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The 1916-D Mercury Dime, certified in G4 condition by NGC, is one of the most famous and highly sought-after coins in U.S. numismatics. Known as the key date of the Mercury Dime series, the 1916-D is prized for its rarity and historical significance. The "D" mint mark signifies that the coin was struck at the Denver Mint, and with a mintage of only 264,000, the 1916-D Mercury Dime is the lowest mintage of the entire series, which spanned from 1916 to 1945. This scarcity, combined with the popularity of the Mercury Dime’s design, makes the 1916-D a must-have for serious collectors, even in lower grades like G4, where the coin shows significant wear but retains its core details.
The obverse of the 1916-D Mercury Dime features one of the most iconic images in U.S. coinage: a portrait of Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. The design was created by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman and is often mistakenly referred to as "Mercury" due to Liberty's resemblance to the Roman god Mercury. The inscription "LIBERTY" arcs above the portrait, with "IN GOD WE TRUST" to the left and the date "1916" below Liberty’s neck. In G4 condition, the obverse of this dime shows significant wear, especially around Liberty’s hair and facial features, which appear soft and flattened. Despite this wear, the major design elements remain identifiable, and the coin’s historical significance outweighs its condition for many collectors seeking to complete their Mercury Dime set with the rare 1916-D.
The reverse of the 1916-D Mercury Dime features an intricate design of a fasces, a bundle of rods tied together with a battle axe protruding from the top, symbolizing strength and unity. Wrapped around the fasces is an olive branch, representing peace. Above the fasces are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM," while the denomination "ONE DIME" is inscribed below. The "D" mint mark, indicating the coin’s origin at the Denver Mint, is found to the left of the fasces, just below the olive branch. In G4 condition, the reverse design is well-worn, with much of the detail in the fasces and olive branch smoothed down from circulation. However, the essential elements of the design are still visible, and the "D" mint mark remains clear, which is crucial for identifying this key date in the Mercury Dime series.
The Mercury Dime series, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, was introduced in 1916 to replace the Barber Dime, which had been in circulation since 1892. Adolph A. Weinman’s design for the new dime was part of a broader movement in U.S. coinage during the early 20th century to introduce more artistic and symbolic imagery. The Mercury Dime, along with Weinman’s Walking Liberty Half Dollar, is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint. The series was minted until 1945, with the image of Liberty later being replaced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to commemorate his passing. The 1916-D, as the first year of issue and with its exceptionally low mintage, stands out as the most coveted coin in the series.
The 1916-D Mercury Dime was struck at the Denver Mint, which opened in 1906 to meet the growing demand for coinage in the western United States. The Denver Mint played a crucial role in U.S. coin production, but its output for the 1916 Mercury Dime was exceptionally low, making the 1916-D one of the rarest regular-issue U.S. coins of the 20th century. Many of the 1916-D dimes went into circulation and were used heavily, contributing to the difficulty of finding well-preserved examples today. In G4 condition, this coin shows significant wear from circulation, but the rarity and demand for the 1916-D ensure that even well-worn examples are highly valuable and sought after by collectors.
The 1916-D Mercury Dime has long been recognized as a key date in U.S. coin collecting, and it remains one of the most famous coins for collectors to obtain, even in lower grades. Coins graded G4, such as this example certified by NGC, show extensive wear, with much of the finer detail worn smooth, but they still retain enough of the design to be identifiable. For collectors of Mercury Dimes, completing the set without the 1916-D is nearly impossible, making coins in any condition highly desirable. The G4 grade also provides a more affordable option for collectors who may not be able to acquire higher-grade examples, while still owning a piece of numismatic history.
The 1916-D Mercury Dime G4 NGC remains an essential piece for Mercury Dime collectors and anyone interested in rare U.S. coinage. Its low mintage, combined with its status as the key date in the series, ensures that this coin will always be in demand, regardless of its grade. In G4 condition, the coin retains enough of its original design to be identifiable and represents a tangible connection to the history of U.S. coinage. For collectors, owning a 1916-D Mercury Dime is a point of pride, and even in heavily worn condition, it is a valuable and significant addition to any collection.