Price Guide for 1917 Dime Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $0.75 – $4,140.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.00 – $100.00Uncirculated: $18.00 – $379.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $55.00Uncirculated: $65.00 – $1,400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $162.00Uncirculated: $1.40 – $3,795.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.11 – $176.50Uncirculated: $15.50 – $900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $100.00Uncirculated: $125.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $253.00Uncirculated: $2.35 – $7,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.50 – $273.22Uncirculated: $3.50 – $810.09
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $160.00Uncirculated: $175.00 – $13,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $110.00 – $2,310.00Uncirculated: $5.50 – $30,550.00
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eBayCirculated: $60.00 – $179.99Uncirculated: $35.00 – $5,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150.00 – $225.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $80,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2.00 – $12,075.00
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eBayUncirculated: $89.00 – $8,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $185.00 – $16,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $523.00Uncirculated: $1.50 – $7,050.00
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eBayCirculated: $48.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $43.69 – $2,182.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75.00 – $6,250.00
Design and Specifications of the 1917 Dime
The 1917 Mercury Dime was part of the series that began in 1916, replacing the long-running Barber dime design. This coin was minted during World War I, a significant period in American history. The Mercury Dime, despite its name, actually features Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. The design was widely praised for its beauty and is considered one of the most artistic U.S. coin designs.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), San Francisco (S) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Winged Liberty Head (Mercury Dime), designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
| Reverse Design | Fasces with olive branch, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1917 Mercury Dime significantly impacts its value. Coins in circulated conditions are generally affordable, but prices increase dramatically for uncirculated examples. Full Split Bands (FSB) on the reverse is a crucial factor for high-grade coins, commanding substantial premiums. Coins with strong strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks are highly sought after.
The Denver mint coins are particularly valuable in high grades due to their lower mintage. For all mint marks, coins graded MS65 and above are scarce and command significant premiums. Toning can also affect value, with attractive, natural toning often increasing desirability among collectors.
Mintage: 55,230,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in gem (MS65+) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 9,402,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in gem (MS65+) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 27,330,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in gem (MS65+) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Several factors can influence the value of a 1917 Mercury Dime:
1. Mint Mark: Denver coins are generally more valuable due to lower mintage.
2. Strike Quality: Well-struck coins, especially those with Full Split Bands, command higher premiums.
3. Preservation: Coins with original luster and minimal contact marks are more desirable.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can increase value for some collectors.
5. Historical Significance: As a World War I-era coin, it may hold additional interest for history enthusiasts.
6. Set Building: Demand from collectors assembling date and mint mark sets can influence value.
