ARTISTRY

Mercury Dime

Move your cursor over the coin or tap it on your screen to see the reverse side.
Mercury Dime front
Mercury Dime back
  • Also called the Winged Liberty Head dime, this 10-cent coin was designed by Adolph Weinman.
  • The obverse, or front, depicts Liberty wearing the Phrygian cap, which symbolizes freedom of thought. People mistakenly thought the design depicted the Roman messenger god, Mercury.
  • Coin experts consider this coin one of the most aesthetically pleasing because of its intricate design on a small coin.
  • The reverse, or back, features the fasces, the ancient symbol of authority, surrounded by the olive branch of peace. Upon its minting in 1916—the height of World War I—the desire for peace was strong.