Coin Overview Denomination: 10 cents (Dime) Date: 1916 Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark) Mintage: 22,180,080 Designer: Adolph A. Weinman Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper Weight: 2.5 grams Diameter: 17.9 mm Edge: Reeded Design Description Obverse: Features Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. The portrait was often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury, hence the nickname “Mercury Dime.” Inscriptions: “LIBERTY”, the date (1916), and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Reverse: Shows a fasces (a Roman symbol of authority) wrapped in olive branches, representing military preparedness and peace. Inscriptions: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, “ONE DIME”, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Historical Significance 1916 marked a major artistic shift in U.S. coinage. The Barber dime, in circulation since 1892, was replaced with Weinman’s far more stylized and symbolic design. The Mercury dime series would run from 1916 to 1945, ending with FDR’s death. The Philadelphia issue had the highest mintage of the three 1916 dimes, making it common but still important as the first-year type coin. Grading: PCGS AG03 (About Good) In AG03 condition, the coin is well-circulated, with heavy wear: The date is still visible, though weak. The outline of Liberty’s head is present but smooth. On the reverse, the fasces may be mostly worn flat, but the general shape remains identifiable. Despite its condition, it remains an authentic and collectible first-year issue. Summary Your 1916 Mercury Dime PCGS AG03 is a heavily circulated but historically important example of the first Mercury dime issued by the U.S. Mint. While not rare in this grade, it remains a key type coin for collectors due to its artistic debut, symbolism, and role in ushering in the modern era of U.S. coin design.
