Semi-Numismatic

1919 Mercury Dime Good/Fine

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The 1919 ten cent piece offers a fascinating glimpse into the early twentieth century coinage of the United States. Struck in 90 percent pure silver, this coin contains 0.0715 troy ounces of precious metal. It represents a beloved era of American currency design, showcasing intricate artistry on a small canvas. The front of the coin displays a youthful personification of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wings. This distinctive headwear led to the popular, though technically incorrect, nickname of the Mercury Dime due to its resemblance to the Roman messenger god. Arching around the portrait are the words IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY. On the reverse, the design presents a bundle of rods bound around an axe, known as a fasces, alongside a leafy olive branch. These symbols represent strength and peace. The inscriptions on this side include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DIME, and the Latin phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM. This particular issue was produced at the Philadelphia Mint.