Numismatic

1916 Mercury Dime MS-63 NGC (FB)

---

The year 1916 marked the debut of a remarkably beautiful ten-cent piece in American coinage, popularly known as the Mercury Dime. This particular silver coin is certified in Mint State 63 with the highly sought-after Full Bands designation. This distinction means the horizontal straps wrapping the bundle of rods on the reverse are completely and cleanly defined, a rare feature for strike quality that captures the design exactly as intended. On the obverse, a youthful depiction of Liberty wears a winged Phrygian cap, a striking image that historically led to the coin's common nickname. The reverse is rich with symbolism, displaying a traditional fasces alongside a leafy olive branch. The legible inscriptions include the denomination ONE DIME and the classic motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. Struck from 90 percent silver with a precious metal content of 0.0723 troy ounces, this piece is a survivor from an original mintage of 22,180,080. Designed by Adolph Weinman, the coin remains a testament to early twentieth-century American engraving, offering a fascinating look at a transitional era in United States coinage.