The 1916 S barber dime is worth around $4 in good condition. In very fine condition the value is around $10 and in extremely fine condition the price is around $24. In uncirculated condition the price is around $125 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 63 can sell for around $240. 1916 Barber Dime VF20 - Silver 10 Cent Coin - Very Fine Condition VF20 - United States Mint - Item:CC20011 ExoticCrystals. From shop ExoticCrystals.

Circulating Coins

• Year of Issue: 1796 to Present
• Authorizing Legislation: Coinage Act of 1792

Background

The “Roosevelt” theme is the current design of the U.S. 10-cent coin. The U.S. Mint first issued this design in 1946, soon after the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Mint released it on January 30 of that year to honor his birthday. The obverse (heads) shows Roosevelt’s profile. The torch, olive branch, and oak branch on the reverse (tails) represent liberty, peace, and strength.

• The 1916 D Mercury Dime is the rarest and most valuable key date silver dime in this series. USA Coin Book Estimated Value of 1916-D Mercury Dime is Worth $1,631 in Average Condition and can be Worth $14,241 to $30,238 or more in Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition. Click here to Learn How to use Coin Price Charts.
• Minted from 1916 to 1945 were dimes known as the Mercury Head Dime or Winged Liberty Head Dime. Other than the 1916D and 1942 overdate, these coins should be.

The dime was a logical choice for honoring Roosevelt because he supported the March of Dimes, a program that raised funds for research to find a cure for polio. He contracted polio when he was 39 years old.

The Mint made the first dimes in 1796. They were small silver coins. The designs from 1796 to 1837 showed Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. In 1837, a wreath design replaced the eagle. Liberty, in various forms, stayed on the dime until 1946.

From 1916 to 1945, the Mint produced the “Mercury” dime designed by Adolph A. Weinman. The obverse showed a profile of Liberty wearing a cap with wings to represent freedom of thought. The design got its name because it reminded people of the Roman god, Mercury. A fasces – a bundle of rods tied around an axe – and an olive branch appeared on the reverse. The two symbols represented America’s military readiness and the desire for peace. The Mercury dime is considered one of the most beautiful coins in our country’s history.

In 1965, the Mint removed silver from the dime and the composition became copper-nickel clad.

Other Circulating Coins:

Penny Nickel Quarter Half Dollar

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Characteristics

Obverse (heads):

1916 Dime Coin

Shows the left-facing bust of Franklin D. Roosevelt featured since 1946.
Reverse (tails): Displays a torch with an olive branch on the left and an oak branch on the right. The torch signifies liberty, the olive branch peace, and the oak branch represents strength and independence.

Obverse Inscriptions

• LIBERTY
• IN GOD WE TRUST
• Year

Reverse Inscriptions

• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• E PLURIBUS UNUM
• ONE DIME

Mint and Mint Mark

Specifications

Mercury Dimes Value Chart

Composition	Weight	Diameter	Thickness	Edge	No. of Reeds
Cupro-Nickel Balance Cu	2.268 g	17.91 mm	1.35 mm	Reeded	118

Artist Information

1916 Dime

• Sculptor: John Sinnock