Numismatic

1916 Mercury Dime MS-63 PCGS (FB)

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The year 1916 marked the debut of a legendary American ten-cent piece. Known widely as the Mercury Dime, this silver coin actually portrays a youthful personification of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap on its obverse. This choice of headgear was meant to symbolize freedom of thought, though it frequently caused the public to mistake the figure for the Roman messenger god, Mercury. Surrounding this striking portrait is the year of issue and the motto affirming trust in God. The reverse of the coin presents a powerful combination of symbols: a fasces, representing strength and authority, intertwined with an olive branch to signify peace. The Latin phrase meaning "out of many, one" is displayed alongside the denomination and the national name. Composed of 90 percent silver, this specific specimen has been certified in Mint State 63 condition, distinguished by the highly sought-after Full Bands designation, which indicates an exceptionally crisp and complete strike on the horizontal bands of the reverse fasces.