1940 (S) Mercury Dime
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$8,519 MS68+ 04-27-2023 Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Description
The 1940 (S) Mercury Dime is a dime minted at the San Francisco Mint, within the Mercury Dimes 1916-1945 series. The U.S. Mint produced 21.6 million examples, making this ranked 2nd of 3 mint variants by mintage, with 20% of production. The obverse features young Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom of thought — often called the "Mercury" dime despite not depicting the Roman god and the reverse displays a Roman fasces — a bundle of rods with an axe — entwined with an olive branch, symbolizing strength through unity tempered by peace. Struck during the Great Depression, when mintages dropped sharply and the United States abandoned the gold standard in 1933. Coined at the San Francisco Mint, which transitioned from Gold Rush-era production to its modern role producing proof and collector issues. Estimated market value ranges from $7 to $47 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.5 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #5026.
External References
Error Varieties(30)
1940-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001
1940-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002
1940-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003
1940-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-004
1940-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-005
1940-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1940-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002
1940-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003
1940-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004
1940-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005
1940-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-006
1940-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-007
1940-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008
1940-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-009
1940-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
1940-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1940-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-003
1940-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001
1940-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002
1940-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003
1940-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-001
1940-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-002
CU-10c-1940S-01R Cud
RRDC-10c-1940S-01 Bisecting Rim to Rim Die Crack
RRDC-10c-1940S-02 Bisecting Rim to Rim Die Crack
SHD-10c-1940S-01 Shattered Die
SKH-10c-1940S-01 Spiked Head
SKH-10c-1940S-02 Spiked Head
SKH-10c-1940S-03 Spiked Head
SKH-10c-1940S-04 Spiked Head
Other Strike Types in This Series
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