United States Mercury Dime

The Mercury dime, also referred to as the Winged Liberty Head dime, is a United States ten-cent coin struck by the United States Mint. Designed by the sculptor Adolph Alexander Weinman, the coin was produced for circulation from late 1916 until 1945. It acquired its popular moniker because the winged cap worn by Liberty on the obverse was widely mistaken by the public for the attributes of the Roman god Mercury. The coin was later struck in gold for its centenary in 2016 and again bearing a 1916 date for the 2026 observance of American independence.

The type originated when the Barber dime, designed by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber and issued since 1892, reached the 25-year threshold after which it could be changed by the Treasury without congressional authorization. Under the mistaken belief that the design had to be replaced, Mint officials arranged a competition between Barber and three outside sculptors, resulting in the selection of Weinman's models. Before entering widespread circulation, the design received minor modifications from the Mint to resolve operational difficulties reported by vending machine manufacturers. Production continued until 1945, when the Treasury directed that the coin be replaced by a new piece honouring the recently deceased President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The obverse design features a bust of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, modelled on Elsie Stevens, the wife of Wallace Stevens. The reverse features a central fasces, symbolising unity and strength, flanked by an olive branch representing peace. Struck in a silver alloy, the Mercury dime is distinguished from both the preceding Barber dime and the subsequent Roosevelt dime by this unique combination of a winged Liberty and the reverse fasces motif.