A 1935-S Mercury dime graded MS68 Full Bands sold for $90,000 at Heritage Auctions — yet circulated examples start around $5 based on silver content alone. Your coin's mint mark, condition, and strike quality determine which end of that range you're on. This guide covers all three 1935 mints, the critical Full Bands premium, the FS-101 Doubled Die, and more.
Check My 1935 Dime Value →Select your coin's mint mark, condition, and any errors to get an instant estimated value range.
This calculator works best when you already know your coin's mint mark, grade, and errors — if you're not sure yet, the 1935 Mercury Dime Coin Value Checker is a free third-party tool that can help you identify those details from photos before using this calculator.
Type a description of your coin and our analyzer will match it to known varieties and give you a tailored assessment.
Jump back up and get your estimated value range in under 30 seconds — no email required.
Use the Free Calculator →Full Bands is the single biggest value multiplier on any 1935 Mercury dime. A 1935-D MS65 without FB is worth around $125; with FB it jumps to $305–$550. Use this checker before calling your coin uncirculated.
The table below covers the primary varieties across all four condition tiers. For a complete illustrated step-by-step 1935 dime identification walkthrough with grading photos, visit CoinValueApp's detailed reference. The 1935-D row (highlighted in amber) is the key date; the 1935-S MS FB row (orange) is the conditional rarity with the $90,000 auction record.
| Variety | Worn (G–VG) | Circulated (F–AU) | Uncirculated (MS60–64) | Gem MS (MS65+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1935-P (no mark) | $5 – $7 | $8 – $15 | $15 – $40 | $80 – $225 |
| 1935-P Full Bands | — | — | $35 – $65 | $75 – $1,350 |
| 1935-D (key date) ⭐ | $5 – $10 | $12 – $30 | $50 – $125 | $125 – $1,050 |
| 1935-D Full Bands ⭐ | — | — | $60 – $100 | $305 – $17,250 |
| 1935-S | $5 – $8 | $10 – $22 | $28 – $80 | $110 – $350 |
| 1935-S Full Bands 🔥 | — | — | $135 – $850 | $469 – $90,000 |
⭐ = Key date (1935-D); 🔥 = Conditional rarity (1935-S FB). Values based on PCGS auction data and Greysheet CPG® ranges. Individual coins vary by strike quality, eye appeal, and market conditions.
📱 CoinHix lets you snap a photo of your 1935 dime and instantly cross-check its grade against recent comparable sales — a coin identifier and value app.
Jump to the section you need:
Five die varieties and mint errors significantly affect the value of a 1935 Mercury dime. From the PCGS-listed FS-101 Doubled Die to dramatic off-center strikes, each variety below has its own identification markers, value range, and auction history. The sidebar links jump directly to any card.
The FS-101 Doubled Die Obverse is the most documented and prized die variety of the 1935 Mercury series. The doubling originated during the hubbing process, when the working die received a second impression from the hub that was not perfectly aligned with the first, creating a ghost or offset replica of design elements on every coin struck from that die.
The doubled impression is most visible on the motto IN GOD WE TRUST and the date numerals. Under a 10× loupe, collectors look for a distinct secondary outline inside or alongside the primary letters, rather than the mechanical or shelf doubling common on many circulated coins. PCGS has formally catalogued this as FS-101 and notes it is quite distinctive compared to other minor doubling in the Mercury series.
Market demand for the FS-101 DDO is driven by its formal PCGS attribution and the relative ease of locating examples with proper magnification. Greysheet CPG® data places Mint State examples in the $2,500–$3,000 range; with Full Bands the designation reaches $3,750–$4,500. Because Philadelphia's 58.8 million mintage was large, properly attributed examples do surface, but grade is paramount — even a modest MS63 can command a $2,500+ premium over a standard Philadelphia dime.
The 1935-S/S Repunched Mintmark is catalogued as FS-501 by CONECA and represents one of the more visually compelling die varieties in the 1935 Mercury series. The error occurred at the San Francisco Mint, where mintmarks were hand-punched directly into working dies prior to striking. When the punch was driven at a slightly different angle or position on a second strike, the earlier impression remained partially visible on the die — and therefore on every coin struck from it.
