Semi-Numismatic

1918 Mercury Dime VF

---

Struck in 1918 at the Philadelphia Mint, this silver ten-cent piece represents a classic era of United States coinage. Consisting of 90 percent silver with a precious metal weight of 0.0715 troy ounces, the coin survives in Very Fine condition, showing the moderate wear of a piece that actively circulated during the era of the First World War. Designed by Adolph Weinman, the obverse displays a youthful depiction of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap. Although intended to represent freedom of thought, the headwear strongly recalled the traditional depiction of the Roman messenger god, leading the public to widely refer to the series as the Mercury Dime. The front also bears the national motto, "IN GOD WE TRUST", alongside the 1918 date. The reverse design pairs a fasces, representing strength and unity, with an olive branch to symbolize peace. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", "E PLURIBUS UNUM", and the denomination "ONE DIME" encircle these central elements, creating a balanced and enduring piece of American numismatic artistry.