That dusty old coffee can in your attic or garage might be hiding more than just spare change. In fact, it could contain a rare coin worth a small fortune. One such treasure is the 1916-D Mercury Dime—a small silver coin that, in top condition, has sold for as much as $975,000.
The Mercury Dime That’s Worth Nearly a Million Dollars
Minted from 1916 to 1945, the Mercury Dime features Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap—often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury, hence the name. But the true rarity lies in the 1916-D version, minted in Denver.
Only 264,000 of these dimes were produced at the Denver Mint, compared to millions from the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints. That makes the 1916-D one of the most sought-after coins in the entire Mercury Dime series.
Why Is the 1916-D Mercury Dime So Valuable?
The high value comes down to a mix of scarcity, demand, and condition. A 1916-D Mercury Dime graded MS-67 Full Bands by PCGS once sold for an eye-popping $975,000 at auction.
What Does “Full Bands” Mean?
On the back of the coin, there’s a fasces—a bundle of rods with an axe, symbolizing strength and unity. The horizontal bands across the fasces must be sharply defined and fully separated to receive the “Full Bands” designation, which greatly increases its value.
Even Worn Coins Can Be Valuable
Circulated examples—those that have been used in everyday transactions—can still sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But the cleaner and sharper the coin, the higher the price it can command.
How to Identify a 1916-D Mercury Dime
If you’re ready to dig through your old coin jar or inherited collection, here’s what to look for:
- Date: Look for “1916” on the obverse (front) of the coin.
- Mintmark: A small “D” near the bottom-left of the torch on the reverse side indicates it was struck in Denver.
- Weight & Metal: Should weigh about 2.5 grams and be made of 90% silver.
- Condition: Sharply detailed features and visible horizontal bands on the reverse will increase the coin’s value significantly.
Real Stories: From Coffee Cans to Auction Blocks
In one remarkable case, a family in the Midwest discovered a 1916-D Mercury Dime in their late grandfather’s old coffee can. The coin was nearly mint and eventually sold for over $240,000. They almost dumped it into a Coinstar machine before taking a closer look.
These stories aren’t urban legends—people really do stumble upon rare coins in drawers, closets, safety deposit boxes, and garage sales.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Found One
Found a coin that matches the description? Here’s what to do next:
- Do not clean the coin. Cleaning can damage it and reduce its value.
- Contact a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
- Consider visiting a reputable coin dealer or auction house for evaluation.
Many grading services offer free consultations and can help confirm whether your coin is the real deal.
Why Now Is the Time to Check
As interest in rare coins continues to grow, the market is hotter than ever. Collectors are willing to pay top dollar for historic pieces—especially those with rare mintmarks and high-grade condition.
Your coin stash might contain more than nostalgia. It could hold a piece of American history—and possibly a life-changing payout.
Final Thoughts: A Small Coin With Huge Value
The idea that a small silver dime, no larger than your thumbnail, could be worth nearly $1 million might seem far-fetched. But in the world of coin collecting, it’s absolutely possible.
So before you toss out that old coffee can or cash in your loose change, take a second look. Hidden inside could be one of the most valuable Mercury Dimes ever minted.
Disclaimer: Always consult certified numismatists or grading services before making decisions based on coin value.