Price Guide for 1921 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: $15.00 – $2,760.00Uncirculated: $3.65 – $23,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $22.11 – $1,660.00Uncirculated: $2.83 – $4,240.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $1,850.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $2,160.00Uncirculated: $15.75 – $3,960.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.50 – $1,395.00Uncirculated: $481.50 – $721.20
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $37.00 – $1,550.00Uncirculated: $1,675.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $57.00 – $1,725.00Uncirculated: $6.50 – $50,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $51.00 – $352.00Uncirculated: $2,115.00 – $4,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,100.00 – $47,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $23.00 – $3,410.00Uncirculated: $33.50 – $32,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $41.00 – $2,250.00Uncirculated: $1,399.00 – $14,675.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,750.00 – $2,000.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $37,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1921 Dime
The 1921 Mercury Dime is a significant coin in American numismatics. It was minted during a year of economic transition following World War I. The Mercury Dime, first introduced in 1916, features Weinman’s iconic design of Liberty wearing a winged cap, often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury.
1921 saw a relatively low mintage for dimes, making coins from this year particularly desirable to collectors. The coin’s design symbolizes liberty of thought, while the reverse represents unity and strength.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, P (no mint mark) |
| 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
The condition of 1921 Mercury Dimes significantly impacts their value. Due to their low mintage and age, finding high-grade specimens can be challenging. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are particularly valuable.
Full Split Bands (FSB) on the reverse fasces are highly prized in this issue. The presence of FSB can dramatically increase the coin’s value, especially in higher grades. Luster quality and the absence of contact marks are also crucial factors in determining the coin’s grade and value.
Mintage: 1,230,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to key date status and low mintage
Mintage: 1,080,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to key date status and low mintage
Toning can play a role in the desirability of 1921 Mercury Dimes. Coins with attractive, natural toning may command a premium. The strike quality is also important, with well-struck examples being more valuable.
As a key date in the Mercury Dime series, the 1921 issue is in high demand among collectors trying to complete date sets. This status, combined with its low mintage, makes it a valuable coin even in lower circulated grades. The historical significance of the year 1921, marking the transition from the post-World War I boom to the Roaring Twenties, adds to its numismatic interest.
