters can be difficult for the untrained eye. Many collectors use CoinHix to get a clear, magnified view and an instant estimate. Knowing exactly which mint produced your coin is the first step in calculating the 1917 dime value and rarity factors that professional numismatists look for.
Grading and Condition: How It Affects Value
The condition, or “grade,” of your coin is the most important factor in its market price. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. A coin that has been smoothed over by decades of pockets and fingers is “Circulated,” while a coin that looks brand new is “Mint State.”
In “Good” condition, the 1917-S Mercury Dime shows heavy wear, and the lines in Liberty’s hair are gone. By the time you reach “Extremely Fine,” the feathers in the wing on the cap are clearly visible, though the highest points may still show slight flatness.
| Grade Group | Visual Characteristics |
|---|---|
| About Good (AG) | Date is readable but rim is worn into the design. |
| Fine (F) | Hair and gown show distinct lines; feathers visible. |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | Nearly perfect with just slight friction on the cheek. |
| Mint State (MS) | Full original luster with no signs of wear. |
The “Full Bands” Premium for 1917-S Dimes
For serious collectors, the holy grail is finding a 1917-S Mercury Dime with “Full Bands” (FB). This refers to the horizontal bands holding the bundle of sticks (fasces) on the reverse of the coin. If the strike was strong enough, there will be a clear line dividing the middle set of bands.
Most 1917-S dimes suffer from a “soft strike,” meaning those bands look blended together. A 1917-S dime with Full Bands can be worth five to ten times more than a regular strike in the same grade. You can check current market trends for 1917-S Mercury Dime MS60 to MS67 prices to see how much of a premium these details command.
If you think your coin has these sharp details, it might be worth sending to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. Before spending money on grading fees, use CoinHix to get a preliminary assessment to see if the coin’s condition warrants the investment.
Silver Content and Melt Value
Even if your 1917-S Mercury Dime is in terrible condition—perhaps it’s bent, scratched, or heavily corroded—it still has intrinsic value because it is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. These are often referred to as “junk silver” coins by investors.
The silver weight of a Mercury Dime is approximately 0.07234 troy ounces. When silver prices are around $25 per ounce, the melt value of the dime stays around $1.80. This provides a “floor” for the price; your coin will never be worth less than its weight in silver.
| Material | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Pure Silver | 90% |
| Copper | 10% |
| Silver Weight | 0.07234 oz |
Where to Sell Your 1917-S Mercury Dime
If you’ve determined that your 1917-S Mercury Dime is worth a significant amount, you have several options for selling it. For lower-grade coins worth $5 to $20, local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay are the most convenient choices.
For high-grade specimens or those with Full Bands details, you should consider specialized numismatic auction houses. Professional collectors often frequent these auctions looking for specific dates and mint marks to complete their sets. Always ensure you have clear, high-resolution photos of both sides of the coin when listing it online.
Remember that a coin’s “book value” is often higher than what a dealer will pay you. Dealers need to make a profit, so expect an offer of 60% to 80% of the retail value. Having data from a reliable price guide can help you negotiate a fair price for your piece of American history.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1917-S Mercury Dime rare?
A: While over 27 million were minted, they are considered “semi-rare” in high grades (Uncirculated). In circulated condition, they are relatively common but highly sought after by collectors building sets.
Q: How can I tell if my 1917 dime is silver?
A: All Mercury Dimes minted between 1916 and 1945 are 90% silver. You can tell by looking at the edge of the coin; if it is solid silver-colored with no copper stripe, and it has a high-pitched ring when gently tapped, it is silver.
Q: Should I clean my 1917-S Mercury Dime to make it worth more?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning causes microscopic scratches that ruin the “luster” and “original surfaces.” A cleaned coin can lose up to 50% or more of its numismatic value.
Q: What is the most expensive 1917-S Mercury Dime ever sold?
A: High-grade examples with the Full Bands (FB) designation in MS67 or higher have sold at auction for over $20,000. These are extremely rare “condition rarities.”
