Numismatic

1919-D Mercury Dime XF

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The 1919 silver ten-cent piece from the Denver Mint represents a classic era in American coinage history. Struck with a purity of 90 percent silver, this coin contains 0.0715 troy ounces of precious metal. It is commonly known as the Mercury Dime, a popular moniker that has endured for generations. On the obverse, the design features a youthful representation of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap. This distinctive headwear was intended to symbolize freedom of thought, though it frequently caused the public to mistake the figure for the Roman messenger god, Mercury. The inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST" is placed alongside the profile, with the year 1919 stamped below. The reverse of the coin displays a fasces, a bundle of rods bound around an ax, which is closely intertwined with an olive branch. This combination of elements represents both readiness for defense and a desire for peace. The legendary motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is clearly visible on this side, alongside the denomination and the "D" mint mark, indicating its origin at the Denver facility. This particular specimen survives in Extra Fine condition, preserving the fine details of Adolph Weinman's original artistry.