The 1928-D Mercury Dime is worth anywhere from $3 to $5 in heavily worn condition, up to $50 or more in fine grades, and potentially hundreds of dollars in uncirculated mint state — making it a surprisingly valuable little coin that’s absolutely worth holding onto.
If you stumbled across a 1928-D Mercury Dime in an old jar, a coin roll, or a family collection, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down exactly what it’s worth, what to look for, and how to get the most out of your find. You can also use a free coin identification app to help confirm what you’re holding before diving deeper into valuation.
What Is the 1928-D Mercury Dime?
The Mercury Dime is one of the most beloved American coins ever made. It was struck from 1916 to 1945 and features the profile of Liberty wearing a winged cap — which many people mistook for the Roman god Mercury, giving the coin its popular nickname. The official name is the Winged Liberty Head Dime.
The “D” in 1928-D tells you this coin was minted at the Denver Mint. In 1928, the Denver facility produced 4,161,000 of these dimes, making it a moderate-mintage issue — not the rarest date in the series, but far from common either. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, giving it real intrinsic metal value on top of its collectible appeal. Even a heavily worn 1928-D is worth more than face value simply because of its silver content.
1928-D Mercury Dime Value by Grade
Coin values vary significantly depending on condition. A coin that has been in circulation for decades will show obvious wear on the high points — Liberty’s hair, the fasces design on the reverse, and the rim details. The cleaner and sharper the coin looks, the more it’s worth.
Here’s a general value breakdown for the 1928-D Mercury Dime:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, outline visible | $3 – $5 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | Moderate wear, main features clear | $5 – $8 |
| Fine (F-12) | Light to moderate wear | $8 – $15 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Slight wear on high points | $20 – $40 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Minimal wear, most luster intact | $40 – $65 |
| Mint State (MS-63+) | No wear, original luster | $80 – $300+ |
For more detailed and up-to-date pricing, you can check the 1928-D Mercury Dime price data across mint state grades to see how the market is trending right now.
What Makes a 1928-D Mercury Dime Worth More
Beyond basic grade, a few specific factors can push the value of your 1928-D Mercury Dime much higher. The most important one to know about is Full Bands (FB) designation. On the reverse of the Mercury Dime, there is a fasces — a bundle of rods tied together. The horizontal bands that cross the fasces are the detail collectors focus on. When both sets of bands are fully separated and sharp, the coin qualifies as Full Bands, and this can multiply the value by two to five times or more in mint state grades.
Luster is another major factor. A coin that has never been cleaned and still shows original cartwheel luster under light will command a premium over one that has been wiped or polished — even if they look similar at first glance. Eye appeal matters to collectors, and coins with deep, natural toning or brilliant surfaces stand out at auction.
CoinHix is a great tool for tracking these premium values. The CoinHix app lets you browse recent sale prices and compare grades so you know whether a dealer’s offer is fair before you commit.
How to Check the 1928-D Mercury Dime Value Today
Silver prices fluctuate daily, and collector demand shifts with market trends and auction results. That’s why it’s important to check current valuations rather than relying solely on older price guides. You can find a solid overview of the full 1928 dime value across mint marks and grades to understand how your specific coin fits into the bigger picture.
For quick lookups on the go, CoinHix makes it easy to scan and research coins in seconds using your smartphone. Whether you’re at a flea market, sorting through grandma’s collection, or just curious about a coin you found, having a reliable app in your pocket saves time and helps you make smarter decisions.
Should You Get It Graded?
If your 1928-D Mercury Dime looks like it has never been used — sharp details, visible luster, no obvious marks — it may be worth submitting to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. Certified coins in MS-64 or higher often sell for significantly more than raw (ungraded) examples because buyers trust the grade. Grading fees typically start around $20 to $30 per coin, so it only makes sense for coins likely to grade MS-63 or better.
If the coin is circulated, grading probably isn’t worth the cost. Focus instead on finding a reputable dealer or selling through a trusted online marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my dime is a 1928-D and not another mint mark?
A: Look at the reverse of the coin, just to the left of the bottom of the fasces (the bundle of rods). If you see a small “D,” it was made in Denver. No letter means Philadelphia, and “S” means San Francisco.
Q: Is a 1928-D Mercury Dime made of real silver?
A: Yes. Mercury Dimes minted before 1965 contain 90% silver. Your 1928-D has real silver melt value regardless of its collector grade. At current silver prices, the metal alone is worth over $1.50 to $2.00.
Q: What’s the best way to sell a 1928-D Mercury Dime?
A: Options include local coin dealers, online marketplaces like eBay, and coin shows. For higher-grade examples, auction houses that specialize in coins can get you the best price. Always get more than one offer before selling.
