Dime Mercury
Major types of US dimes
Dimes appear in five major types, which we discuss in this article.
Draped Bust (1796–1807)
The very first dimes bore the Draped Bust design that became the standard on all silver coins in 1796. The first dimes featured 15 stars, one for each state in the union. Initially, the plan was to include a new star for each state as it came onboard. By 1798, the number of states (and stars) was up to 16, but this became so crowded on the coins that the number of stars was reduced to that of the 13 original colonies. Imagine how the coins of today would look with 50 stars crowded onto such a tiny coin (reminds us of the candles on our birthday cakes).
Capped Bust (1809–1837)
The Capped Bust design appeared in 1809 and ran until 1837. This series contains a number of interesting overdates and varieties, including 1814 and 1820 varieties, where the words States of America are spaced so closely together that they form a single word. No rare dates or stoppers exist in this series. A large number of collectors concentrate on the die varieties in this series, where they have a chance of cherry-picking a valuable variety for the price of a common type.
Seated Liberty (1837–1891)
A larger version of the half dimes, the Seated Liberty dime, ran from 1837 to 1891. Unlike the three-cent pieces and half dimes, dimes were not replaced with other coins made of copper-nickel, so the year 1873 meant nothing to them — they just kept going and going. . . . Weight reductions in 1853 and 1873 saw the addition of arrowheads on either side of the date, signals to the public that lasted for three and two years, respectively. Plenty of challenging dates, as well as some interesting varieties, await the collector of this type.
Barber (1892–1916)
The new dime that appeared in 1892 showed a head of Liberty, but this time, she wore the cap she had on a pole on the last design. A headband with the word Liberty and a wreath hold her hat on her head. This type is known as the Barber dime not because it had anything to do with the local haircutter, but because Charles Barber was the designer. Come to think about it, a haircut probably cost a dime in 1892. The Barber dime series is home to the 1894-S, one of the rarest and most expensive U.S. coins, which costs $1.5 million or more for a nice one.
Mercury head (1916–1945)
In 1916, designer Adolph Weinman put wings on Liberty’s cap, a classic design from ancient times that was quickly associated with the Roman god, Mercury (hence the nickname for this type). Weinman placed a fasces on the back of the coin . A fasces consists of a battle ax surrounded by a bundle of sticks, another design from the Ancient Roman world that represented strength and unity. Unfortunately, the symbolism of the fasces received a bad name in World War II from Italy’s Mussolini and his Fascist Party. Well-struck examples of this type have clearly defined and separated bands around the fasces. The most important area includes the bands in the very center of the coin. If these horizontal bands are completely separated, the coin earns the coveted full bands designation and is, therefore, worth a premium. Some date/mintmark combinations with full bands are excessively rare.
Roosevelt head (1946–present)
The death of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1945 prompted a quick design change for the dime. Roosevelt’s head was placed on the front of the coin, and the fasces was replaced by a torch. The initials of the designer, John Sinnock were placed just beneath Roosevelt’s head. The Roosevelt-head dime appeared in silver through 1964, after which the coins were made of a clad metal of low value. Roosevelt dimes are still being made today, 55 years after his death.
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Metal Detecting 1st Mercury Dime
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Case Cutlery CAT-MD/RPB Case’s Mercury Dime Pick Bone Handle Trapper Pocket Knife with Tru Sharp Surgical Steel Blades, Red $82.28 … |
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Unified Precious Metals Silver Mercury Dime Pocket Knife $39.95 Silver Mercury Dime Pocket Knife from Unified Precious Metals. A sharp addition to your collection! Precision cast handle features an eye-catching winged motif to compliment the “Winged Liberty” portrait on the classic Mercury Dime. Set in a beaded bezel, the famous portrait is highlighted in 24K gold. The winged motif carries through to the curved blade of tempered stainless steel. Blade: 3″ l. O… |
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Harris Mercury Dimes 1916-1945 Coin Folder 2683 $1.99 H.E. Harris Coin Folder Book Mercury Dime US Coins 1916-1945. This 3 panel book comes with all slots needed to complete this series of coins. As a bonus each book also contains a back cover that gives exciting information and history of this coins series. Coin folder books are the standard in the coin collecting industry for protection and displaying your most cherished coins. A must have item… |
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U.S. Mercury Silver Dime Two Tone Coin Hinge Money Clip (Minted 1916 – 1945) $55.95 Each one of these coins are first layered in pure bright silver. Then the figures of each are highlighted and brought to life with rich pure 24KT gold and silver. This breathtaking and exclusive work turns these coins into stunning and true works of art. Each coin is hermetically sealed against wear in a clear, hard acrylic coating. The coin is mounted onto a patented hinged type clip that will ho… |
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Silvertone Moneyclip with Gold-Layered Silver Mercury Dime $29.99 Exquiste silvertone moneyclip with a genuine Silver Mercury Dime (1916-1945) layerer in pure gold. Considered one of the most beautiful of all US coins, it was designed in 1916 by Adolph Weinman. Displays Liberty in a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought, on the obverse…the Roman fasces with olive branch detail on the reverse. Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity…. |