Price Guide for 1940 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: $8.00 – $18.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $646.25
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eBayCirculated: $7.60 – $45.09Uncirculated: $1.31 – $799.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $550.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $8,518.75
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eBayCirculated: $7.58 – $47.00Uncirculated: $7.50 – $1,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $9,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $28.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $1,093.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $35.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $244.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $1,200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $79.00Uncirculated: $81.00 – $15,295.00
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eBayCirculated: $62.89 – $98.03Uncirculated: $10.61 – $3,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $42.00 – $100.00Uncirculated: $125.00 – $48,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $9,775.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.80 – $1,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25.00 – $14,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14.00 – $35,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $9.50 – $1,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15.00 – $17,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $13.09 – $3,565.00
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eBayUncirculated: $10.50 – $1,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.49Uncirculated: $46.00 – $174.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $2,350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $176.00 – $660.00
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eBayCirculated: $50.00 – $127.50Uncirculated: $69.00 – $366.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $55.00Uncirculated: $60.00 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.50 – $74.75Uncirculated: $41.00 – $161.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.50 – $54.26Uncirculated: $20.51 – $152.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $14.00 – $35.00Uncirculated: $37.00 – $2,150.00
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eBayUncirculated: $293.05
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $70.00 – $200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $978.00 – $4,313.00
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eBayUncirculated: $239.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $9,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1940 Dime
The 1940 Dime, also known as the Mercury Dime or Winged Liberty Head Dime, was part of the series minted from 1916 to 1945. This coin was produced during a significant period in American history, as the United States was emerging from the Great Depression and on the brink of entering World War II. The Mercury Dime’s design, with its representation of Liberty and the fasces symbolizing unity and strength, resonated with the American public during these challenging times.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (no mint mark), D, S |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Bust of Liberty wearing a winged cap, 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 1940 Mercury Dime significantly impacts its value. While common in circulated grades, these coins become increasingly valuable in higher mint state conditions. Coins in MS65 and above are considered scarce and command premium prices.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full bands on the fasces are highly desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
3. Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or blemishes are crucial for higher grades.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s desirability among collectors.
Mintage: 65,350,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in lower grades, scarce in MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among collectors of the series
Mintage: 21,198,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, slightly higher demand than Philadelphia mint
Mintage: 21,560,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, similar to Denver mint
Several factors can add to the value of a 1940 Mercury Dime:
1. Full Split Bands (FSB): Coins with clear, fully separated bands on the fasces are more valuable.
2. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known for 1940, any discovered could be valuable.
3. Prooflike surfaces: Some coins may exhibit mirror-like fields, increasing their appeal.
4. Historical significance: As a pre-World War II issue, these coins hold historical interest.
5. Overall eye appeal: Coins with exceptional visual appeal often command premiums beyond their technical grade.
