Semi-Numismatic

1916-S Mercury Dime Good/VG

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The year 1916 marked a major transition in American coinage, introducing a ten-cent piece that would become one of the nation's most celebrated designs. Officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, this coin quickly earned the popular nickname of the Mercury Dime due to the distinctive appearance of its central figure. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this particular silver coin carries the 'S' mintmark, representing a crucial first-year issue for the series. On the obverse, the design features a youthful representation of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wings. This artistic choice, created by Adolph Weinman, was intended to symbolize freedom of thought. Surrounding the portrait are the words 'LIBERTY' and the national motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST', alongside the 1916 date. The reverse of the coin presents a contrasting theme of strength and peace. It features a traditional Roman fasces, a bundle of rods bound around an ax, which is closely intertwined with a leafy olive branch. The inscriptions on this side include 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', the denomination 'ONE DIME', and the Latin phrase 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'. Minted with a composition of 90 percent silver, this coin contains approximately 0.0715 troy ounces of precious metal. Having survived in Good to Very Good condition, it shows the honest wear of a coin that circulated during a dynamic era in American history, making it a fascinating object of study for design enthusiasts.