The 1945 dime value is at a minimum of $2.47 – moving with the price of silver it contains. However Mercury dimes are avidly collected and there is always the potential of higher value.
Condition has the biggest effect on value. Most of these old silver dimes, because they have circulated and become worn, are worth this minimum price. Dimes from the 1940’s are still available in large numbers and collectors usually only consider “uncirculated” high quality and better preserved pieces.
The value of the 1945 dime pictured is in the range of $8.19 and an above average example. A nice quality and affordable coin and one that would fit well into a Mercury dime collection.
Mercury head dimes are 90% silver, a precious metal and worth well above their original ten cents. And even if the collectors market of today only puts a premium on uncirculated 1945 dimes, the nicer circulated pieces should break away from their silver value in the future.
Judge the condition of your coins, separate the better from the rest, looking for high end circulated and uncirculated ones. There is a section on grading your Mercury dimes just below. Today’s 1945 dime value has potential. As many new collectors become involved in the hobby and search for these old dimes they increase the demand for all.
With the interest in Mercury head dime high, collections are assembled by date and often include coins of the different mints that produced dimes in 1945.
Three mints, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Denver struck dimes that year. The different mints are identified by a “D” mintmark for Denver and an “S” for San Francisco. The mintmark is found on the reverse along the bottom at the rim. If your coin is without a mintmark, it was struck at the Philadelphia mint.
| 1945 Dime Value | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condition of Coin | ||||
| Date | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine |
Uncirculated |
| 1945 Dime Value Updated | 3/17/2025 | |||
| 1945 | $2.47 | $2.65 | $2.97 | $6.99 |
| 1945 D | $2.47 | $2.65 | $2.97 | $6.99 |
| 1945 S | $2.47 | $2.65 | $2.97 | $8.19 |
Gem Quality 1945 Dime Value
Far from the typical uncirculated coin, this stunning gem quality 1945 Mercury Dime sold at auction for $161. Great care over the years has preserved a now valuable old dime.
Of note is the color and sheen, giving special eye appeal not often found on any coin. Discerning collectors are aware of the varying degrees of this appearance and bid according to their preferences, in this case many appreciated the quality.
Silver, a metal prone to toning, on this dime has been sheltered from the elements, leaving the surfaces as bright as minted. Somehow avoiding harmful contact with other dimes and preventing nicks and abrasions the original luster is unbroken.
Gem quality Mercury dimes from the 1940’s are scarce and in demand by dealers and collectors. Careful inspection of collections assembled in the past occasionally discover these desirable coins. Your 1945 dime is valuable because of silver and as a possible collectible.
1945 Dime Value is Conditional
The amount of wear or preferably the lack of it, determines a large part of the value of your 1945 dime. Collectors after checking the date and mintmark next examine the condition of the coin and give it a “grade. ” As a coin wears there are distinct visual differences from one “grade” to the next. Judge your coins against the images and descriptions to gain an accurate value.
Uncirculated: At the top in 1945 dime value and desirability an Uncirculated Mercury dime is in the same condition as it left the mint, there is no wear on the coin. The delicate mint luster is unbroken and still covers the entire surface. Examine high points of the design for signs of wear, it occurs first on the hair above the eye and Liberty’s cheek just below the eye. If you notice a grayish color on the tops of the design it is likely wear and down grades the coin.
Extremely Fine: Of interest to collectors are many Mercury dimes in Extremely Fine condition. The slight even wear leaves the majority of the design crisp and sharp. Liberty’s hair above the eye is evidently worn but just slightly, wing details are beginning to show some smoothness. 1945 dimes in extremely fine condition are reasonable additions to collections while searching for a nice uncirculated example.
Fine: After serving for an extended period of time your dime has lost considerable detail. Liberty’s portrait once distinguished by feathers in a wing above her ear is hard to recognize. Additionally the hair running along her fore head under her cap is now quite flat, the curls hard to see. 1945 dime value is now tied to its silver content.
Good: A considerable amount of metal has worn away leaving Liberty as an outline in low relief. Faint suggestions of separation are found in both her hair and wing. Confirming a “good” grade is the rim blending into the tops of the lettering and last digit of the date. Holding the value of this coin to its silver value is the fact collectors strive to add nicer examples to their collections.
