winged liberty mercury dime

United States Mercury Dimes

Introduction to the Mercury Dime

The United States Mercury Dime, also called the Winged Liberty Head Dime, fascinates coin collectors. It circulated from 1916 to 1945 and remains one of America’s most admired coins. Because of its elegant design and rich history, the Mercury Dime holds a special place in numismatics.

Design and Symbolism

Adolph A. Weinman, a famous sculptor, designed the coin. He gave Lady Liberty a winged cap to symbolize freedom of thought. Many people confused the figure with Mercury, the Roman god, which explains the coin’s nickname.

Historical Background

The Mercury Dime appeared during a time of major change in the United States. World War I had just started, and the country embraced modern values. As a result, the U.S. Mint replaced the older Barber Dime with the Mercury Dime. This new coin reflected the artistic spirit of the era.

Composition and Minting

The Mint struck Mercury Dimes from 90% silver and 10% copper. It produced the coins at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. Coins carry small mint marks that affect their rarity and value. For example, the 1916-D Mercury Dime is highly sought after because of its low mintage.

Collecting Mercury Dimes

Collectors prize Mercury Dimes for their beauty and history. While many coins from common dates remain affordable, rare issues fetch high prices. For instance, high-grade 1916-D and 1942/1 overdate dimes can sell for thousands at auction.

Advice for New Collectors

If you are new to collecting, start with coins from the 1940s. These are easier to find and cost less. As your knowledge grows, focus on key dates or aim for a full set. Always use a magnifier to check details and store your coins carefully to protect their condition.

The End of the Mercury Dime Era

The Mint stopped producing Mercury Dimes in 1946. They replaced it with the Roosevelt Dime to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who died in 1945. Even though production ended, collectors still admire the Mercury Dime for its artistry and history.

The Coin’s Lasting Legacy

The Mercury Dime represents craftsmanship and freedom. It captures an important time in American history. Therefore, it remains a cherished coin among collectors today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Mercury Dime is more than silver and metal. It symbolizes creativity, liberty, and the American spirit. Whether you are new or experienced, collecting this coin offers a rewarding experience.

History of the United States Dime

Weinman’s artistic genius is evident in the design of the Mercury Dime, which was introduced as part of an effort to replace the outdated Barber Dime design. The coin features an obverse design that portrays a young Liberty wearing a winged cap, a feature that is commonly mistaken as the Roman god Mercury due to its striking resemblance. Liberty’s profile is presented in a three-quarter view, facing left, with the word “LIBERTY” inscribed gracefully above her and the year of minting displayed with dignity below.

The reverse side of the coin showcases a fasces, a bundle of rods with an axe, symbolizing unity and strength. Alongside this powerful emblem of unity, an olive branch is depicted, denoting peace—a stark contrast to the turbulent times in which the Mercury Dime was minted. These intricate details and the symbolism they carry contribute to the coin’s allure.

The Mercury Dime was minted in three different mints across the United States: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Each mint marked its coins with a unique mintmark—”P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco. These mintmarks can be found on the reverse side, positioned just below the fasces. The presence of these mintmarks adds an extra layer of interest for collectors, as they can seek to complete sets from each mint.

In terms of physical characteristics, the Mercury Dime has a diameter of 17.9 mm, which gives it a small yet elegant presence. The composition of the coin is 90% silver and 10% copper, a blend that speaks to the tradition of American silver coinage. The coin’s weight is a modest 2.5 grams, making it one of the lighter coins in circulation during its time.