Price Guide for 1915 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 – $111.00Uncirculated: $64.00 – $2,937.50
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eBayCirculated: $1.25 – $119.95Uncirculated: $47.00 – $787.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $195.00Uncirculated: $210.00 – $2,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $19.00 – $374.00Uncirculated: $1.80 – $11,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.50 – $199.99Uncirculated: $188.50 – $499.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $13,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $350.00 – $1,050.00Uncirculated: $2.10 – $7,931.25
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eBayUncirculated: $500.00 – $2,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $220.00 – $300.00Uncirculated: $375.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $558.13 – $23,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $179.99 – $1,186.31
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $950.00 – $32,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $399.99
Design and Specifications of the 1915 Dime
The 1915 Dime marks the first year of issue for the iconic Mercury Dime design. This new design replaced the long-running Barber Dime and was part of a wider effort to beautify American coinage. The obverse features Liberty wearing a winged cap, often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury, hence the coin’s popular name.
The reverse design with fasces and olive branch symbolizes unity and strength with peace. This coin’s introduction coincided with World War I, adding to its historical significance.
| 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), designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
| Reverse Design | Fasces with an olive branch, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1915 Mercury Dimes significantly impacts their value, particularly for the lower mintage Denver and San Francisco issues. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly sought after by collectors.
Key areas for grading include Liberty’s cheek and hair details on the obverse, and the bands on the fasces on the reverse. Full Split Bands (FSB) on high-grade specimens can command substantial premiums.
Luster quality is crucial for uncirculated coins, with original mint luster being highly desirable. Natural toning can enhance appeal and value, especially if it’s attractive and even.
Mintage: 21,080,000
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 as first-year issue
Mintage: 4,450,000
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: 5,070,000
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
As the first year of issue, the 1915 Mercury Dime holds special appeal for collectors, often commanding a premium over similar condition coins from subsequent years.
The historical context of World War I adds interest for some collectors and can influence demand.
Strike quality varies among the different mint locations, with Philadelphia generally producing the sharpest strikes. Well-struck examples from Denver and San Francisco are particularly desirable.
While not typically considered rare, high-grade examples (MS65 and above) are scarce and highly valued, especially for the branch mint issues.
