Winged Head or Mercury Dime 1916 - 1945
Winged Head or Mercury Dime 1916 - 1945: identify, compare, and value
Use this page to identify details collectors compare, understand value clues, and check current market examples.
Value Guide Summary
Use this page to understand what this collectible is, what details collectors usually compare, and where to check current market examples.
What collectors look for
Original condition, age, maker marks, materials, completeness, unusual variants, and documented history usually matter most.
How to identify examples
Compare markings, construction details, finish, size, period-correct materials, and known design features before assuming authenticity.
Value clues
Rarity, demand, condition, eye appeal, provenance, and whether similar examples are actively selling can all affect market value.
Red flags
Watch for reproductions, heavy restoration, replaced parts, fantasy pieces, unclear photos, and listings with vague descriptions.
Despite its diminutive size, the "Mercury" dime stands as one of the most exquisite coins ever minted by the United States Mint. The sheer intricacy and aesthetic allure of its design are nothing short of remarkable for a coin of such modest dimensions.
Surprisingly, the coin's design doesn't depict Mercury, the Roman god of messengers. Instead, the obverse features Liberty donning a winged cap, symbolizing the freedom of thought. Thus, the coin is more accurately referred to as the Winged Head Liberty dime. Nevertheless, the nickname "Mercury" stuck due to early usage, and it has persisted over the years.
Regardless of nomenclature, the dime marked a refreshing departure when it was first introduced in 1916. It symbolized not only freedom of thought but also America's newfound vitality, reflecting the exuberance of the early 1900s. In contrast, the previous Barber dime was a relic of the 19th century, reflecting a more rigid and formal era. Artistically, the new dime brought a breath of fresh air while drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman art.
The Winged Liberty portrait is believed to be based on a 1913 bust sculpted by Adolph Weinman of Elsie Kachel Stevens, the wife of renowned poet Wallace Stevens. At the time, the couple rented an apartment owned by Weinman in New York City. On the reverse, the coin displays the fasces, an ancient symbol of authority, along with a battle-ax symbolizing preparedness and an olive branch representing love and peace. Given the backdrop of World War I in Europe, these themes carried significant emotional weight in 1916.
