2016-W 1/10 oz Gold Mercury Dime Centennial Coin NGC SP70

When the Mercury Dime first emerged in 1916, American coinage entered a new era of artistry. This was a time when the nation, brimming with optimism and innovation, sought to embody its ideals in everyday objects. The coin’s obverse, designed by Adolph A. Weinman, quickly captivated collectors and citizens alike with its allegorical depiction of Liberty, crowned by a winged Phrygian cap—a powerful symbol of freedom of thought. As part of the so-called “Renaissance of American Coinage,” the original Mercury Dime exemplified an era that prized beauty, symbolism, and national pride in its currency designs.

Fast-forward to 2016: the U.S. Mint commemorates the centennial anniversary of Weinman’s masterpiece with a striking revival struck in 24-karat gold. This special release not only honors the enduring legacy of the Mercury Dime but also bridges past and present by faithfully preserving the original design’s artistry and idealistic spirit. The centennial gold edition was produced exclusively for collectors, in contrast to its silver predecessor, deliberately crafted as a keepsake rather than for everyday commerce.

The release of the Gold Mercury Dime was met with immense anticipation. In a nod to its illustrious heritage, the mintage was capped at 125,000 pieces, and the coin sold out within an hour of launch—a testament to the design’s enduring popularity and the enthusiasm of the numismatic community. For many, acquiring this centennial issue became more than a purchase; it was a chance to own a piece of numismatic history that recalls an age when the nation’s artistic aspirations were minted into every pocket.

Weinman’s influence remains profound a century later. The Mercury Dime’s design was so acclaimed that its motifs continue to inspire modern coinage, and this centennial edition pays homage not merely by replicating, but by elevating the original—translating its classic lines into lustrous, .9999 fine gold. As a product of the West Point Mint, each coin reflects the meticulous craftsmanship for which U.S. commemorative issues are celebrated.

In collecting the 2016-W Gold Mercury Dime, numismatists engage with more than a precious metal or a beautiful design. They participate in an unbroken continuum of American artistry, making this centennial coin a tangible link to the creative spirit and navigational ideals that have shaped the nation’s numismatic legacy for generations.

Design Features

The obverse features Weinman’s iconic portrayal of Liberty facing left, draped in a winged Phrygian cap that evokes the Roman god Mercury and symbolizes freedom of thought. The detail is exquisite, with crisp rendering of Liberty’s facial features and the flowing locks of hair, echoing the original’s classical elegance. Inscribed along the rim are the words “LIBERTY” and the historic year “1916” paired with “2016,” linking the past and present.

The reverse presents the traditional fasces—a bound bundle of rods with an axe, emblematic of strength through unity—paired with an olive branch, a universal sign of peace. Together, these motifs articulate the nation’s ideals of readiness and harmony. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” circle the design, reinforcing unity and identity. Each element is sharply struck in gold, accentuating the artistry that made the Mercury Dime a beloved classic.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Features Liberty in a winged Phrygian cap, designed by Adolph A. Weinman—a symbol of liberty of thought—flanked by the dual dates 1916 and 2016.
• Reverse: Showcases a fasces, symbolizing unity and strength, entwined with an olive branch of peace, echoing the motifs of the original 1916 design.

Investment Appeal

The 2016-W 1/10 oz Gold Mercury Dime Centennial Coin combines the proven stability of .9999 fine gold with the enduring cultural prestige of a numismatic icon. Its limited mintage and rapid sell-out immediately established a strong secondary market presence, reflecting sustained demand among collectors. The SP70 grade from NGC represents a flawless specimen, enhancing its desirability and long-term investment prospects. For both investors and enthusiasts, this centennial issue is more than a gold fraction—it is a commemorative with deep historical roots, broad market appeal, and a legacy that continues to appreciate in both numismatic and intrinsic value.