History of the Mercury Dime

Winged Liberty Head Dime

(1916-1945)

The first Mercury Dime was issued in 1916. The Mercury Dime is misnamed. The obverse depicted the profile bust of Liberty wearing a cap with the wings of Mercury. The likeness is not that of Mercury (a male god) but Liberty, the same mythological figure who had graced dimes since their introduction in 1796. Confusion resulted from the attachment of small wings to Liberty's headdress, which, to students of Greek and Roman folklore, could only represent Mercury, the "quick messenger," whom the gods equipped with wings to better execute his duties. To give Liberty wings was a bit of poetic license; the intended meaning was "liberty of thought," but so vague was this concept that its purpose remained unserved.

On the reverse was an object that caused only slightly less confusion--a vertical column of some kind that only the most astute observers could identify. The design was a fasces wrapped around a battle axe, surrounded by an olive branch. The bound fasces symbolizes: unity, the axe: preparedness, and the olive branch: the love of peace. In Roman times, an imperial or senatorial procession was often accompanied by "fasces bearers" who carried these bundles of wood sticks throughout the streets. Their meaning was supposedly symbolic but they likewise served a practical function: when dusk fell they could be lighted to illuminate the path.

These ten cent pieces were also called Winged Liberty Head Dimes. The Mercury Dime marked the first time that a U.S. Dime bore a design that was different from the Quarter and Half Dollar of the same year.

The Mercury Dime was designed by Adolph A. Weinman. His initials 'AW' appear on the obverse to the right of Liberty's neck. The Mercury Dime was composed of 90% Silver and 10% Copper. Since pure silver is very soft, copper was added to all circulating silver coins to harden them and prevent excessive wear. Mercury Dimes had a weight of 2.50 grams, a diameter of 17.9mm, a reeded edge. The edges of most silver coins were reeded to make evident any attempt to shave silver off the coin.

Mercury Dimes were struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints.

Terms and Mint Marks

D (Denver): The 'D' mint mark is located on the reverse, near the rim, after the 'E' in ONE'

S (San Francisco): The 'S' mint mark is located on the reverse, near the rim, after the 'E' in ONE'

Note: Mercury Dimes struck in Philadelphia bear no mint mark.

 

 

 

 

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