Numismatic

1916 Mercury Dime MS-65 NGC (FB)

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In 1916, the United States introduced a fresh ten-cent design that would become one of the nation's most celebrated silver coins. This first-year issue, struck in 90 percent silver with a precious metal content of 0.0715 troy ounces, showcases the creative vision of sculptor Adolph Weinman. The obverse features a youthful personification of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, a symbol intended to represent freedom of thought. The legend of Liberty is accompanied by the motto IN GOD WE TRUST and the 1916 date. The reverse of the coin presents a fasces, a bundle of rods bound around an ax, which is closely entwined with a peaceful olive branch. This particular specimen has been certified in Mint State 65 with the highly sought-after Full Bands designation. This distinction means the horizontal bands wrapping the fasces are completely defined and split, indicating an incredibly sharp strike from the mint. Out of a total mintage of 22,180,080, very few surviving pieces retain this level of crisp, original detail.