Price Guide for 1920 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 – $196.00Uncirculated: $3.15 – $2,420.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.01 – $186.89Uncirculated: $5.50 – $2,612.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $3,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5.50 – $201.00Uncirculated: $1.60 – $4,080.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.00 – $175.00Uncirculated: $88.99 – $813.45
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $200.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $4,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $456.00Uncirculated: $1.40 – $4,830.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.00 – $205.50Uncirculated: $118.50 – $850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $81.00 – $3,080.00Uncirculated: $2.75 – $72,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $250.00Uncirculated: $699.95 – $10,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $110,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $550.00Uncirculated: $3.50 – $9,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $46.00 – $1,586.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $85.00 – $10,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $105.00 – $3,000.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $52,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $250.00Uncirculated: $173.90 – $2,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $375.00 – $95,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1920 Dime
The 1920 Mercury Dime was part of the series introduced in 1916, replacing the Barber dime. Adolph A. Weinman’s design featured Liberty wearing a winged cap, often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury, hence the coin’s nickname. The reverse depicted a fasces, symbolizing unity and strength, with an olive branch representing peace.
1920 was a significant year as it marked the beginning of the Roaring Twenties, a period of economic prosperity and cultural dynamism in the United States. The Mercury Dime, with its elegant design, became a popular and enduring symbol of this era.
| 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 olive branch, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1920 Mercury Dime significantly impacts its value. While common in circulated grades, these coins become increasingly scarce in higher mint state conditions. 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 the reverse are highly prized by collectors and can substantially increase a coin’s value. Coins with strong luster, minimal contact marks, and attractive natural toning are also more desirable.
Mintage: 59,030,000
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: 19,171,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for high-grade examples
Mintage: 13,820,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for well-preserved coins
Strike quality is an important factor for 1920 Mercury Dimes. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially those from the San Francisco mint, are more valuable due to their relative scarcity.
Original mint luster is highly prized, particularly on uncirculated specimens. Coins with attractive, natural toning can also command a premium, especially if the toning is vibrant and even.
While not typically known for major varieties or errors, any significant die errors or doubled dies, if discovered, could greatly increase a coin’s value and collector interest.
