How Much Is A 1916-D Mercury Dime Worth?
Values for the 1916-D dime run from about $600–$800 (About Good (AG-3)) to $12,000+ (MS-63). Here is what separates the bottom of that range from the top — and how to find out where your coin lands.
History of the 1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D is one of the most famous key dates in all of American numismatics. Denver struck just 264,000 dimes before switching its presses to quarter production that autumn — a decision that created a rarity out of the very first year of Weinman’s new design.
Because the coin circulated for decades before collectors caught on, most survivors are well worn, and even a slick, barely identifiable example has real value. It is also among the most counterfeited US coins, almost always via an added mint mark.
The 1916-D dime was struck in 1916 in 90% silver. Each coin weighs 2.50 grams. Production took place at Denver (D), with only 264,000 struck.
How much is a 1916-D dime worth?
Like every collectible coin, the value of a 1916-D dime comes down to grade, rarity and demand. The ranges below are approximate retail prices collectors pay for problem-free examples — coins that have been cleaned, scratched or holed usually trade well below these figures.
Printed price guides age quickly. The most honest benchmark is what comparable coins actually sold for. AI Coin Collector gives you a starting point: the Numista catalogue price per grade, from VG to UNC, whenever it identifies a coin.
- About Good (AG-3): $600–$800
- Good (G-4): $900–$1,200
- Fine (F-12): $2,200–$3,000
- Extremely Fine (XF-40): $5,000–$7,000
- MS-63: $12,000+
How to identify a genuine 1916-D Mercury Dime
Before you get excited about a potential find, confirm that the coin in your hand matches the genuine article. Work through this checklist:
When a coin fails any of these checks, treat it with suspicion. Modern counterfeits can be convincing at arm's length, but weight, dimensions and die details rarely lie.
- Genuine D mint marks come in four documented positions/styles; an added D often sits too far from the fasces or at the wrong angle.
- Check for tooling marks or a faint outline around the mint mark under 10x magnification.
- Weight must be 2.50 grams; casts run light and show grainy fields.
- Certification is effectively mandatory — the fake rate on raw examples is extreme.
Check your 1916-D dime with AI Coin Collector
The fastest way to find out what you have is to photograph the coin with AI Coin Collector. Our own AI vision model suggests what it is (you check and adjust the suggestion), the app estimates a grade on the Sheldon 1–70 scale, and shows the Numista catalogue price per grade.
From there you can add the coin to a collection, see the collection’s total value and export it to CSV. The app is free to start and comes to Android first.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a 1916-D dime worth?
Broadly, examples at the bottom of the market (About Good (AG-3)) trade around $600–$800, while the strongest pieces (MS-63) bring $12,000+. Grade, rarity and eye appeal decide where a specific coin lands, and problem-free coins always bring the best prices.
How can I tell if my 1916-D dime is genuine?
Start with the physical basics: genuine D mint marks come in four documented positions/styles; an added D often sits too far from the fasces or at the wrong angle. Counterfeits usually fail on weight, dimensions or fine die details, so compare your coin against verified reference photos before paying a premium.
Can an app identify and value my 1916-D dime?
Yes. AI Coin Collector suggests an identification from a single photo using our own AI vision model — you check and adjust it — estimates a Sheldon grade from 1 to 70, and shows the Numista catalogue price per grade.