The inception of the Mercury dime came about through the confusion over a previously enacted bill which stated after twenty five years patterns on the dime, quarter, and half dollar could be changed without Congressional approval. Mint marks when present are located between the base of the olive branch and the ‘E’ in ‘ONE’. The reverse illustrates a fasces to represent unity and strength, and an olive branch to symbolize peace. Confusion first came about in 1916, the Mercury dimes first year of issue, when the public mistook Liberty with a winged cap for the Roman god Mercury, god of financial gain, commerce, thieves and trickery.

Although commonly referred to as a ‘Mercury’ dime, the obverse actually depicts a profiled bust of Liberty with a winged Phrygian cap, and is sometimes also referred to as a ‘Winged Liberty head dime’. The Mercury dime was a silver ten cent piece minted from 1916-1945. Please view our photos for additional information and ask any questions prior to purchase. The total mintage for this date & mint: 60,740,000.

This piece displays an original vibrant luster, creamy white silver color/tone and excellent visible overdate. A 1942 D (42 over 41 overdate, FS-101) (Denver Mint) Mercury Silver Dime graded Mint State 62 (MS-62) by NGC.

194241 mercury dime