Numismatic

1916-D Mercury Dime Fair

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In 1916, the United States Mint introduced a new ten-cent design that would become one of the most celebrated in American numismatics. This inaugural year of the Mercury Dime series is particularly famous for the issue struck at the Denver Mint, which bears the "D" mint mark. With a remarkably low mintage of just 264,000 pieces, this specific issue is highly sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate the scarcity and historical journey of each surviving specimen, even those preserved in Fair condition. Designed by Adolph Weinman, the coin features a youthful depiction of Lady Liberty on the obverse. She wears a winged Phrygian cap, an artistic choice that led the public to mistake her for the Roman messenger god, Mercury, giving the series its popular nickname. The obverse also displays the national motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" alongside the 1916 date. The reverse of the coin presents a powerful combination of symbols, showing a traditional fasces alongside an olive branch. This side also features the Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM". Struck in 90% silver, each of these dimes contains approximately 0.0715 troy ounces of precious metal. Finding a genuine 1916-D representative, regardless of its wear, offers a direct connection to the very beginning of this beloved 1916 to 1945 silver series.