Add this Mercury Head Coin to Your Collection Now
Mercury Head Dimes, officially called Winged Liberty Head Dimes, were produced for almost 30 years. Known for the beauty of their design, they are favorites with collectors. Now you can own one of these coins, composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
In 1915, plans began to replace the designs on the dime, qu... more
Add this Mercury Head Coin to Your Collection Now
Mercury Head Dimes, officially called Winged Liberty Head Dimes, were produced for almost 30 years. Known for the beauty of their design, they are favorites with collectors. Now you can own one of these coins, composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
In 1915, plans began to replace the designs on the dime, quarter, and half dollar. Robert Woolley, the director of the US Mint, asked the Commission of Fine Arts to select sculptors to submit suggestions for the new coins. Adolph Weinman’s sketches were selected for the dime and half dollar.
Weinman’s design for the coin shows a profile of the allegorical figure Liberty. She is wearing a Liberty cap. The artist added wings to the cap to symbolize “liberty of thought.” Shortly after the new dime went into circulation, people mistook Liberty for the Roman god Mercury, giving rise to the dime’s common name.
The reverse of the dime shows a fasces, a Roman symbol representing the power of law and government. It is surrounded by an olive branch, symbolizing peace. The mint mark in located on the reverse, while the artist’s initials can be found on the obverse.
Before the newly designed dimes were released to the public, samples were sent to vending machine and pay phone companies. They complained the dimes were too thick and got stuck in their machines. The design was modified to make the rim thinner, and the new coins worked well in the machines. Production began right away. The Winged Liberty Head dime met the approval of both American consumers and coin experts. The design remained the same until 1945, when the Mercury Head dime was replaced with one honoring recently deceased President Franklin Roosevelt.
Year Issued: 1942
Face Value: $0.10
Mint: San Francisco
Mintage: 49,300,000
Production began on the Mercury Head Dimes over a century ago, and these coins have stood the test of time. The beauty of the design and engraving are just as evident as they were when they were first minted. This 1942 dime will make a fitting addition to your coin collection. Order yours today.
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