The FS-501 shows a secondary "S" impression offset from the primary mintmark, visible at the upper or lower curve of the "S" under a 5× to 10× loupe. Strong, clearly visible repunching — where both impressions are distinctly readable — is far more desirable than subtle examples where the secondary punch is barely discernible. The 1935-S RPM varieties are better documented than the Denver equivalent, in part because the San Francisco issue circulated widely and survives in sufficient numbers for attribution comparison.
Documented auction records place top-grade RPM examples at approximately $1,320 for an MS67 example, as noted in multiple numismatic references. The broader market for lower-grade RPM coins is thinner, partly because the error is subtle and often goes unrecognized by non-specialist buyers, creating occasional undervaluation opportunities for educated collectors using proper magnification tools.
The 1935-D Full Bands is not a die variety in the traditional sense — it is a condition rarity created by the Denver Mint's well-documented tendency toward weak central strikes. The dies used at Denver in 1935 frequently failed to impart sufficient pressure to the central bands of the fasces bundle, resulting in flat, indistinct band lines on the vast majority of surviving Mint State examples. A sharp, fully struck 1935-D is the exception, not the rule.
For the Full Bands designation, PCGS and NGC require both central horizontal bands to exhibit complete, unbroken recessed lines that clearly separate each band from its neighbor and from the diagonal bands. Under magnification, a properly struck 1935-D shows distinct grooves running the full width of the fasces without flat spots or merging. Finding this strike quality on a coin also grading MS65 or above is genuinely uncommon, and at MS68 the population becomes nearly singular.
The value premium for Full Bands on the 1935-D is among the most extreme in the Mercury series. A standard MS65 1935-D is worth approximately $125; an MS65 FB commands $305–$550. At the pinnacle, an MS68 FB example realized $17,250 at auction — roughly 16× the non-FB equivalent — driven by the combination of the key-date mintage (10,477,000), the strike rarity, and the grade rarity compounding simultaneously.
An off-center strike occurs when the planchet is improperly seated in the striking chamber at the moment of impact, causing the die to land outside the coin's center. The result is a design that is shifted toward one edge, with a crescent-shaped area of unstruck blank planchet metal visible on the opposite side. Each off-center coin is unique in the exact percentage of off-centering and the specific area of the design that appears or disappears.
Value is determined primarily by two factors: the percentage off-center and whether the date remains fully visible. A 10–15% off-center example with a fully legible date is considered desirable; examples at 25% or more off-center with the date on-planchet are the most sought-after and can command $300–$500 or higher depending on eye appeal and mint mark. A heavily off-center coin where the date is missing or partially missing is worth considerably less, as the 1935 date identification cannot be confirmed.
The 1935 Philadelphia issue, with its large mintage of 58.8 million, produces the most frequently encountered off-center examples simply because more coins were struck. However, a confirmed 1935-D off-center with a visible "D" mintmark and clear date commands a meaningful premium over the common Philadelphia version, combining the key-date scarcity with the error premium. Published sources note off-center strikes in the $200–$500 range for attractive, date-visible examples.
A lamination error occurs when a fragment of the coin's alloy delaminates — peeling or flaking away from the coin's surface during or after striking. The cause lies in the silver strip from which planchets were punched: air pockets, impurities, or trapped gases within the alloy create planes of weakness that separate under the stress of striking or later handling. For a 90% silver, 10% copper alloy like the 1935 Mercury dime, lamination flaws appear as raised flaps, missing surface chips, or shallow depressions where metal has already peeled away.
Visual identification is straightforward: look for an area where the coin's surface appears to be lifting away from the body of the coin (pre-peel lamination) or where a smooth, shallow depression reveals a different surface texture than the surrounding field (post-peel lamination). The location significantly affects desirability — a dramatic lamination over Liberty's face or covering the date is more visually striking and therefore more collectible than one confined to the fields or edge.
Lamination errors are relatively common on 90% silver coins of the 1930s compared to later clad coinage, as silver alloy production at that era occasionally produced strips with internal inconsistencies. Minor laminations that barely affect the design carry little to no premium above silver melt. However, large, dramatic peels with strong visual impact — particularly those that survive as an attached flap rather than having already separated — can reach $50–$75 or more from specialist error collectors who prize dramatic examples regardless of the base date.
Run it through the calculator above with the matching error box checked to see your estimated value range.
Calculate My Error Coin Value →
| Mint | Mint Mark | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None (P) | 58,830,000 | Most common 1935 issue; large supply keeps circulated values near melt |
| San Francisco | S | 15,840,000 | Mid-range mintage; home of the $90,000 MS68 FB record |
| Denver | D | 10,477,000 | Lowest mintage; key date with notorious weak-strike tendency |
| Total | — | 85,147,000 | All three 1935 Mercury dime issues combined |
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper | Weight: 2.50 grams | Diameter: 17.9 mm | Edge: Reeded
Designer: Adolph Alexander Weinman | Series: Mercury Dimes, 1916–1945 | Obverse: Liberty with winged cap (often mistaken for Mercury) | Reverse: Fasces and olive branch
Silver content: 0.07234 troy oz per coin. At typical silver prices, melt value is roughly $2.00–$2.50. Since even worn examples sell for $5+, numismatic value nearly always exceeds melt.
Knowing the grade before you sell can be the difference between a $10 coin and a $150 coin. Here's what to look for at each condition tier.
Liberty's hair detail is nearly flat. The date is fully readable but the rim is beginning to merge with the outer letters of LIBERTY. On the reverse, the fasces rods are barely visible, and the horizontal and diagonal bands are flat. Most rim detail is gone on the reverse lettering. Value reflects silver melt plus a small numismatic premium, typically $5–$10.
Liberty's hair shows visible waves and separations. The hairline is complete, though flattened at the cheekbone on Fine examples. In Extremely Fine grade, only the very highest points of the hair and the central fasces bands show slight wear. About Uncirculated examples retain traces of original mint luster in the protected areas of the design. Range: $8–$30 depending on grade and mint.
No trace of wear anywhere on the design. Original mint luster covers the full coin surface, though lower MS grades may show contact marks or abrasions from bag handling. The leading edge of Liberty's wing and the wave above her eye are the first places to check for flatness or dulling under a tilted light. The central fasces bands may or may not show Full Bands separation at these grades.
Fully brilliant, original luster with only the faintest marks visible under magnification. No significant contact marks, no hairlines from cleaning, and strong above-average eye appeal. The Full Bands designation becomes critically important at this tier — an MS65 FB 1935-D is worth more than double an MS65 without it. MS67 and above commands a steep exponential premium; MS68 coins are among the finest known in the series.
🔎 CoinHix lets you photograph your 1935 Mercury dime and compare it against graded PCGS and NGC examples to help match your coin to the correct condition tier — a coin identifier and value app.
The right venue depends on your coin's value tier. A worn circulated coin belongs in a different channel than a confirmed Full Bands Gem.
The top venue for any 1935 Mercury dime worth $300 or more, particularly Full Bands examples or confirmed error varieties. Heritage achieved the $90,000 record for the 1935-S MS68 FB in 2019 and regularly achieves strong prices for condition rarities. Best suited for PCGS- or NGC-certified coins where the buyer pool is widest and most competitive.
Ideal for mid-range examples in the $10–$200 bracket. Review actual recently sold prices for 1935 Mercury dimes on eBay using the completed listings filter to set a realistic asking price. Certified coins in slabs sell faster and typically attract higher bids than raw examples. Include clear photos of both sides and the mintmark.
Provides immediate cash payment, useful if you want to sell quickly. Expect dealers to offer 50–70% of retail value — they need margin to resell. A 1935-D in circulated grades or common Philadelphia dimes can be dealt quickly this way. For anything with Full Bands or a confirmed error, get at least two dealer quotes before accepting, and consider PCGS/NGC grading first.
A peer-to-peer marketplace where knowledgeable collectors buy directly. Pricing is typically fair market value without dealer markup. Best for coins in the $15–$150 range that don't justify auction fees. Post high-quality photos, the exact grade (or an honest assessment), and any certification details. The community is experienced and can spot overpriced or problematic coins.
A circulated 1935 Philadelphia dime in Good condition is worth around $5–$8, primarily reflecting its 90% silver content. In uncirculated Mint State grades, values climb to $15–$225 depending on grade. Coins with a Full Bands (FB) strike designation command dramatically higher premiums, and rare top-grade examples like the 1935-S MS68 FB have sold for $90,000 at Heritage Auctions.
The 1935-D is the key date of the 1935 Mercury dime series, produced at Denver with a mintage of just 10,477,000 — the lowest of the three 1935 mints. In circulated grades it is worth $5–$25; in Mint State grades it ranges from roughly $50 to $1,050. With Full Bands designation, the premiums are extreme: an MS68 FB example sold for $17,250 at auction, reflecting the Denver mint's notorious tendency for weak central band strikes.
Full Bands (FB) refers to the two central horizontal bands wrapping around the fasces bundle on the reverse. For the designation, both bands must show completely unbroken, recessed lines separating them from each other and from the diagonal bands. Coins with weak strikes lack these crisp separations. Full Bands examples command substantial premiums, especially on the 1935-D and 1935-S issues where a sharp strike was far less common than at Philadelphia.
The most valuable 1935 dime is the 1935-S MS68 Full Bands, which sold for $90,000 at Heritage Auctions in January 2019. This represents the apex of conditional rarity — the 1935-S already has a lower mintage than Philadelphia, and obtaining a Full Bands strike at MS68 is exceedingly rare. PCGS lists it as one of the finest known examples, with only a single coin reaching that grade.
Yes. The 1935 Philadelphia dime has two documented Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) varieties, catalogued by CONECA as DDO-001 and DDO-002, and noted by NGC. Both are considered quite distinctive compared to other minor doubling in the Mercury series. Doubling appears on the motto IN GOD WE TRUST and the date. PCGS also lists the FS-101 DDO. These varieties are worth $2,500–$4,500 in Mint State grades, per Greysheet data.
The 1935-S/S Repunched Mintmark (RPM, CONECA FS-501) shows a secondary 'S' punch visible slightly offset from the primary mintmark on the reverse of the coin. Examine the mintmark under a 5× to 10× loupe — look for a doubled or shadowed outline, especially at the upper or lower curve of the 'S'. Strong, clearly visible repunching commands higher premiums; a documented MS67 example sold for approximately $1,320.
A 1935 Mercury dime is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 2.50 grams with a diameter of 17.9 mm. It contains approximately 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver. The coin's melt value fluctuates with the silver spot price; at typical silver prices around $30/oz, the melt value is approximately $2.17–$2.50. Since even worn 1935 dimes often sell for $5 or more, numismatic value almost always exceeds melt.
Three mints struck the 1935 Mercury dime. Philadelphia produced 58,830,000 coins and used no mint mark. Denver produced 10,477,000 coins and placed a small 'D' on the reverse above and to the left of the 'E' in ONE. San Francisco produced 15,840,000 coins and placed a small 'S' in the same location. Denver's output was the smallest, making the 1935-D the key date among the three issues.
No. Cleaning a 1935 Mercury dime — even gently — destroys the original mint luster and creates microscopic hairline scratches visible under magnification. A cleaned coin receives a 'details' grade from PCGS or NGC and typically sells for 30–60% less than an equivalent uncleaned example. The only acceptable action is gentle rinsing in distilled water if absolutely necessary. Always consult a professional numismatist before any cleaning attempt.
For coins worth $100 or more, Heritage Auctions is the top venue — they have deep collector audiences for Mercury dimes and achieved the $90,000 record for the 1935-S FB. eBay works well for mid-range examples ($20–$150) where completed listing data guides fair pricing. Local coin shops offer quick cash but typically pay 50–70% of retail. For any coin with Full Bands or error attribution, PCGS or NGC grading first significantly increases sale proceeds.
Use our free calculator — pick your mint mark, grade, and any errors. Get an instant result in under 30 seconds.
Get My Free Value Estimate →