United States Mercury Dime (Winged Liberty Head) 90% Silver Coinage
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco mints)
Pattern: Mercury Dime (Winged Liberty Head), designed by Adolph A. Weinman, produced 1916-1945
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco mints)
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (known as 'Junk Silver' in numismatic circles)
Dimensions
Diameter: 17.9 mm, Thickness: 1.35 mm, Weight: 2.5 grams (contains 0.07234 troy oz of pure silver)
Description
A bulk collection of Winged Liberty Head dimes, colloquially known as Mercury Dimes. These iconic coins feature a profile of Liberty wearing a winged cap (often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury), symbolizing freedom of thought. The reverse displays a fasces, representing unity and strength, entwined with an olive branch for peace. In this quantity, they are typically traded as '90% junk silver' based on their precious metal content rather than individual numismatic rarity.
Key Features
Winged Phrygian cap design, reeded edges, 90% silver purity, 10-cent face value, and the 'AW' designer initials on the obverse
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (known as 'Junk Silver' in numismatic circles)
Finish & Decoration
Struck coinage with reeded edges; features Liberty in a winged Phrygian cap and Roman fasces with olive branch on reverse
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', date. Reverse: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'ONE DIME', mint mark (D, S, or none for Philadelphia)
Construction Details
Machine-struck via high-pressure dies on planchets; reeded edges formed by the collar during striking
Functional Features
Denominational legal tender; reeded edge originally served as a deterrent to 'clipping' or shaving silver from the edges
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic object meant for tactile circulation or storage)
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial die-striking on a mass scale; high-quality engraving by Adolph Weinman shows exceptional detail in the hair and wings on uncirculated specimens.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter and strike thickness; visible 'Full Bands' on some reverses; characteristic aging of 90% silver alloy; reeding consistency
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia (no mark), Denver ('D'), and San Francisco ('S') mint facilities
Era & Period
Modern American Numismatic era (Early 20th Century), encompassing WWI, the Great Depression, and WWII
Age Estimate
Dated between 1916 and 1945 (Specific years visible in image include typical 1940s circulated examples)
Cultural Significance
A staple of American commerce through two World Wars and the Depression; now a primary vehicle for silver stackers and precious metal investors.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; varied tarnish (toning), surface contact marks, and edge wear (G-4 to VF-20 grade appearance). Some show heavy oxidation/sulfide deposits.
Value Estimate
Bulk value typically calculated as a multiple of face value ($15-$22 per $1 face value) based on current spot silver prices
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish if numismatic value is desired; store in PVC-free flips, tubes, or acid-free canvas bags to prevent environmental damage.
Similar Pieces
Barber Dimes (pre-1916), Roosevelt Silver Dimes (1946-1964), and modern Silver Proof Dimes (99.9% fine silver)
Interesting Facts
The model for the coin was Elsie Stevens, the wife of poet Wallace Stevens. The 'Winged Liberty' was so often misidentified as Mercury that the name stuck permanently in common parlance.