Mercury Silver Dime (1916-1945)

The Mercury Dime is famously referred to as the “Winged Liberty Head dime” and still popular amounts collectors today. The ten-cent dime is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper and contains just over .072 troy ounces of silver. The coin was produced by the U.S. Mint between 1916-1945 and was designed by Adolph Weinman. The Mercury Dime is truly unique with almost an Art Deco Design. On the Obverse Liberty is wearing a winged Phrygian cap, which was confused with the Roman god Mercury. The coins reverse depicts a fasces, (a bound bundle of wooden rods with an ax blade emerging) which symbolizes strength and unity. The olive branch signifies peace.

Mint Marks

Mercury Silver Dimes were minted in Philadelphia (P), San Francisco (S) and Denver (D). Some of the most valuable and desirable coins among collectors today were minted in Denver. These mint-marks will be displayed along the bottom rim of the coin.

Mercury Dime Problem

Although the Mercury Dime was widely popular and admired for its beautiful design, the U.S. Mint had to make modifications to the coins design do to vending machines were having problems accepting the coins. The coins would not fit into the vending machines slots. The coin continued to be minted until 1945, until The U.S. Treasury would replace the design with the recently deceased president Franklin Roosevelt.

Controversy behind the design of the Mercury Dime

Adolph Weinman never did disclose who his model was for the obverse of the coin, but it has been rumored to have been Wallace Steven’s wife, Elsie. Wallace Steven’s and his wife had rented an apartment from Weinman and they had become close friends. Wallace Stevens went on to become a famous poet. The rumors were based on Weinman’s 1913 bust sculpted of Elsie Stevens which looks very similar Liberty on the Mercury Dime. No one knows to this day who Liberty really was.

Why buy from LCR Coin Online?

LCR Coin has a nice collection of graded and certified Mercury Silver Dimes for sale. All of our coins are certified by PCGS or NGC and guaranteed authentic. We have all types of prices and grades for all level of collectors. You can view each coins certification by the grading service on each product page. All of our coins ship Free Insured Shipping with tracking. By creating an account with LCR Coin you may track your orders and view your wish-list. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at info@lcrcoin.com or call us at 800-830-5578. We are available Monday through Friday 8-5 Pacific Standard Time.