1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime Value Guide What It’s Really Worth Today
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The 1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime is one of the most exciting finds in a coin jar or old collection — worth anywhere from $3 in heavily worn condition to well over $1,000 in pristine mint state grades, with certified examples sometimes pushing even higher at auction.
If you’ve stumbled across one of these little silver dimes and you’re wondering whether it’s special, you’ve come to the right place. The 1945-S Micro S is one of the most talked-about varieties in the entire Mercury Dime series, and understanding what makes it valuable could put real money in your pocket. A good coin identifier and value app can help you get a quick read on what you’re holding before you make any decisions.
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What Makes the 1945-S Micro S So Special
The Mercury Dime was minted from 1916 to 1945, and the San Francisco Mint struck millions of them each year. But in 1945, something unusual happened. Some of the coins were struck with a mintmark — the small “S” below the date — that was noticeably smaller than usual.
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This is what collectors call the “Micro S” variety. It happened because the San Francisco Mint used a different punch to apply the mintmark, likely a leftover punch from earlier production. The resulting “S” is distinctly tinier and more delicate than the standard 1945-S mintmark.
Not every 1945-S dime has it. You’ll need a magnifying glass to compare the mintmarks carefully. Once you spot the difference, though, the Micro S stands out clearly.
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Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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How Much Is the 1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime Worth
Value depends heavily on condition. A coin that’s been through decades of pocket wear will bring much less than one that’s been sitting uncirculated in a collection since 1945. Even so, this variety commands a premium over a standard 1945-S dime at every grade level.
Here’s a general value breakdown to give you a realistic picture:
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| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $3 – $8 |
| Fine (F-12) | $10 – $20 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $30 – $60 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | $75 – $150 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $200 – $400 |
| Mint State (MS-65+) | $600 – $1,500+ |
For the most current market data, you can check live 1945 Mercury Dime auction prices and MS grade values to see exactly what buyers are paying right now.
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How to Identify the Micro S Mintmark on Your Dime
Start by looking at the reverse (tails) side of the dime. Just above the “E” in “ONE DIME,” you’ll see a small letter. On a standard 1945-S, the “S” mintmark is relatively bold and punched clearly into the die.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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On the Micro S variety, that mintmark is noticeably smaller and lighter. The serifs on the letter appear thinner, and the overall punch is more delicate.
The best way to check is to compare your coin side-by-side with reference images online. CoinKnow makes this easy — you can use the app to scan your coin and instantly pull up variety information, including mintmark comparisons that help you confirm whether you’ve got the standard or the Micro S variety.
Getting a confident identification is worth the extra few minutes, especially when it can be the difference between a $5 coin and a $500 one.
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Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Silver Value and What It Means for Your Dime
Even a heavily worn 1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime has intrinsic silver value. Mercury Dimes are 90% silver, and each coin contains about 0.07234 troy ounces of the metal.
With silver prices fluctuating around $28–$32 per ounce in recent years, that means your dime is worth at least $2.00–$2.30 in silver melt value alone — even if it’s barely recognizable. The variety premium means the Micro S will always outperform melt value, but it’s good to know the floor.
You can explore a full breakdown of the 1945 Mercury Dime’s value across all mint marks and grades to better understand where your coin sits in the bigger picture. And if you’re building a collection or selling, CoinKnow gives you real-time silver melt calculations alongside collector premiums so you always know the full story.
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Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
FAQ
Q: How rare is the 1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime?
A: It’s considered a scarce variety, not an extreme rarity, but it’s definitely not something you find in every roll of old dimes. Because it was only produced with that specific mintmark punch, the total population is limited, and finding one in good condition is a genuine lucky strike.
Q: Do I need to get my 1945-S Micro S graded professionally?
A: If your coin looks uncirculated or close to it, professional grading through PCGS or NGC is absolutely worth considering. A certified MS-65 Micro S can be worth several times more than a raw coin of the same quality. For coins in circulated grades, certification is less critical unless you plan to sell at auction.
Q: Can I use an app to identify the Micro S variety?
A: Yes — CoinKnow is one of the best tools for this. It can help you identify the variety from photos and give you a value estimate based on current market data. It won’t replace the eye of an experienced collector, but it’s a great starting point if you’re new to coin collecting and want a fast, reliable answer.
