The Mercury dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, is a United States ten‑cent coin that was minted from 1916 to 1945. Despite its common name, the design does not depict the Roman god Mercury; instead, it features a representation of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, a motif intended to symbolize freedom of thought.
Design and specifications
- Obverse: Designed by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, showing Liberty with a winged cap, a raised torch in her right hand, and the word “LIBERTY” inscribed at the top. The date appears at the bottom.
- Reverse: Also by Weinman, depicting a fasces (bundle of rods) bound together with a laurel wreath, symbolizing strength and unity.
- Composition: 90 % silver, 10 % copper.
- Diameter: 17.91 mm (0.705 in).
- Thickness: 1.35 mm (0.053 in).
- Weight: 2.500 g (0.080 oz).
Historical context
- The Mercury dime succeeded the Barber dime (1892–1916) following the redesign of U.S. coins mandated by the 1916 Coinage Act, which called for more artistic designs.
- Production began in 1916, and the coin was minted at the Philadelphia and Denver mints, with the San Francisco mint adding strikes from 1916 to 1945.
- The design remained unchanged throughout its production run, encompassing periods of World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II.
Mintage figures (selected years)
- 1916: 1,800,000 (Philadelphia)
- 1921: 10,000,000 (Philadelphia & Denver)
- 1935: 1,250,000 (Philadelphia)
- 1945: 8,000,000 (Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco)
Replacement
- In 1946, the Mercury dime was replaced by the Roosevelt dime, which features the portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse.
The Mercury dime is a widely collected U.S. coin, valued both for its historical significance and its artistic merit. Its low silver content relative to earlier U.S. silver coins makes it a popular choice for hobbyists and investors alike.
