A 1941 Mercury dime is worth $4.49 to $9 in circulated grades and $20 to $75 in uncirculated condition, depending on mint mark and whether the coin qualifies for a Full Bands designation. Produced in the final year before the United States entered World War II, the 1941 issue saw over 264 million coins struck across all three Mint facilities. Circulated examples remain affordable, but the date carries two sought-after die varieties that can push values into four figures.
1941 Mercury Dime Value by Mint Mark and Grade
The table below reflects current retail values as of August 2026. Prices vary based on certification, eye appeal, and toning.
| Mint | G-4 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-63 | MS-65 | MS-65 FB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1941-P** | **$4.49** | **$5.59** | **$6.83** | **$8** | **$12** | **$20** | **$35** | **$55** |
| **1941-D** | **$4.49** | **$5.59** | **$6.83** | **$8** | **$12** | **$22** | **$40** | **$65** |
| **1941-S** | **$5.59** | **$6.83** | **$8.07** | **$9** | **$14** | **$25** | **$45** | **$75** |
| **Proof** | **-** | **-** | **-** | **-** | **-** | **$85** | **$150** | **-** |
San Francisco coins carry the highest premiums across all grades due to their lower mintage. The gap widens in uncirculated grades, particularly for Full Bands examples where the S-mint premium over Philadelphia can reach 35% or more.
Mintage Figures and Historical Context
The 1941 Mercury dime was produced at all three active U.S. Mint facilities: Philadelphia struck 175,106,557 coins (no mint mark), Denver produced 45,634,000 (D mint mark), and San Francisco minted 43,090,000 (S mint mark). Philadelphia also struck 16,557 proof coins. Total production reached 264,830,557 coins.
The 1941 date sits at a turning point in American history. When these coins entered circulation, the country was at peace. By December 7, the attack on Pearl Harbor had pulled the United States into World War II. The Mint was already ramping up coinage output in anticipation of a wartime economy. For another coin from this transitional year, see our 1941 penny value guide.
Silver Content and Melt Value
Every 1941 Mercury dime contains 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver in a 90% silver, 10% copper alloy. The coin weighs 2.50 grams. At roughly $58 per troy ounce, the current melt value sits around $4.19 per dime. That melt value acts as a price floor: no 1941 dime trades below its silver content regardless of condition. Track the live silver spot price for an up-to-date calculation, compare 90% silver coin pricing across dealers, or visit our silver coin melt value calculator for exact figures.
1941 FS-101 Doubled Die Obverse
The standout variety for the 1941 date is the FS-101 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO), one of the most dramatic doubled dies in the Mercury dime series. The doubling is visible on LIBERTY and along the profile, showing clear separation that can be spotted without magnification on well-preserved examples. Both PCGS and NGC recognize this variety, and certified examples bring strong premiums.
Approximate values for the 1941 FS-101 DDO: G-4 through VF-20 runs $200 to $350, EF-40 to AU-55 brings $400 to $800, MS-63 sells in the $900 to $1,100 range, and MS-65 Full Bands specimens have traded between $1,800 and $2,600. If you own a 1941 Philadelphia dime, examine the obverse under magnification. The FS-101 turns a common-date coin into one of the most valuable Mercury dimes in any collection.
1941-S Large S “Trumpet Tail” Variety (FS-511)
The 1941-S Large S variety, cataloged as FS-511, uses a different S punch than the standard mint mark. Collectors call it the “Trumpet Tail” because the lower curve of the S flares outward in a wider, more pronounced shape. This variety is scarcer than the standard 1941-S and brings meaningful premiums when certified.
Values for the 1941-S Large S FS-511: VF to EF grades run $50 to $85, MS-63 brings $250 to $350, and MS-65 Full Bands specimens have sold in the $700 to $900 range. The size difference between the standard small S and the Large S Trumpet Tail is clear under 5x to 10x magnification.
1941 Proof Coins
Philadelphia struck 16,557 proof Mercury dimes in 1941. These coins feature mirror-like fields with frosted devices. The proof program shut down after 1942 and did not resume until 1950, making 1941 proofs part of a small window of pre-war proof production. Values start around $85 in PR-63 and reach $150 or more in PR-65. Cameo and deep cameo examples sell for considerably more.
Understanding the Full Bands Designation
The reverse of every Mercury dime features a fasces (a bundle of rods) with horizontal bands. On well-struck coins, those bands are fully separated with crisp lines. Grading services designate these as “Full Bands” (FB), and the premium is substantial. A 1941-S in MS-65 without Full Bands might sell for $45, while the same coin with the FB designation commands $75. Full Bands coins result from stronger die strikes and make up a small fraction of any year’s production. The designation only applies at MS-60 or higher. For more on Full Bands grading, see our dime values by year guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 1941 Mercury dime worth?
In circulated grades (G-4 through EF-40), a 1941 Mercury dime is worth $4.50 to $9 depending on condition and mint mark. Uncirculated examples range from $20 to $75 for MS-65 Full Bands coins. San Francisco consistently commands the highest prices.
Are 1941 dimes silver?
Yes. All 1941 Mercury dimes are 90% silver and 10% copper, containing 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver per coin. Every Mercury dime in the series (1916 to 1945) is a silver coin. For more on which dimes contain silver, see our silver dime identification guide.
Where is the mint mark on a 1941 dime?
The mint mark is on the reverse, to the left of the fasces near the bottom of the coin. Philadelphia coins carry no mint mark. Denver shows a small “D” and San Francisco a small “S.” The mark is only 1 to 2 mm tall, so use magnification to read it accurately.
What makes the 1941 doubled die dime valuable?
The 1941 FS-101 Doubled Die Obverse shows dramatic doubling on LIBERTY and the profile, making it one of the strongest doubled dies in the Mercury dime series. Even in Good condition, a certified FS-101 sells for $200 or more. In MS-65 Full Bands, prices reach $1,800 to $2,600. The variety is easy to overlook without magnification.
