1916 Mercury Dime

About This Coin

The 1916 Mercury Dime is a United States dime from the Mercury Dimes 1916-1945 series — the first year of the series. In 1916, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 32.9 million. This ranks 6th of 27 years by total mintage, below the series median of 56.6 million. The obverse features young Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom of thought — often called the "Mercury" dime despite not depicting the Roman god and the reverse displays a Roman fasces — a bundle of rods with an axe — entwined with an olive branch, symbolizing strength through unity tempered by peace. The first year of the Mercury Dime. The 1916-D with a mintage of only 264,000 is the key date. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.5 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have identified 3 known die varieties for this date, including repunched mint mark. Produced 5 years before the celebrated 1921 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $10 to $33K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $30K in MS65 grade at Stack's. Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman.