Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The 1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime is worth anywhere from $5 in worn condition to over $15,000 for rare, high-grade specimens. This tiny silver coin is a favorite among collectors because of its unique mint mark variety and its historical status as the final year of the beautiful Mercury Dime series.
| Condition | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $12.00 – $15.00 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-45) | $25.00 – $40.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $85.00 – $120.00 |
| Gem Mint (MS-67 FB) | $3,000 – $15,000+ |
Understanding the 1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime Variety
If you’ve recently inherited a coin collection or found an old silver dime in a drawer, you might be looking at a treasure. To accurately identify your find, using a top coin identifier app can save you hours of manual research. The 1945-S Mercury Dime comes in two distinct versions: the “Large S” and the highly sought-after “Micro S.”
The “Micro S” variety occurred because the San Francisco Mint mistakenly used a smaller mint mark punch, which was actually intended for the Philippine coinage being struck at the US Mints during World War II. Because this was a mistake, fewer “Micro S” coins were produced compared to the standard variety.
Identifying this coin requires a magnifying glass or a loupe. On the reverse side of the coin, located to the left of the torch’s base, look for the “S” mint mark. If it appears tiny, stunted, and slightly rounded compared to the bold “S” usually seen on San Francisco coins, you have found the valuable Micro S variety. For immediate help, CoinKnow can help you zoom in on these details to confirm the variety.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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How Grading Impacts the 1945-S Micro S Dime Value
The condition, or “grade,” of your coin is the most important factor in determining its market price. Most Mercury Dimes found in pocket change today are heavily worn, showing smooth surfaces where Lady Liberty’s hair or the wing feathers should be. These are generally worth their silver weight plus a small premium.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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However, once you move into “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” (MS) territory, the 1945-S Micro S value begins to skyrocket. A coin that has never been used in daily transactions preserves its original luster and sharp details.
Collectors specifically look for “Full Bands” (FB) on the reverse of the coin. This refers to the horizontal bands tying the bundle of sticks (fasces). If these bands are fully separated and distinct, the coin is considered a premium specimen. CoinKnow allows users to compare their coins against high-resolution images of various grades to get a better idea of where their coin stands.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Grade Designation | Average Market Price |
|---|---|
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $55.00 |
| Mint State 60 (MS-60) | $75.00 |
| Mint State 65 (MS-65) | $250.00 |
| Mint State 65 Full Bands (MS-65 FB) | $1,100.00 |
Silver Content and the Melt Value of Mercury Dimes
Even if your 1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime is incredibly worn, it still holds intrinsic value. Every Mercury Dime minted between 1916 and 1945 is made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
During times of high silver prices, the “melt value” of these coins provides a solid floor for their price. As of current market rates, a single silver dime contains roughly 0.0723 ounces of pure silver. While you would never melt down a collectible Micro S variety, it’s good to know that your coin is worth more than its 10-cent face value regardless of its condition.
For many casual collectors, the silver content makes these coins a great entry point into investing. You can track current precious metal trends and how they affect 1945-S Micro S silver dime prices through professional database apps. By using CoinKnow, you can stay updated on real-time silver fluctuations that might bump up the value of your entire collection overnight.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Identifying Features: Small S vs. Large S
Distinguishing between the Small S (Micro S) and the standard Large S is the key to unlocking the most profit. Both coins were minted in late 1945, but they look quite different under magnification.
On the standard “Large S,” the mint mark is taller and the serifs (the little feet at the ends of the letter) are more pronounced. It fills much of the space between the branch and the rim.
On the “Micro S,” the mark is noticeably shorter and more compact. It looks out of proportion compared to the size of the coin. Many experts believe this variety is approximately 10 to 20 times rarer in high grades than the standard 1945-S. If you have a clean, shiny coin, it is well worth the effort to check it with a digital microscope or a high-quality camera phone.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Feature | Micro S Variety | Normal S Variety |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Very Tiny/Compressed | Bold/Standard Size |
| Rarity | High (Collector’s Item) | Common for the era |
| Typical Price (XF) | $35 – $50 | $6 – $10 |
The Best Way to Sell Your 1945-S Micro S Dime
Once you’ve identified your coin and estimated its grade, you might be wondering how to turn that silver into cash. For low-grade coins worth $5 to $10, your local coin shop is the easiest option. They usually buy “junk silver” at slightly below the current spot price.
If you believe you have a high-grade 1945-S Micro S worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, you should consider professional grading. Companies like PCGS or NGC will authenticate the coin and seal it in a plastic “slab.” A certified coin is much easier to sell at auction or on platforms like eBay because the buyer has a guarantee of its authenticity.
Before spending money on grading fees, which can range from $20 to $100 per coin, use an app to verify the variety. Ensuring you actually have the Micro S before shipping it off to a laboratory is a crucial step for any savvy collector who wants to maximize their return on investment.
FAQ
Q: Why is it called a “Mercury Dime”?
A: Although it is widely called the Mercury Dime, the design actually depicts Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap (Phrygian cap), symbolizing freedom of thought. People in 1916 mistook her for the Roman god Mercury, and the name stuck!
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1945 dime?
A: On the Mercury Dime series, the mint mark is located on the reverse (tails) side. Look at the very bottom, just to the left of the base of the fasces (the torch-like bundle of sticks). If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia. If there is a “D”, it’s from Denver, and an “S” represents San Francisco.
Q: Is every 1945-S dime a “Micro S”?
A: No. Most 1945-S dimes have a normal-sized “S.” The Micro S is a specific variety caused by using the wrong tool to punch the mint mark. It is much harder to find and carries a significant price premium among collectors.
Q: How can I tell if my dime is silver?
A: All Mercury Dimes (1916–1945) are 90% silver. If you have a dime from 1965 or later, it is made of copper and nickel. You can also tell by the edge of the coin; silver coins have a solid silver-colored edge, while modern coins show a copper-colored stripe.