Numismatic

1921-D Mercury Dime VF

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The 1921-D Mercury dime represents a highly sought-after key date within this beloved United States silver series. Struck at the Denver Mint, this ten-cent piece is composed of 90 percent silver, containing approximately 0.0723 troy ounces of the precious metal. Finding examples from this specific year and mint in a Very Fine state of preservation offers a fascinating glimpse into early twentieth-century American coinage. Designed by the noted sculptor Adolph Weinman, the obverse of the coin presents a youthful depiction of Lady Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap. This distinctive headgear, which often led the public to mistake Liberty for the Roman god Mercury, was intended to symbolize freedom of thought. The front also bears the inscription of the national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, along with the 1921 date. On the reverse, the design transitions to a traditional symbol of strength and peace. A fasces, representing authority and unity, is bound alongside an olive branch, which signifies a desire for peace. The Denver mint mark, a small D, is located on this side, accompanied by the legends UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DIME, and the Latin phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM.