1916-D Dimes Winged Liberty Head or Mercury PCGS AG-3

Discover a genuine piece of American numismatic history with this 1916-D Winged Liberty Head Dime, also affectionately known as the Mercury Dime. Certified by PCGS in the highly collectible AG-3 grade, this rare coin represents one of the most sought-after key dates in the entire Mercury Dime series. Struck at the Denver Mint in the first year of issue, the 1916-D is famous among collectors for its extremely low mintage, making it a cornerstone coin for any serious Mercury Dime collection or United States type set.

The Winged Liberty Head Dime, designed by renowned sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, is celebrated for its elegant and timeless artistry. Often mistakenly called the "Mercury Dime" due to the winged Phrygian cap resembling the Roman god Mercury, this beautiful coin features a striking obverse portrait of Liberty with a winged cap symbolizing freedom of thought. The reverse displays a fasces intertwined with an olive branch, representing strength and peace. Every detail on this 1916-D specimen tells a story of early 20th-century American artistry and the economic landscape of the era.

Graded AG-3 by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), this coin exhibits clear but well-worn details consistent with its age and circulation. In AG-3 condition, the major design elements remain visible, including Liberty's profile, the winged cap, and significant portions of the reverse fasces. While showing the honest wear of a century of existence, this example retains enough definition to be instantly recognizable as a classic Mercury Dime. The PCGS certification provides collectors with confidence in the coin's authenticity and grade, a crucial factor when purchasing rare key-date coins like the 1916-D.

The 1916-D Mercury Dime stands out as a numismatic treasure due to its remarkably low mintage of only 264,000 pieces. This figure represents the lowest production of any Mercury Dime and creates exceptional demand from collectors worldwide. Many examples from this mintage were lost to circulation, melting, or wear, making well-preserved survivors increasingly difficult to locate. Whether you're building a complete set of Winged Liberty Head Dimes by date and mintmark or simply adding a legendary key date to your portfolio, this PCGS-certified AG-3 example offers both historical significance and investment potential.

Owning a 1916-D Winged Liberty Head Dime connects you directly to America's past. Released during World War I, these coins circulated during one of the most transformative periods in United States history. The beautiful design captured the optimism of the Progressive Era while the low Denver mintage reflected the logistical challenges of ramping up coin production to meet growing national demand. Today, these coins are prized by numismatists not only for their scarcity but also for their place in the rich tapestry of American coinage.

Coin Specifications

• Year: 1916
• Mint: Denver (D)
• Mintage: 264,000
• Denomination: 10 Cents (One Dime)
• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
• Diameter: 17.9 mm
• Weight: 2.5 grams
• Designer: Adolph A. Weinman
• Edge: Reeded
• Grading Service: PCGS
• Grade: AG-3 (About Good 3)
• Key Date: Yes - Lowest mintage Mercury Dime

Historical Context

The Winged Liberty Head Dime series was minted from 1916 to 1945, replacing the long-running Barber Dime design. The 1916-D represents the inaugural year and the only Denver issue from that first year of production. Weinman's elegant design was immediately popular with the public and remains one of the most beloved silver dime designs in American history. The 1916-D's scarcity was not fully recognized until decades later, which led to many examples being spent rather than saved, further reducing the surviving population.

Collectors particularly value the 1916-D because it is one of the "big three" key dates in the Mercury Dime series, alongside the 1921 and 1921-D. In all grades, the 1916-D commands significant premiums due to overwhelming demand from both date-and-mintmark set collectors and those assembling type sets. Even in lower grades such as AG-3, this coin remains a prized possession that will enhance any collection and serve as an excellent conversation piece for fellow numismatists.

This PCGS-certified 1916-D Mercury Dime in AG-3 condition offers an affordable entry point into owning one of the most important silver dimes ever produced by the United States Mint. Its combination of historical importance, low mintage, classic design, and certified authenticity makes it an exceptional addition for both beginning and advanced collectors. Each coin has been carefully examined and encapsulated by PCGS, ensuring its quality and protecting it for future generations.

Whether displayed as part of a growing collection, kept as a store of value in precious metals, or passed down as a family heirloom, this 1916-D Winged Liberty Head Dime represents a tangible link to America's rich numismatic heritage. Don't miss this opportunity to own a certified example of one of the most desirable coins in U.S. coinage history.