Semi-Numismatic

1920 Mercury Dime XF

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The 1920 Mercury Dime is a fascinating artifact of early twentieth-century American coinage. Minted in Philadelphia, this ten-cent piece is composed of 90 percent silver, containing 0.0715 troy ounces of the precious metal. It represents a classic era of United States currency, capturing the artistic transition of the nation's coinage during the pre-1933 period. On the obverse, the coin displays a youthful depiction of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap. This distinct headwear often led the public to mistake the figure for the Roman messenger god, Mercury, giving the series its popular nickname. The design was created by Adolph Weinman and includes the year 1920 alongside the traditional national motto of trust. The reverse side presents a powerful contrast of symbols, featuring a fasces bound with an olive branch. This combination represents both readiness for defense and a deep desire for peace. The Latin phrase meaning "out of many, one" is inscribed on the reverse, alongside the denomination of one dime.