1936

Philadelphia's 1936 dime production reached 87,504,130 pieces, the highest figure for the year across all three mints and a clear signal that small change demand had fully recovered from the Depression's worst phase. New Deal employment programs had put millions back to work, retail commerce moved at substantial volume, and dimes circulated freely across the country. The year also marked the resumption of proof coinage at Philadelphia after a long hiatus, and collector interest in the series began to grow accordingly. Most 1936 Philadelphia dimes survived in quantity, both through circulation finds and through original rolls preserved by early collectors who recognized the resumption of proof production as a notable moment for the denomination.

Adolph A. Weinman's design carries the typical Philadelphia strike sharpness, executed on the standard 90% silver and 10% copper composition at 2.5 grams and 17.9 millimeters. The reeded edge and absence of a mintmark on the reverse identify the issue. Full Bands (FB) examples, where the two horizontal bands across the middle of the fasces show complete separation, appear at high frequency from this year's dies. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) certify FB pieces across the Mint State spectrum, and population counts run high through MS66 FB with meaningful supply continuing into MS67 FB. The date represents one of the most accessible high-grade Winged Liberty Head issues, making it attractive to collectors building type sets as well as date runs.

Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers handle 1936 Philadelphia dimes regularly, including premium FB examples and proof issues from the same year. Prices remain reasonable across most grade levels, with significant premiums reserved for the finest known examples. Roll-quantity finds from estate consignments occasionally bring fresh material to the market, though such groups are increasingly uncommon. Read more at the Mercury Dime series history.