The first Mercury Dime was issued in 1916. The obverse depicted the profile bust of Liberty wearing a cap with the wings of Mercury. These wings crowing her cap are meant to symbolize liberty of thought. The reverse design was a fasces wrapped around a battle axe, surrounded by an olive branch. The bound fasces symbolizes: unity, the axe: preparedness, and the olive branch: the love of peace.

 

These ten cent pieces were also called Winged Liberty Head Dimes. The Mercury Dime marked the first time that a U.S. Dime bore a design that was different from the Quarter and Half Dollar of the same year.

 

 

The Mercury Dime was designed by Adolph A. Weinman. His initials 'AW' appear on the obverse to the right of Liberty's neck

 

The Mercury Dime was composed of 90% Silver and 10% Copper. Since pure silver is very soft, copper was added to all circulating silver coins to harden them and prevent excessive wear. Mercury Dimes had a weight of 2.50 grams, a diameter of 17.9mm, a reeded edge. The edges of most silver coins were reeded to make evident any attempt to shave silver off the coin.

 

Mercury Dimes were struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints.

 

D (Denver): The 'D' mint mark is located on the reverse, near the rim, after the 'E' in ONE'

 

S (San Francisco): The 'S' mint mark is located on the reverse, near the rim, after the 'E' in ONE'

 

Note: Mercury Dimes struck in Philadelphia bear no mint mark.