Mercury vs Roosevelt Dimes: Which Small Coin Is Worth More

Overview: Mercury vs Roosevelt dimes — quick comparison

Mercury dimes were struck from 1916 to 1945 and are 90% silver. Roosevelt dimes began in 1946 and continue today; Roosevelt dimes dated 1946–1964 are 90% silver, while 1965 and later dimes are copper-nickel clad.

Value comes from two sources: intrinsic metal (silver) and collector premium (rarity, condition, errors). This guide shows how to decide which small coin is worth more.

How to tell Mercury and Roosevelt dimes apart

Look at the design and date. Mercury dimes show Liberty with a winged cap and were issued 1916–1945. Roosevelt dimes show President Franklin D. Roosevelt and begin in 1946.

Check the coin’s date to know its metal content: pre-1965 dimes generally contain 90% silver. Post-1964 Roosevelt dimes are clad and normally worth face value unless collectible.

Simple identification steps

• Read the date on the obverse to determine era.
• If dated 1916–1945, it’s a Mercury dime (90% silver).
• If dated 1946–1964, it’s a Roosevelt silver dime (90% silver).
• If dated 1965 or later, it’s a clad Roosevelt dime (little intrinsic metal value).

Which dime has more melt value?

For melt (metal) value, any 90% silver dime — Mercury or Roosevelt from the right years — has the same silver content: about 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver.

To estimate melt value: multiply current silver price per troy ounce by 0.07234. That gives the bullion worth of a single silver dime.

Melt value example

If silver trades at $25 per ounce, melt value = $25 × 0.07234 ≈ $1.81. Both a Mercury dime and a 1955 Roosevelt dime would have similar melt value in this scenario.

Which dime has more collector value?

Collector value depends on rarity, date, mint mark, condition (grade), and errors. In wide circulation, most Mercury and silver Roosevelt dimes are worth a small premium above melt. Specific dates and grades can be worth much more.

Key dates and general trends

• Mercury dimes: Certain dates (notably the 1916-D) are rare and command large premiums, especially in higher grades.
• Roosevelt dimes: Early issues (1946, some proof coins, and mint varieties) attract collectors, and higher-grade silver Roosevelt dimes can be valuable.
• Clad Roosevelt dimes (post-1964): Generally worth face value unless they feature a recognized error or are high-grade proofs.

How to evaluate a dime quickly

Follow this checklist when you find a dime and want to estimate its worth:

• Read the date and note the mint mark.
• Decide if it’s silver (date before 1965) or clad.
• Inspect condition: is it worn, lightly circulated, or uncirculated?
• Look for obvious errors: doubled dies, off-centers, or unusual planchet flaws.
• Consult price guides or recent auction results for the specific date and grade.

Practical tips for buyers and sellers

Use a reputable coin guide or online price database to check values for the exact date and grade. If you think a coin is rare, consider getting it graded by a professional service before selling.

Small dealers and local shops often pay close to melt for common silver dimes but will pay premiums for verified key dates or high-grade pieces.

Case study: Finding value in a pocket discovery

A collector found a silver dime dated 1917 in a group of inherited coins. At face, it was a common Mercury dime. The collector checked a reference book and discovered the 1917-S variety with strong strike and minimal wear can attract a premium.

After a professional assessment and grading, the coin sold for substantially more than melt price because condition and collector demand for that specific variety were high. The key lesson: condition and specific date/variety matter more than the design alone.

When to seek professional help

Get a professional opinion if you believe a coin is a rare date, shows an unusual error, or might be in mint state. Authentication and grading can materially increase sale price for important pieces.

Use grading services such as PCGS or NGC for high-value coins. For a quick appraisal, experienced local dealers or reputable auction houses provide guidance.

Summary: Which small coin is worth more?

There isn’t a single winner between Mercury vs Roosevelt dimes. For metal (melt) value, silver Mercury and silver Roosevelt dimes (pre-1965) are essentially equal. For collector value, Mercury dimes include some of the most sought-after early 20th-century dimes, while Roosevelt dimes have valuable issues too.

Decide based on date, mint mark, condition, and rarity. When in doubt, compare to recent sales and consider professional grading for potentially valuable finds.

Quick action steps:

• Check the date to determine silver content.
• Assess condition and look for mint and error indicators.
• Consult a price guide or dealer for specific date values.