1921 Mercury Dime — Philadelphia Mint

1921 Mercury Dime — Winged Liberty Head — 90% Silver

Own a desirable piece of early 20th-century American numismatic history with this 1921 Mercury Dime, struck at the Philadelphia Mint and representing one of the key dates in the popular Winged Liberty Head Dime series.

The Mercury Dime series was produced from 1916 through 1945 and is widely admired for its classical design and artistic detail. Created by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, the series remains a favorite among collectors of United States silver coinage.

The 1921 Mercury Dime is particularly significant because of its relatively low original mintage compared with most other dates in the series. This makes it an important issue for collectors assembling a complete Mercury Dime date-and-mint-mark collection.

Although commonly called the Mercury Dime, the obverse actually depicts Liberty wearing a winged cap. The wings symbolize freedom of thought, while the portrait's resemblance to the Roman god Mercury gave the coin its popular nickname.

The obverse features Liberty facing left, surrounded by the inscription LIBERTY, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1921.

The reverse displays a fasces, an ancient symbol of authority and unity, accompanied by an olive branch representing peace. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and ONE DIME complete the design.

The coin was issued during the presidency of Warren G. Harding, as the United States entered a period of economic adjustment following World War I.

With an original mintage of 1,230,000 business strikes, the Philadelphia issue is one of the lower-mintage regular issues in the Mercury Dime series.

Production of dimes was limited in 1921 as the United States Mint concentrated substantial resources on silver dollar coinage, including the resumption of Morgan Dollar production.

Like other Mercury Dimes, the 1921 issue was struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, with a standard weight of 2.50 grams and approximately 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver.

Collectors especially appreciate examples with clear date details, original surfaces, and strong definition in Liberty's hair and the reverse fasces.

Because of its relatively low mintage and importance to complete date sets, the 1921 Mercury Dime generally commands a collector premium well beyond its intrinsic silver value.

Whether collected as part of a complete Mercury Dime series, an early 20th-century United States silver collection, or a broader American coin type set, the 1921 Mercury Dime offers an appealing combination of historical significance, classic design, and numismatic desirability.

Product Details

• Denomination: One Dime ($0.10 USD)

• Year: 1921

• Mint: Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)

• Series: Mercury Dime / Winged Liberty Head Dime (1916–1945)

• Type: Winged Liberty Head

• Original Mintage: 1,230,000 business strikes

• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

• Standard Weight: 2.50 grams

• Diameter: 17.9 mm

• Actual Silver Weight (ASW): Approximately 0.0723 Troy Ounces

• Designer: Adolph A. Weinman

• Obverse: Left-facing Liberty wearing a winged cap

• Reverse: Fasces and olive branch, symbolizing unity and peace

• Mint Mark Location: None — Philadelphia issue

• Edge: Reeded

• Condition: See product photographs for the exact coin offered

• Quantity: One individual coin

Please Note: This listing is for one specific 1921 Mercury Dime. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.