Mercury Dime

1916–1945

Officially the Winged Liberty Head dime, nicknamed the "Mercury" dime for its resemblance to the Roman messenger god (the wings on Liberty's cap actually symbolize freedom of thought). Designed by Adolph A. Weinman -- the same sculptor behind the Walking Liberty half dollar -- it was struck in 90% silver from 1916 until the Roosevelt dime replaced it in 1946, the year after FDR's death. Its 1916-D issue, struck in tiny numbers at the brand-new Denver mint, is one of the most famous key dates in all of US coinage.