Mercury Dime Tribute – 1/2 oz .999 Fine Silver Round
The winged cap, graceful Liberty portrait and finely detailed reverse make the Mercury dime an enduring favorite of American coin design. This half-ounce tribute brings that artistry to a 30mm round containing .999 fine silver, preserving the familiar 1916 date and “D” mintmark as elements of its historic inspiration.
Why Liberty Became “Mercury”
Adolph A. Weinman’s dime design was used by the United States Mint from 1916 through 1945. Although widely called the Mercury dime, its portrait is Liberty, not the Roman god. The wings on her cap represent freedom of thought; their resemblance to Mercury’s traditional headwear gave the coin its lasting nickname.
The reverse combines a fasces—a bundle of rods bound around an axe—with an olive branch. In the original design, the two elements expressed military preparedness alongside a desire for peace. That pairing gives the small composition a message extending beyond its ornamental detail.
Obverse Design
Liberty faces left wearing the distinctive winged cap. “LIBERTY” follows the upper border, with “IN GOD WE TRUST” below the portrait and the date 1916 at the bottom. The raised wing feathers and flowing hair provide the design’s characteristic texture.
Reverse Design
The upright fasces and surrounding olive branch form the central motif, accompanied by “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “ONE DIME” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” A “D” mintmark complements the 1916 date. The round’s “1/2 Troy Ounce .999 AG” hallmark is microprinted along the axe blade, identifying the modern silver content within the historic-inspired design.
Specifications
- Weight: 1/2 troy ounce
- Purity: .999 fine silver
- Diameter: 30mm
- Thickness: 2.56mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
A Classic in Fractional Silver
This modern round pays tribute to the Mercury dime; the date, denomination inscription and mintmark are design elements, not a claim that it is an original United States dime. Its half-ounce format offers a compact way to collect Weinman’s celebrated artistry in fine silver.
Explore more designs in our silver round collection.
