1916-S Mercury Dime VF

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The year 1916 marked a major transformation in United States coinage, introducing a design that would become one of the nation's most celebrated. This ten-cent piece, struck at the San Francisco Mint, showcases the iconic imagery created by designer Adolph Weinman. Though commonly called the Mercury Dime, the obverse actually portrays a youthful Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. The legend "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the date 1916 are clearly visible on this side. On the reverse, the design presents a fasces, a bundle of rods bound around an ax, which is closely entwined with an olive branch. This powerful combination represents both readiness for defense and a desire for peace. The inscriptions read "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DIME", alongside the Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM". Struck from 90 percent silver with a precious metal weight of 0.0715 troy ounces, this coin survives in Very Fine condition. At this grade, the coin exhibits moderate wear, and some softening may be visible along the protective outer rim, yet the essential details of Weinman's artistic vision remain beautifully intact for observers to appreciate.