Semi-Numismatic

1928 Mercury Dime Good/VF

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The 10-cent piece from 1928 offers a fascinating look into early twentieth-century American coinage. Minted in Philadelphia, this coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing 0.0715 troy ounces of the precious metal. Popularly known as the Mercury Dime, its design showcases the creative vision of artist Adolph Weinman, whose work brought a fresh aesthetic to the nation's pocket change. On the obverse, a youthful personification of Liberty wears a winged Phrygian cap, a symbol that historically represents freedom of thought. This distinctive headgear led to the popular, though mistaken, association with the Roman messenger god, Mercury. The inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST" is paired with the 1928 date on this side. The reverse of the coin presents a powerful combination of symbols, featuring a traditional fasces alongside a leafy olive branch. These elements represent strength, authority, and a desire for peace. The design is framed by the national motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and the country name, making this silver dime a remarkable study in classical imagery.