1936 Mercury Dime: History, Mint Marks and Values

Every coin has a story, the 1936 Mercury Dime does it, too. It is a window into the history and economic landscape of 1930s America. If you have ever found yourself wondering, how much is a 1936 dime worth today or whether that old coin in your collection might be rare, you are in the right place! 

Let us explore the 1936 Mercury dime value, its variations, the minting errors that can send its price soaring and how you can identify coin by image​.

The History Behind the Coin

It is a product of the roaring 1920s and the Great Depression-era 1930s. Officially known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, this stunning coin was crafted by the talented Adolph A. Weinman and first introduced in 1916.

The design is a symbol of freedom of thought and democracy. However, the winged cap adorning Lady Liberty’s head led many to mistake her for the Roman god Mercury—hence, the enduring nickname. This dime remained in circulation until 1945, when it was replaced by the Roosevelt Dime in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

1936 was a year that marked the revival of proof coinage, with a limited run of proof Mercury Dimes. The coins were struck at three mints—Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco—each with its own distinguishing mint mark (or lack thereof).

Related article: 1966 Dime Value Guide.

A Closer Look: The Design and Composition

Obverse – Liberty in Motion

The obverse (front) of the 1936 Liberty Dime features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, her curls cascading beneath a winged Phrygian cap. Above her, the bold inscription LIBERTY commands attention, while the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST is placed to the left. Below, the coin proudly bears the date 1936.

A subtle “W” near Liberty’s neckline marks Weinman’s designer initial—a signature of artistry and precision. That is why some people call it 1936 W dime. 

Reverse – Strength and Unity

Turn the coin over, and you will see a powerful symbol: a Roman fasces, an ancient emblem of authority and unity. Bound with an olive branch, it signifies a balance between military strength and peace.

Encircling the design are the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DIME, separated by five-pointed stars. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM (Out of Many, One) sits beside the fasces. Below, the all-important mint mark (if present) can be found.

Mint Marks & Their Values

1936 Dime No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)

It was produced in Philadelphia, with a mintage of 87,500,000—the highest of the year. It is rather common in circulated condition but well-preserved specimens, especially those with Full Bands (FB) on the fasces, fetch premium prices.

1936 D Mercury Dime (Denver Mint)

The 1936 D Mercury dime value is slightly higher due to its smaller mintage of 16,132,000. The Denver Mint struck coins with the D mint mark below the fasces on the reverse. Collectors prize Denver-struck dimes in uncirculated condition, particularly those exhibiting Full Bands, which indicate a sharp, well-defined strike.

1936 S Mercury Dime (San Francisco Mint)

With the lowest mintage of just 9,210,000, the 1936 S Mercury dime value is among the highest of the series. The S mint mark, located beneath the fasces, signifies its origin from San Francisco. Due to lower production numbers, these dimes tend to be scarcer in higher grades.

How Much Is a 1936 Mercury Dime Worth? (Price Chart)

Disclaimer: Coin values fluctuate based on silver prices and collector demand. Always consult a numismatic expert before making a purchase or sale.

1936 Dime Errors

Errors are special for coin collecting lovers, and the 1936 dime error varieties are no exception. Some of the most valuable include:

• Double Die Obverse (DDO) – A striking doubling effect visible on the date and lettering; some MS-67 graded examples have fetched over $1,500.

• Die Clashes – Caused when coin dies strike each other, leaving ghostly impressions; collectors pay a lot for these anomalies.

• Off-Center Strikes – When the coin is misaligned during striking, resulting in an off-centered design; rarer examples command high prices.

Find out the True Value of 1936 Dime with Coin ID Scanner

To accurately assess the 1936 silver dime value, you may rely on advanced tools like the Coin ID Scanner app.

Features of the app:

Instant Coin Recognition – Snap a photo, and the app identifies your coin in seconds.

Market Valuations – Check out current pricing based on condition and rarity.

Convenient Coin Management – This feature makes your coin collecting easier as everything will be in the right order. 

Why use Coin ID Scanner?

Saves time and eliminates guesswork.

Provides a numismatic blog for beginners and experts. For example, here is an article about the 1951 Wheat Penny value.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What makes a 1936 Mercury Dime valuable?

Several factors determine the 1936 dime value today, e.g., its condition, mint mark and rarity. Coins in uncirculated (MS-65+) condition or those with Full Bands (FB) on the fasces are especially sought after. 

Additionally, rare 1936 dime error varieties, such as the Double Die Obverse (DDO) or off-center strikes, can significantly increase a coin’s worth. The lowest mintage version, the 1936 S Mercury Dime, also tends to be more valuable in higher grades.

2. How can I tell if my Mercury dime 1936 has a mint mark?

The mint mark on a coin is located on the reverse side, just beneath the fasces. If there is no mint mark, it was struck in Philadelphia. A small “D” signifies the Denver Mint, while an “S” indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. These markings are important in determining the 1936 Liberty dime value.

3. How do I find out the exact value of my 1936 Mercury dime?

To determine the precise value of a 1936 dime, it is essential to assess its condition (grade), mint mark and any potential error. Using a professional coin grading service, such as PCGS or NGC, can provide an official certification of the coin’s grade. Alternatively, you can use the Coin ID Scanner app to instantly recognize your coin, check market prices and have other useful features.

Sources:

1. https://www.coinstudy.com/1936-dime-value.html

2. https://www.silverrecyclers.com/coins/1936-dime.aspx