Expert: PAPAJACK - 8/6/2007

Question
I have a dime dated 1929 with the Greek God Mercury on the front and what appears to be a hatchet or a scroll on the back. The coin is in great condition. How much do you think it would be worth?

Answer
Hello Carolyn,                      

For an accurate value the coin must be seen. I can give you a range of values for it though.

In each series of coin type like "Winged Liberty Head Dime" there are some quick reference points of wear to be seen on the high points that are known to show wear first. Most of these are covered in the RED BOOK.  The grading details it describes at the start of each coin series is taken from the American Numismatic Association Standard. And uses the 1 to 70 scale recognized by all professionals since the 1970's.

Most circulated coins range from Good (grade-G4) to Almost Uncirculated (grade-AU50) on the scale. So remember a grade of Good is 4 out of a possible 70 is a low grade.

Winged Liberty Head (Mercury) dimes made from 1916 to 1945.  The silver in the dimes right now are worth at least .90 cents if very worn due to the price of silver.

For your 1929 dime locate the mint mark If it has one, it will be on the reverse, near the bottom left of the FACES (axe) and right of the "E" in ONE.  This dime is 90% silver and also holds some numismatic value as well so even if it was a little worn they sell for about a dollar each and as much as $10 in very high grade for common dates. .

If you can, try grading the Winged Liberty dime from the descriptions below. For the more common date and Mint marks even in the worst condition (grade 1) the coin is worth about .80 cents (for its silver content alone). So the common dates will be valued from 85 cents to $3.00 depending on condition. They must not have problems like dents, bends or having been cleaned.

Here's a quick wear/Grading guideline from the Redbook for 1916 to 1945 dimes:

GOOD or Grade 4:
Letters and date clear no lines or bands on reverse faces.

VERY GOOD or Grade 8:
Half there sticks in the faces can be seen.

FINE or Grade 12:
All sticks in faces are defined. Diagonal bands nearly flat.

VERY FINE or Grade 20:   
Both crossing diagonal bands must show.

EXTREMELY FINE or Grade 40:  
Bands show only slight wear. Braids and hair before ear show clearly.

MINT STATE Grades 60 TO 70 :
STRICTLY NEVER CIRCULATED.  NO TRACE OF WEAR. Nice luster on coin.

Good condition about $1 to $1.80 dollars,
Fine condition about $1.50 to $3.00 dollars,  
Extremely Fine condition $2.50 to $6.00 and in
Almost Uncirculated condition for $4.00 to $12.00

Feel free to let me know when you have any questions.

Please remember to rate this answer.

Good Luck

PapaJack