1916 Mercury Dime 90% Silver Coin Good-Very Good (G-VG) Circulated Condition

First Year of Production

The Mercury dime is a ten cent coin struck by the U.S. Mint from late 1916 to 1945. 

Designed by Adolph Weinman  and also referred to as the Winged Liberty Head dime, it gained its common name because the obverse depiction of a young Liberty, identifiable by her winged Phrygian cap, was confused with the Roman god Mercury. Weinman is believed to have used Elsie Stevens, the wife of lawyer and poet Wallace Stevens , as a model. The coin's reverse depicts a  fasces, symbolizing unity and strength, and an olive branch, signifying peace.

By 1916, the dime, quarter and half collar designed by Mint Chief Engraver Charles Barber had been struck for 25 years, and could be replaced. Mint officials were under the misapprehension that the designs had to be changed, and held a competition among three sculptors, in which Barber, who had been in his position for 36 years, also took part. 

Weinman's designs for the dime and half dollar were selected.

Although the new coin's design was admired for its beauty, the Mint made modifications to it upon learning that vending machine manufacturers were having difficulties making the new dime work in their devices. The coin continued to be minted until 1945, when the Treasury ordered that a new design. featuring recently deceased president Franklin Roosevelt, take its place. 

The Mercury dime was minted again but in gold for its centenary in 2016.