Adolph A. Weinman’s Winged Liberty Head dime — universally called the “Mercury” dime — appeared in 1916 as part of the celebrated redesign of U.S. silver coinage that also produced the Standing Liberty quarter and Walking Liberty half. The obverse shows Liberty in a winged cap (meant to symbolize liberty of thought, though the public read it as the god Mercury); the reverse depicts a fasces beside an olive branch. The design ran unchanged through 1945.
Key facts
- Designed by: Adolph A. Weinman
- Issue dates: 1916–1945
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Diameter: 17.9 mm
- Weight: 2.50 grams (38.58 grains)
- Edge: Reeded
Mercury dimes are available in all grades from About Good through superb Mint State. The key date is the 1916-D (only 264,000 struck and genuinely rare in Mint State) — it is also among the most frequently faked U.S. coins via added “D” mintmarks, so buy only certified examples. Other scarcer issues include 1921 and 1921-D, and the 1942/1 and 1942/1-D overdates (the 1942/1-D is extremely rare in Mint State).
Full Bands (FB/FSB): the central crossband on the fasces is actually two bands; when fully struck and clearly separated, a dime earns the “Full Bands” designation and a premium. For several otherwise-common issues (such as 1925-D, 1926-S, 1927-D, and 1945), Full Bands examples are major rarities.
We actively buy Mercury dimes in every grade, from well-worn common dates to the 1916-D, overdates, and sharp Full Bands examples. Send photos for a free, no-obligation offer.