The Mercury Silver Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, was minted by the United States Mint from 1916 to 1945. Composed of 90% silver, each coin contains .07234 ounces of the precious metal.
Despite its official name, the coin is often referred to as the Mercury Dime due to a common misconception. When it was first released, many people mistakenly thought the image of Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap was that of the Roman god Mercury. This misunderstanding led to the coin being popularly known by this name, and it has remained so over time.
Although millions of Mercury Dimes were produced during their three decades of minting, certain near-mint or perfect examples can command thousands of dollars among collectors.
Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, whose work is also seen on the 1916-1947 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, the Mercury Dime is widely regarded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing coins ever minted by the U.S. Mint.
सम्बंधित ख़बरें
On the obverse of the coin, Liberty is depicted wearing a Phrygian cap, a long-standing symbol of freedom. The addition of wings to the cap was meant to represent freedom of thought, which led to the mistaken identification of the figure as Mercury. Surrounding this image are the inscriptions LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the year of minting.
The reverse features a fasces, a bundle of sticks with an axe blade, wrapped in an olive branch. This design symbolized America’s readiness for war but also its desire for peace. The reverse is also inscribed with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and ONE DIME. If applicable, the mintmark can be found on the reverse as well.
