Price Guide for 1931 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: $23.00 – $130.00Uncirculated: $0.45 – $1,293.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.50 – $95.00Uncirculated: $17.50 – $765.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $60.00Uncirculated: $65.00 – $3,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $12.00 – $173.00Uncirculated: $1.15 – $1,762.50
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eBayCirculated: $4.99 – $152.00Uncirculated: $50.00 – $715.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $110.00Uncirculated: $125.00 – $3,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $86.00Uncirculated: $2.10 – $1,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.99 – $160.27Uncirculated: $86.51 – $820.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $8.00 – $110.00Uncirculated: $125.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $67.00 – $605.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $5,880.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.50 – $90.00Uncirculated: $110.00 – $1,220.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $160.00 – $4,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00Uncirculated: $1.50 – $270,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $195.00 – $2,162.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $65.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $17,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $82.00 – $1,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $182.00 – $2,640.00
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eBayUncirculated: $337.58 – $800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $160.00Uncirculated: $175.00 – $2,200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $216.00 – $881.25
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eBayUncirculated: $210.00 – $975.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $200.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00Uncirculated: $228.00
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eBayCirculated: $175.00Uncirculated: $200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $135.00Uncirculated: $150.00 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,080.00 – $3,425.00
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eBayUncirculated: $386.00 – $875.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $175.00 – $4,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1931 Dime
The 1931 Mercury Dime was minted during the Great Depression, a time of significant economic hardship in the United States. This year saw drastically reduced mintages across all denominations due to decreased demand for coinage in circulation. The Mercury Dime, first introduced in 1916, continued to be a popular and widely recognized design during this period.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (No mint mark for Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Winged Liberty Head (Mercury), designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
| Reverse Design | Fasces with olive branch, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1931 Mercury Dimes significantly impacts their value due to their scarcity and status as key dates. Well-preserved specimens with full bands (complete horizontal bands on the fasces) are particularly valuable. Coins in Mint State grades command substantial premiums, with those grading MS65 or higher being extremely rare and valuable.
Strike quality is crucial for these coins, as many were struck with weak details due to worn dies. Coins with strong, full strikes and lustrous surfaces are highly desirable. Natural toning can also add to the appeal and value, particularly if it’s attractive and even.
Mintage: 3,150,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,260,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, highly sought after by collectors
Mintage: 1,800,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, highly sought after by collectors
The 1931 Mercury Dimes are considered key dates in the series due to their low mintages, making them valuable even in lower grades. The Denver and San Francisco issues are particularly prized for their rarity.
Collectors often seek to complete date and mint mark sets of Mercury Dimes, which increases demand for these scarce 1931 issues. The historical context of the Great Depression adds to their numismatic interest.
As with all silver coins, the intrinsic metal value provides a baseline worth, but for these rare dates, the numismatic premium far exceeds the silver content value in most cases.
