1945 S Micro S Mercury Dime Value Guide and History
The 1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime is worth anywhere from $20 in worn condition to over $3,000 in higher mint state grades. This tiny variation is one of the most famous “cherrypicker” varieties in American numismatics, making it a thrilling find for anyone sorting through a jar of old silver.
What Makes the 1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime Special
The 1945-S “Micro S” Mercury Dime is a fascinating historical anomaly that occurred during the final year of the Mercury Dime series. While the San Francisco mint usually used a standard-sized “S” mint mark, a small batch of coins was struck using a punch intended for much smaller coins (likely Philippine coinage produced at the US mints at the time). This resulted in a distinctively tiny “S” that looks like a small speck under a magnifying glass. If you aren’t sure what you have, using a free coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the mint mark to see if yours is the rare variety.
Modern collectors highly prize this error because it represents the end of an era for the Winged Liberty Head design. Finding one today in your family’s collection is like finding a hidden treasure. To get a quick estimate on your holdings, many people use the CoinKnow app to catalog their finds and track market fluctuations. Because this is a genuine variety recognized by major grading services, even a heavily circulated version carries a significant premium over its silver weight.
How to Identify the Micro S Variety
Identifying the Micro S requires a bit of a keen eye and a good lens. On a standard 1945-S dime, the “S” mint mark is relatively large and blocky. On the “Micro S” variety, the letter is noticeably smaller, thinner, and often appears more deeply struck. It is located on the reverse side of the coin, just to the left of the base of the fasces. If the letter “S” looks like it’s floating in a sea of open space compared to other dimes, you likely have the rare version.
To ensure you aren’t misidentifying a filled die or a worn standard strike, check the 1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime market pricing for high-resolution comparison photos. Using the CoinKnow app to take a clear macro photo of the mint mark can also help you compare your coin against verified examples. Most of these coins were released into circulation before anyone noticed the difference, so most surviving examples show significant wear.
Current Market Value and Pricing Breakdown
The value of a 1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime depends almost entirely on its “Grade”—the amount of wear it has sustained over the years. Even in “Good” condition, where the wings on Liberty’s head are flat, the coin is worth significantly more than its $2 silver melt value. However, the real money is found in “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” coins that still have their original luster. Collectors look for “Full Bands” (FB), which refers to the horizontal straps on the fasces. If those bands are fully separated and distinct, the price can skyrocket.
Refer to the detailed 1945 dime price guide to see how the Micro S compares to the standard 1945 Philadelphia and Denver strikes. You will notice that the “Micro S” is consistently the most valuable variant of the year across all grades.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8) | $15 – $25 |
| Fine (F-12) to Very Fine (VF-20) | $30 – $55 |
| Ex. Fine (EF-40) to About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $70 – $110 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $150 – $225 |
| Mint State (MS-65 Gem) | $400 – $650 |
| MS-67 with Full Bands (FB) | $2,500+ |
Tips for Selling Your Silver Dimes
If you discover a 1945-S Micro S in your collection, your first instinct might be to clean it to make it look “shiny.” Never do this! Cleaning a coin destroys its numismatic value and can turn a $500 coin into a $20 coin instantly. Instead, place it in a soft protective flip or a small plastic bag. If the coin appears to be in pristine, uncirculated condition, consider having it professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC, as a certified “Micro S” is much easier to sell to serious collectors.
Before heading to a local pawn shop, utilize the CoinKnow app to check recent auction results for similar coins. Pawn shops often offer “melt value” for silver coins, but the Micro S is a collector’s item that deserves a premium. Selling through a reputable coin dealer or an online auction platform will usually net you a much higher price than a quick sale at a jewelry store.
FAQ
Q: Is every 1945-S dime a Micro S variety?
A: No, the San Francisco mint produced both the standard large “S” and the rare “Micro S” in 1945. The standard “S” is much more common and is usually worth only its silver weight (around $2-$5) in circulated condition.
Q: How can I be sure the mint mark is a “Micro S”?
A: The best way is to compare it to a 1944-S or a 1943-S dime. If the “S” on your 1945 coin looks significantly smaller and more thin than those from previous years, it is likely the Micro S variety.
Q: Are 1945-S Micro S dimes made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Mercury Dimes minted from 1916 to 1945 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Regardless of the variety, each coin contains about 0.0723 ounces of pure silver.
