Price Guide for 1930 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 – $143.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $1,740.00
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eBayCirculated: $17.53 – $74.88Uncirculated: $22.50 – $306.20
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $32.00Uncirculated: $35.00 – $2,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $12.00 – $75.00Uncirculated: $1.05 – $2,070.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.00 – $313.00Uncirculated: $114.50 – $710.59
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $110.00Uncirculated: $125.00 – $1,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $550.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $14,687.50
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eBayCirculated: $48.77Uncirculated: $48.00 – $5,999.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $65.00 – $11,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $78.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $16,450.00
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eBayUncirculated: $149.90 – $2,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $9,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1930 Dime
The 1930 Mercury Dime was minted during the early years of the Great Depression. This coin series, introduced in 1916, was part of a broader initiative to beautify American coinage. The obverse features Liberty wearing a winged cap, often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury, hence the nickname ‘Mercury Dime’.
Despite the economic downturn, the 1930 dime maintained relatively high mintage numbers, reflecting its importance in daily commerce during challenging economic times.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| 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 a 1930 Mercury Dime significantly impacts its value. Coins in circulated conditions are generally affordable, but prices increase dramatically for uncirculated specimens, especially those grading MS65 or higher.
Key factors affecting value include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full bands on the fasces are highly prized.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds considerable value.
3. Surface preservation: Coins free from contact marks or scratches command premium prices.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 6,770,000
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: 6,420,000
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: 1,843,000
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
The 1930-S dime, due to its lower mintage, is generally more valuable than its Philadelphia and Denver counterparts. However, all 1930 dimes in high grades (MS65 and above) are considered scarce and valuable.
Full Split Bands (FSB) is a crucial factor for Mercury Dimes. Coins with clear separation in the horizontal bands on the fasces on the reverse are more valuable, as they indicate a strong strike and good preservation.
While not as rare as some key dates in the series (like the 1916-D or 1921-D), the 1930 dimes, especially in top grades, are important semi-key dates for collectors trying to complete high-grade sets.
