By 1931, the Great Depression was leaving its menacing marks in all areas of the American economy and society, and demand for new coinage was tumbling. By 1931 production of most other United States denomination had either temporarily halted or was about to take hiatus after that year. The Mercury dime, for its part, saw a tiny mintage of barely over 3 million pieces, though many survive well in the uncirculated grades because they were saved by collectors. Still, pieces grading MS66 or higher are scarce, with Full Bands pieces realizing substantial premiums.