Take a moment and think about the small change you might have lying around—perhaps in your garage, an old piggy bank, or even the jar where you throw in loose coins. One of those coins, particularly a 10-cent piece, could be worth a significant amount of money—up to $7,000. Yes, that’s right—a simple dime could make you richer than you think. Here’s what to look for.
The US coin collection craze
The United States has an interesting past when it comes to the production of coins as well as paper currency. Because it is among the topmost capitalist nations in the world, it comes as no surprise that the US currency is not only famous because it can afford its users, but also serves as a historical moment. Because of this, the market for collecting coins, which denotes people who are ready to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on certain treasured coins, has existed. And one such coin that is being talked about by many people these days is the Mercury Dime, which is also a 10-cent coin, and it is likely lying unnoticed in a corner inside your pocket right now.
Why you shouldn’t ignore small changes
In modern times, it is apparent that coins of lower denominations are easy to miss, even with the discomfort of carrying them in all areas. After all, what can one in this age of consumerism purchase with a mere dime? However, from this moment on, you may want to consider the worth of those little coins for a change. The Mercury Dime, in particular, has captured the attention of numerous coin collectors owing to its beauty and increasing value in the market.
The 1945 Mercury dime: A coin to watch
So, what makes some Mercury Dimes worth so much money? The key lies in specific coins minted in 1945, especially those with unique characteristics. One particular variety from this year has become a favorite among collectors, fetching up to $7,000 depending on its condition and rarity.
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The value of this coin is largely driven by its scarcity and a few subtle variations that occurred during the minting process. But not every 1945 dime is worth a fortune—you’ll need to look for certain distinct features to determine if your coin holds extraordinary value.
The importance of the mint mark
One of the most important things to look for when assessing the value of your 1945 Mercury Dime is the mint mark. The mint mark is a small letter found on the coin that indicates where it was minted. In the case of the 1945 Mercury Dime, coins minted in San Francisco bear an “S” mark, which could mean they are worth more.
Even more intriguing is a variation known as the “Micro S.” On these coins, the “S” is slightly smaller or thinner than on other versions. While this might seem like a minor detail, it’s exactly the kind of difference that collectors are willing to pay a premium for.
How much could your coin be worth?
If you suspect the presence of a 1945 Mercury Dime with Micro S, the next step that follows is determining the grade of the coin. Coin grading also significantly corresponds to the worth of a given coin. The grading scale runs from MS-62 to MS-69, with MS-69 being the grading scale that depicts the grading of a coin that approaches perfection. Coins that get an MS-69 grade exhibit very few defects, and collectors covet such coins because they are extremely rare.
As for Mercury Dimes with the Micro S mark, a coin that is graded at MS-69 will likely sell for not less than $7,000. Even those with lesser grades may still be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, so it’s worth having a look.
How to tell if you have the right coin
The presence of a Micro S on a 1945 Mercury Dime can be well camouflaged. It is especially for someone who is not trained in crafting that the difference may not be seen at first glance. If you’re still in doubt about whether what you have is a Micro S coin, it would be prudent to seek the help of a qualified coin appraiser who knows how to look for the characteristics or traits of such coins and is in a position to offer a fair market value.
There is always the positive point that a coin in a person’s collection may prove to have high value even if they do not have the skill to look at it properly. In the end, we are just advising you—you might have a hidden prize right under your nose.
Don’t let a potential fortune slip away
Whenever you pull out your coins, take a moment to analyze what you have in your hand. That 10-cent coin you think isn’t worth much may bloom into thousands of dollars. Collecting coins from your purse for some reason might save you money, especially when you are lucky enough to find the Great Mercury Dime.
