Semi-Numismatic

1916-1945 Mercury Dimes AU (Random)

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The United States ten cent piece minted between 1916 and 1945 is widely celebrated for its elegant and symbolic design. Known popularly as the Mercury Dime, the coin actually portrays a youthful personification of Liberty on its obverse. She is depicted wearing a winged Phrygian cap, a traditional symbol of free thought, which led to the popular but mistaken association with the Roman messenger god, Mercury. The front also bears the familiar national motto of trust and the date of issue. On the reverse, the coin displays a fasces, a bundle of rods bound around an ax, which is closely intertwined with an olive branch. This imagery represents strength and readiness for defense alongside a deep desire for peace. The inscriptions on this side include the national name and the traditional Latin motto meaning out of many, one. Each of these historic dimes is struck from 90 percent silver, containing approximately 0.0715 troy ounces of the precious metal. Preserved in About Uncirculated condition, these coins retain much of their original luster and fine detail, offering a fascinating glimpse into early to mid twentieth century American coinage.