Price Guide for 1918 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: $7.00 – $123.00Uncirculated: $2.75 – $1,292.50
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eBayCirculated: $3.75 – $195.79Uncirculated: $32.00 – $350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $90.00Uncirculated: $100.00 – $1,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $164.50Uncirculated: $1.80 – $2,990.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.50 – $186.89Uncirculated: $71.77 – $2,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00 – $135.00Uncirculated: $150.00 – $3,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $155.00Uncirculated: $2.10 – $7,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.00 – $164.00Uncirculated: $48.00 – $1,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $170.00Uncirculated: $185.00 – $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $81.00 – $546.00Uncirculated: $4.50 – $182,125.00
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eBayUncirculated: $522.00 – $60,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $200,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3,520.00Uncirculated: $3.75 – $144,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,450.00 – $3,595.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $275.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $850.00 – $200,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $127.00 – $633.00Uncirculated: $3.75 – $18,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $79.99 – $140.61Uncirculated: $84.00 – $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $130.00 – $160.00Uncirculated: $215.00 – $60,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1918 Dime
The 1918 Mercury Dime was minted during a pivotal year in American history, as World War I was drawing to a close. This coin design, introduced in 1916, was part of a wave of artistic changes in American coinage during the early 20th century. The obverse features Liberty wearing a winged cap, often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury, hence the coin’s nickname.
| 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 a 1918 Mercury Dime significantly impacts its value. While common in circulated grades, these coins become increasingly scarce and valuable in higher mint state conditions. Full Split Bands (FSB) on the reverse is a crucial factor for high-grade specimens, commanding substantial premiums.
Coins with strong strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks are highly sought after. Natural toning can enhance appeal, particularly if it’s attractive and even across the coin’s surface.
Mintage: 26,680,000
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: 22,674,800
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: 19,300,000
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
Several factors can influence the value of a 1918 Mercury Dime:
1. Mint mark: While all three mints produced similar quantities, slight variations in rarity can occur in higher grades.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins, especially those with Full Split Bands, are more valuable.
3. Preservation: Coins with original surfaces and minimal wear or damage are highly desirable.
4. Historical significance: As a World War I era coin, it may hold additional appeal for collectors of this historical period.
5. Toning: Attractively toned specimens can command premiums among collectors.
