2016 W 10C 100th Anniversary 24K Gold 1/10 oz Mercury Dime

Product Description

Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the United States striking the first 90% Silver Mercury Dime pattern in 1916, this special 24 Karat Gold 1/10th ozt. 2016 Mercury Dime commemorative strike is a gorgeous example of American coinage history. The photos provided are stock photos and represent the same product you will receive, not the exact coin pictured. The maximum mintage for the 2016 Mercury Dime was set at 125,000 pieces. History of the Mercury Dime (1916 - 1945): The Mercury dime was a silver ten cent piece minted from 1916-1945. Although commonly referred to as a ‘Mercury’ dime, the obverse actually depicts a profiled bust of Liberty with a winged Phrygian cap, and is sometimes also referred to as a ‘Winged Liberty head dime’. Confusion first came about in 1916, the Mercury dimes first year of issue, when the public mistook Liberty with a winged cap for the Roman god Mercury, god of financial gain, commerce, thieves and trickery. The reverse illustrates a fasces to represent unity and strength, and an olive branch to symbolize peace. Mint marks when present are located between the base of the olive branch and the ‘E’ in ‘ONE’. The inception of the Mercury dime came about through the confusion over a previously enacted bill which stated after twenty five years patterns on the dime, quarter, and half dollar could be changed without Congressional approval. Officials at the mint mistook this piece of legislation as the pattern needed to be changed and opened a formal competition. Adolph Weinman, an architectural sculptor, won the designs for the half dollar and dime, and minting began in 1916. Weinman’s initials can be seen on the obverse, to the right of Liberty’s neck. Parameters set for the Mercury Dime are as follows: .900, .100 copper composition, a net weight of .07234 oz. pure silver, total weight of 2.5 grams and featured a 17.9 mm diameter with a reeded edge.