Numismatic

1921 Mercury Dime XF

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The 10 cent piece from 1921 stands out as a highly sought-after key date within its celebrated series. Struck in 90 percent silver at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin represents a year of remarkably low production, with a total mintage of only 1,230,000 pieces. This scarcity makes surviving examples in Extra Fine condition particularly compelling to study and appreciate. Designed by Adolph Weinman, the obverse of the dime presents a youthful personification of Liberty. She wears a winged Phrygian cap, a stylistic choice intended to symbolize freedom of thought, though it famously led the public to mistake her for the Roman god Mercury. The legend "IN GOD WE TRUST" is visible on this side, alongside the 1921 date. The reverse design contrasts strength with peace, displaying a traditional Roman fasces wrapped in an olive branch. This side features the Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and identifies the issuing nation as the United States of America. Containing 0.0715 troy ounces of pure silver, this coin is a beautiful example of early twentieth-century American engraving.