Mercury Dime

The Mercury dime is a 10-cent coin that was minted by the United States from 1916 to 1945. The coin features a depiction of Liberty wearing a winged cap, commonly mistaken for the Roman god Mercury, on the obverse side, with the word "LIBERTY" above and the minting year below. The reverse side features a fasces, a bundle of sticks with an axe, symbolizing strength through unity, along with an olive branch, representing peace, and the denomination "ONE DIME." The coin was made of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a weight of 2.5 grams and a diameter of 17.9 millimeters. The Mercury dime was introduced to replace the Barber dime, which had been in use since 1892, and was designed by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman. The coin was highly praised for its artistry and beauty, and remains a beloved coin among collectors and numismatists. The Mercury dime is also notable for its place in American history, having been minted during both World War I and World War II, and serving as a symbol of American patriotism and resilience during those difficult times.