A dime is one-tenth of a dollar. So, a gold dime should be worth one-tenth of a gold dollar, however, the 2016 W Mercury Dime Centennial Gold Coin is worth over $300.00 depending on the grade. This is the only official gold dime minted by the US mint. Of course, the value of this dime depends on factors such as the market price of gold and the coin’s condition.
How Much is a Gold Dime Worth?
If you have the 2016 W Mercury Dime Centennial and you’ve been asking how much is a gold dime worth the answer is between $300 to $350 depending on a number of factors.
Commonly called the Mercury Dime, the United States minted 125,000 of these dimes on April 21st 2016. This was in response to the public’s concerns over three denominations — the dime, quarter, and half dollar coins — sharing an identical design, the Barber design. So the US Treasury held a contest for sculptors to submit their design for a new coin. Ultimately, Adolph A. Weinman was chosen as the designer.
The coin contains 0.1000 troy oz. (3.110 grams) of 24 Karat gold. It has a diameter of 16.50 mm (0.650 inches) and a thickness of 1.19 mm (0.047 inches).
Rather than the modern Roosevelt design the Mercury Dime features the old Winged Liberty design with the Liberty facing left. The back features an olive branch and a Roman fasces symbolizing America’s desire for peace and military readiness respectively.
Here’s a table of the inscriptions on the Mercury Dime:
| Front Inscriptions | Back Inscriptions |
|---|---|
| LIBERTY | UNITED STATES OF AMERICA |
| IN GOD WE TRUST | E PLURIBUS UNUM |
| 2016 | AU 24K |
| AW | 1/10 oz. |
| ONE DIME |
What is a Gold Plated Dime Worth?
A gold plated dime is only worth 10 cents at most. The value of the gold plating is not worth very much.
This is because it’s only gold plated, which means it’s primarily made of gold like materials like copper or nickel instead of real gold, then coated with a very thin negligible layer of gold on top of the dime. So if you have a gold plated dime, it’s not worth much more than a regular dime.
An exception is if the dime is pre-1965. Gold dimes minted before 1964 are generally worth more than their face value because they contain a high percentage of silver.
How Much is a 1989 Gold Dime?
The 1989 gold dime has an estimated worth of 10 cents and a certified mint state(MS+) value of as much as $3.00.
The 1988 P Roosevelt Dime is composed of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. The weight of the 1989 P Roosevelt Dime is 2.268 grams and the diameter is 17.9 millimeters.
So, to calculate the melt value, the current market value of the metals and the specifications of the coin are required:
- Price of copper = $4.6294
- Copper % = .9167
- Price of nickel = $16.6892
- Nickel % = .0833
- Total weight in grams = 2.268
- Pound/gram conversion = .00220462262
- Value of 91.67% copper = (4.6294 × .00220462262 × 2.268 × .9167) = $0.0212181
- Value of 8.33% nickel value = (16.6892 × .00220462262 × 2.268 × .0833) = $0.0069500
Thus, melt value = $0.0212181 + $0.0069500 = $0.0281681
Determining the value of the 1989 Gold Dime is not complete without factoring in outside factors:
The condition of the coin
The condition of the coin is one of the most important factors affecting the price. A coin that is in better condition will typically be worth more than a coin that is in poorer condition. This is because a coin in better condition is less likely to have been damaged or otherwise affected over time, which can decrease its value.
The type of gold used
The type of gold used can also affect the price of a gold dime. For example, a dime made with 24 karat gold will generally be worth more than a dime made with 18 karat gold. This is because 24 karat gold is purer than 18 karat gold, and thus considered more valuable. The 1989 is made of copper and nickel and no gold, which is why it’s worth only 10 cents.
The weight of the coin
Another factor that can affect the price of a gold dime is the weight of the coin. A heavier coin will typically be worth more than a lighter coin. The 1989 dime weighs only 2.7 grams, hence it’s low value.
Market conditions
Market conditions can also affect the price of gold dime. For example, if the market for copper is doing well, the price of a 1989 gold dime will be higher than if the market is doing poorly. This is because the demand for copper is higher when the market is doing well, and vice versa.
How Can You Tell If a Dime is Gold?
If it’s not the 2016 Mercury Dime it’s not pure gold. That’s the short answer. For the long answer, there are ways to test for the gold content of lack thereof in a dime.
One way is to use a simple magnet. Gold is not magnetic, so if the dime is attracted to the magnet, it’s not pure gold.
Another way to test for gold is to use a jeweler’s loupe or other magnifying device. Inspect the dime closely for any signs of wear or flaking. If the dime looks worn, green, black or has flaked off in any areas, it’s not pure gold.
You can also take the dime to a jeweler or other professional to have it tested for gold content. This is the most accurate way to test for gold, but it can also be the most expensive.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to use caution when testing for gold. You don’t want to damage the coin in any way.
Overall
In conclusion, a dime is one tenth of a dollar and is made up of different metals that’s rarely gold. If you don’t have the 2016 Mercury Dime, you have a gold plated dime. This means that the dime has been coated in a thin layer of gold. While this may make the dime look nicer, it does not necessarily mean that it is more valuable. So, if you come across a gold plated dime, don’t get too excited — it’s worth about 10 cents. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to share and comment!
