Expert: Ronald Fern - 11/19/2009

Question
Hi, I have a mercury dime set. It consists of dimes from 1941-1945S.
Can you please tell me the value of these coins?
Thanks so much
Betty

Answer
Hi Betty:

To be able to give you the best opinion on the values of any of your coins, they need to be properly graded. I can give you a range for the retail values, but you should review the link I provide to better grade your coins by comparing the examples to your pieces.
Link: http://coinauctionshelp.com/How_To_Grade_Mercury_Dimes.html

Silver is over $18.00 a troy ounce. Your dimes have a melt value of about $1.35 each. See link: http://www.coinflation.com/coins/1916-1945-Silver-Mercury-Dime-Value.html

There are a couple of scarce over dates, the 1942/41 dimes, but you likely do not have those. A current issue of "Coin Values" show the retail value of your Mercury dimes to be: $1.50 in Good condition to $5.00 in Extra Fine condition. In almost uncirculated they are worth $6.00 to $7.00 each, and about $8.00 to $10.00 each in uncirculated. If the reverse of your coins have "full split bands", they can be worth more. This is a special feature that collectors look for on the reverse of the coin to determine full or better struck coins.

Remember, should you choose to sell your coins, get at least two estimates from professional coin dealers (PNG). I've listed a link for you to find them in your area.
Link: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Dealers normally pay between 50% to 60% of retail for items they want. For common date silver, you should get about 90% of melt on worn coins.

You may want to check eBay listings in the dime category under US coins from time to time to see if coins like yours are listed and what they are going for. You may also want to check out this link on coin values: http://values.hobbizine.com/coin-index.html

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.