The 1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in circulated condition to over $10,000 for high-grade specimens. This tiny silver treasure is one of the most famous “varieties” in American numismatics, and many everyday collectors find them tucked away in old jars or inherited collections.

Condition	Estimated Value (USD)
Good (G-4)	$3.00 – $5.00
Fine (F-12)	$6.00 – $10.00
Extremely Fine (XF-45)	$15.00 – $25.00
Uncirculated (MS-63)	$50.00 – $85.00
Gem Uncirculated (MS-67 FB)	$2,500+

What Exactly Is the 1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime?

The 1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime is a fascinating mishap from the San Francisco Mint. In 1945, the mint accidentally used a punch intended for smaller Philippine coinage to mark the “S” on some Mercury Dimes. If you are trying to identify this coin, you can use a top coin identifier app to zoom in on the mint mark and see if yours matches the authentic variety.

While most Mercury Dimes from this year have a standard “S” mint mark, the Micro S version features a significantly smaller, squint-inducing letter. This variety was once considered quite rare, but as more collectors searched their change, more were found. Even so, it remains the “Holy Grail” for those finishing a Mercury Dime set.

If you are unsure if your coin has the special mark, the CoinKnow app can help you compare high-resolution photos of your dime against verified Micro S examples. The difference is subtle to the naked eye, so magnification is your best friend when hunting for this silver prize.

How to Identify the Micro S Mint Mark

Identifying the 1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime requires a steady hand and a good magnifying glass—or a high-quality smartphone camera. On the reverse side of the coin, to the left of the torch’s base, you will find the “S” mint mark. On the standard 1945-S, the letter is clear, rounded, and proportionate to the rest of the design.

The Micro S variety looks strikingly different. The letter “S” is tiny, blocky, and appears somewhat compressed. It looks almost like a small blob rather than a defined letter. Professional graders often look for the specific shape of the serifs on the “S.” If the letter looks abnormally small compared to other dimes in your collection, you likely have the variety.

By using the CoinKnow app, you can instantly compare your coin’s mint mark positioning and size against a database of known survivors. This ensures you don’t mistake a weakly struck standard “S” for the valuable Micro S variety, which can lead to disappointment at the coin shop.

Understanding the Value of Regular 1945-S vs. Micro S

The market for these coins fluctuates based on silver prices and collector demand. Generally, the Micro S carries a significant premium over the standard San Francisco issue from 1945. You can find detailed 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime grade-by-grade pricing to see how much of a “bonus” this tiny letter adds to your coin’s worth.

While a common 1945 dime might only be worth its weight in silver (around $2 at current rates), the Micro S variant starts at double or triple that price in even the worst conditions. In high grades, the price gap widens dramatically. A standard Mint State 1945-S might sell for $30, while the Micro S version can easily cross the $100 mark.

Grade	Standard 1945-S Price	Micro S Variety Price
VF-20	$2.50	$12.00
MS-63	$25.00	$75.00
MS-65	$40.00	$180.00

The Importance of the “Full Bands” (FB) Designation

For Mercury Dime collectors, the ultimate prize is a coin with “Full Bands.” This refers to the horizontal bands that wrap around the fasces (the bundle of sticks) on the reverse of the coin. Because the 1945-S strikes were notoriously weak, finding a 1945-S Micro S with fully separated, distinct bands is incredibly rare.

A 1945-S Micro S with Full Bands (FB) can sell for several times more than a standard strike. For example, while a “regular” MS-66 Micro S might be worth $300, the same coin with the FB designation could skyrocket to $3,000 or more. This is because the 1945 dies were overworked, leading to “mushy” details on almost all coins minted that year.

If you think your coin has sharp lines across the center of the torch on the back, you should check more comprehensive 1945 Mercury Dime value and variety data to see if your coin qualifies for the high-end collector market. The CoinKnow app is especially useful here, as it provides high-def images of what “Full Bands” actually look like.

Factors That Influence Your Coin’s Worth

As with any vintage silver coin, three main factors determine how much money you can get for your 1945-S Micro S: Condition, Luster, and Eye Appeal. Because these coins are 90% silver, they often tarnish or develop “toning.” While some collectors love rainbow-colored toning, others prefer the original bright white “cartwheel” luster.

Wear and tear is the biggest value killer. If the hair of Liberty (the figure on the front) is worn smooth, the coin is in “Good” or “Very Good” condition. If you can see individual strands of hair and the feathers on the cap are crisp, you are looking at an “Extremely Fine” or “About Uncirculated” coin.

Many people find these coins in “junk silver” bags. If you happen to spot a Micro S while sorting through silver bullion, you have essentially found found money. Always handle these coins by the edges to avoid getting finger oils on the surface, which can degrade the value over time.

Condition Factor	Impact on Value
Silver Content	Sets a “floor” price (Approx. $1.80-$2.00)
Micro S Mark	Adds $5 to $5,000+ depending on grade
Full Bands (FB)	Essential for prices over $500
Cleaning	Reduces value by 50% or more (Never clean coins!)

Where to Sell Your 1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime

If you have confirmed that you own this specialized variety, your next step is deciding where to sell. For a common circulated example worth $10–$20, a local coin shop or eBay is your best bet. These venues allow for quick sales without the high fees associated with major auction houses.

However, if you have a coin that looks brand new-as if it just came from the mint-you should consider getting it professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC. A certified MS-67 FB 1945-S Micro S is a world-class rarity that belongs in a major auction like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.

Before spending money on grading fees, use CoinKnow to get a preliminary idea of the grade. Grading can cost $30–$60 per coin, so you only want to send in coins that are likely to return a high enough grade to justify the expense. Most 1945-S dimes found in the wild are simply not high enough quality to warrant professional certification.

FAQ

Q: Is every 1945-S dime a “Micro S”?

A: No. Most 1945-S Mercury Dimes have a normal-sized “S.” The Micro S is a specific variety where a smaller punch tool was used by mistake. It is much less common than the standard version.

Q: How much silver is in a 1945 Mercury Dime?

A: Each dime contains 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver. This means the coin will always be worth at least its “melt value,” which changes daily based on the silver market.

Q: Can I find a 1945-S Micro S in my pocket change?

A: While extremely unlikely, it is technically possible. Most silver was pulled from circulation in the 1960s, but occasionally old collections are spent by people who don’t know their value. Most are found in “estate “lots” or old coin folders.

Q: Why is the 1945-S Micro S so expensive in high grades?

A: During 1945, the mint produced a massive number of coins, which caused the dies to wear down. This resulted in “mushy” strikes. Finding a Micro S that was also struck perfectly (Full Bands) is statistically very rare, leading to high collector competition.

Q: Should I clean my 1945-S Micro S to make it look better?

A: Absolutely not! Cleaning a coin with polish or chemicals leaves microscopic scratches that professional buyers can easily spot. A cleaned coin is often worth only its silver weight, even if it is a rare variety. Always leave the original patina intact.