Liberty Head (Mercury) Silver Dime Pendant or Charm
Jewelry (Pendant/Charm) · United States Mint (Original Coin); Unknown Jeweler (Mounting)
Pattern: Winged Liberty Head, designed by Adolph A. Weinman (1916-1945)
Type
Jewelry (Pendant/Charm)
Maker
United States Mint (Original Coin); Unknown Jeweler (Mounting)
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Standard U.S. Coinage silver for the era); Mounting appears to be matching silver or silver-plated.
Dimensions
Diameter: 17.9 mm (standard dime size); Weight: Approximately 2.5 grams (standard) plus mounting.
Description
A classic piece of American numismatic jewelry, this item features a Winged Liberty Head silver dime. Often referred to as a 'Mercury Dime' because of the resemblance to the Roman god, this design is considered one of the most beautiful in American coinage. This specific piece has been converted for wear, likely as a memento or good luck charm.
Key Features
The winged cap symbolizing freedom of thought; high silver content; distinct 'Love Token' style modification.
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Standard U.S. Coinage silver for the era); Mounting appears to be matching silver or silver-plated.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief coin strike with natural age-related tarnished finish; features 'Liberty' wearing a winged Phrygian cap and the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver purity stamps visible on the coin itself (standard for U.S. currency); date and mint mark are obscured by glare but characteristic of the series.
Construction Details
Die-struck coinage; the mounting is hand-soldered or drilled with a jump ring for attachment to a chain.
Functional Features
Perforated hole near the bottom edge and attached jump ring for use as a piece of jewelry.
Handle & Grip Details
None; features a simple circular bezel or drilled attachment point.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-striking by the US Mint; the jewelry conversion is utilitarian rather than high-artisan.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter and visual design for a Weinman dime; wear patterns consistent with circulated currency of the 1940s.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States Mint (likely Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco); transformed into jewelry in a private workshop.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century Americana; World War I through World War II era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1916-1945 based on the design run of the Mercury Dime.
Cultural Significance
Represents the American ideals of liberty and the transition of currency into personal adornment during times of economic or social upheaval.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; significant wear on the coin's high points (cheeks and hair), dark oxidation/tarnish in recessed areas, and a structural modification (drilled hole).
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 (Primarily based on silver bullion weight and novelty value, as the drilled hole reduces numismatic collector value).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid harsh abrasives that could strip the historical patina or wear down the soft silver details.
Similar Pieces
Roosevelt Silver Dimes (post-1945), Walking Liberty Half Dollars, or 'Love Tokens' engraved on smoothed coin surfaces.
Interesting Facts
The 'Mercury' dime was so popular that many were saved as keepsakes or turned into 'trench art' during the World Wars.