Numismatic

1921-D Mercury Dime Good

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The 1921-D Mercury dime represents a fascinating moment in United States coinage. Struck at the Denver Mint, this particular issue is highly notable for its low mintage of just 1,080,000 pieces. This relatively small production run makes the coin a compelling subject for study and discovery, especially given its survival in Good condition. Designed by Adolph Weinman, the obverse of the ten-cent piece showcases a youthful personification of Liberty. She wears a winged Phrygian cap, an image that historically led the public to mistake her for the Roman messenger god Mercury, giving the series its popular nickname. Legible on the obverse are the classic inscriptions "IN GOD WE TRUST" alongside the 1921 year of issue. On the reverse, the design transitions to a powerful combination of symbols. A central fasces, which consists of a bound bundle of wooden rods with an axe blade emerging from the side, is paired with an olive branch. This side of the coin also features the traditional motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM". Composed of 90% silver, each coin contains 0.0715 troy ounces of precious metal, combining artistic detail with intrinsic value.