Numismatic

1916-D Mercury Dime VG

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The 1916 Denver Mint issue stands as one of the most famous representatives of the entire Mercury Dime series. Struck in 90% silver, this ten-cent piece carries a modest 0.0715 troy ounces of precious metal, yet its true allure lies in its scarcity and the enduring beauty of its artwork. This particular specimen is preserved in Very Good condition, showing honest wear from its time in circulation while retaining the essential details of its historic imagery. Created by the noted sculptor Adolph Weinman, the obverse of the coin presents a youthful portrait of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap. This distinctive headwear often led the public to mistake the figure for the Roman messenger god Mercury, giving the series its popular nickname. Legible inscriptions on this side include the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the pivotal first-year date of 1916. The reverse design centers on a traditional fasces, a bundle of rods bound around an ax, which is closely intertwined with a leafy olive branch. Surrounding this central motif are the legends "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DIME", alongside the Latin phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM". Crucially, the highly sought-after "D" mint mark is positioned near the rim, confirming its origin from the Denver facility during the very first year this beloved design was minted.