1919 Mercury Dime

About This Coin

The 1919 Mercury Dime is a United States dime from the Mercury Dimes 1916-1945 series — an early issue, 4th of 27 years in the series. In 1919, coins were struck at the Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 54.5 million. This ranks 13th 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. Minted during and after World War I, as America emerged as a global power and experienced the prosperity of the Roaring Twenties. 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 doubled die obverse, spiked head. Struck two years before the 1921 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $8 to $1.9K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $15K in MS65 grade at Superior Galleries. Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman.