History of the Mercury dime and its key dates.

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 The Mercury dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, is one of the most beloved and iconic coins in American numismatic history. Here's a brief history along with some key dates:

History:

  1. Design and Introduction: The Mercury dime was designed by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman. It features a depiction of Liberty wearing a winged cap, commonly mistaken for the Roman god Mercury (hence the nickname "Mercury dime"), on the obverse (front) and a fasces (a bundle of rods with an axe) on the reverse (back), symbolizing strength and unity. The coin was first minted in 1916, replacing the Barber dime.

  2. Composition: The Mercury dime is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, which was standard for U.S. silver coins at the time.

  3. Years of Production: The Mercury dime was produced from 1916 to 1945, with mintages occurring at various U.S. Mint facilities, including Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.

Key Dates and Mintages:

  1. 1916-D: The Denver mint issue of the inaugural year is considered a key date due to its relatively low mintage.

  2. 1921: All issues of 1921, from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, are scarce and desirable among collectors due to low mintages.

  3. 1921-D: The Denver mint issue of 1921 is particularly sought after due to its low mintage.

  4. 1926-S: The San Francisco mint issue of 1926 is considered a key date due to its low mintage.

  5. 1931-D and 1931-S: Both the Denver and San Francisco mint issues of 1931 are key dates with low mintages, making them highly sought after by collectors.

  6. 1942/1: Some 1942 Mercury dimes were struck with a "2 over 1" overdate error, making them rare and valuable.

  7. 1945 Micro S: A variety of the 1945-S dime known as the "Micro S" variety, characterized by a smaller mintmark, is highly desirable among collectors.

These are just a few examples of key dates and varieties in the Mercury dime series. As with any coin series, factors such as condition and rarity can significantly affect the value of individual coins. Collectors should consult a reputable price guide or expert to assess the value of their coins accurately.

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