Price Guide for 1926 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 – $45.99Uncirculated: $1.65 – $1,468.75
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eBayCirculated: $7.00 – $73.75Uncirculated: $9.00 – $310.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $45.00Uncirculated: $50.00 – $1,800.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 – $2,880.00Uncirculated: $3.15 – $9,950.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $1,250.00Uncirculated: $755.00 – $4,899.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $7.00 – $1,700.00Uncirculated: $1,850.00 – $13,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $303.00Uncirculated: $2.35 – $3,120.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.63 – $319.95Uncirculated: $158.70 – $489.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $175.00Uncirculated: $210.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00 – $1,320.00Uncirculated: $3.25 – $60,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $97.00 – $4,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 – $77,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2.50 – $9,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $41.00 – $3,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $60.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,006.00Uncirculated: $6.55 – $54,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.50Uncirculated: $499.00 – $14,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,000.00 – $70,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1926 Dime
The 1926 Mercury Dime is part of the iconic series that ran from 1916 to 1945. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, this coin features Liberty wearing a winged cap on the obverse, often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury, hence its nickname. The reverse displays a fasces, symbolizing unity and strength, with an olive branch representing peace.
1926 was a year of economic prosperity in the United States, known as the Roaring Twenties. The Mercury Dime played a significant role in everyday commerce during this period of increased consumer spending and economic growth.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| 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
Condition is crucial for the 1926 Mercury Dime’s value, especially for the scarcer Denver and San Francisco issues. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly sought after, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher. Key areas for wear include Liberty’s hair and the bands on the fasces.
Full Split Bands (FSB) on the reverse is a critical factor for high-grade specimens. Coins with clear separation between the central bands of the fasces command significant premiums, particularly for the Denver and San Francisco mints.
Mintage: 32,160,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 6,828,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Mintage: 1,520,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade specimens
Luster and toning can significantly impact value. Coins with original mint luster are highly desirable, while attractive, natural toning can also increase appeal to collectors. The strike quality is particularly important for the 1926 issue, as some coins from this year are known for weakness in certain areas.
The San Francisco issue is the key date for this year, with its low mintage making it valuable even in circulated grades. For all mint marks, examples with exceptional eye appeal, strong strikes, and full split bands in high grades (MS65 and above) are the most valuable and sought after by serious collectors and investors.
