Price Guide for 1939 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 – $13.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $6,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.00 – $46.00Uncirculated: $8.59 – $1,299.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $12.00Uncirculated: $14.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $34.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $616.88
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eBayCirculated: $5.00 – $56.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $473.89
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $22.00Uncirculated: $25.00 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $41.00Uncirculated: $17.00 – $2,160.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.99 – $40.00Uncirculated: $12.51 – $529.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $27.00Uncirculated: $30.00 – $1,850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $109.00 – $21,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $185.50Uncirculated: $99.99 – $2,657.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $100.00Uncirculated: $125.00 – $24,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $13.00 – $42,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $66.00 – $203.50Uncirculated: $9.76 – $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $9,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $69.00 – $10,350.00
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eBayCirculated: $26.98 – $39.95Uncirculated: $62.56 – $3,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75.00 – $14,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $21.00 – $12,650.00
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eBayUncirculated: $12.50 – $1,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25.00 – $4,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $69.00 – $506.00
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eBayUncirculated: $36.00 – $260.55
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $45.00Uncirculated: $50.00 – $600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $792.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $60.00 – $950.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,795.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $329.00 – $9,775.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $775.00 – $18,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1939 Dime
The 1939 Mercury Dime was part of the Mercury Dime series, which was minted from 1916 to 1945. Despite its nickname, the obverse actually features Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. The coin was produced during the final years of the Great Depression, just before the United States entered World War II.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (no mint mark), D, S |
| 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 1939 Mercury Dime significantly impacts its value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly sought after, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher. Key factors include:
Full Bands (FB): Specimens with fully separated bands on the fasces on the reverse command higher premiums.
Luster: Coins with original mint luster are more desirable.
Strike Quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are preferred.
Surface Preservation: Fewer contact marks and blemishes increase value.
Mintage: 67,749,321
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among collectors of the Mercury Dime series
Mintage: 24,394,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, slightly higher demand than Philadelphia mint
Mintage: 10,540,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to lower mintage and scarcity in high grades
Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value, especially for the San Francisco mint coins.
Die State: Late die state coins with interesting characteristics may appeal to specialists.
Historical Significance: As a pre-World War II issue, the 1939 dime holds interest for collectors of Depression-era coinage.
Set Completion: Many collectors seek high-grade examples to complete date and mint mark sets, driving demand for well-preserved specimens.
