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 known as the Mercury Dime. Certified by PCGS in the highly collectible AG-3 grade, this rare coin represents one of the lowest mintage key dates in the entire Mercury Dime series. Struck at the Denver Mint in the first year of the series, the 1916-D Mercury Dime is a cornerstone for any serious collector of 20th-century U.S. silver coinage.

The Winged Liberty Head Dime was designed by Adolph A. Weinman and first released in 1916. Often mistakenly called the Mercury Dime due to the winged Phrygian cap worn by Liberty resembling the Roman god Mercury, this beautiful coin features exquisite Art Nouveau styling. The 1916-D variety is particularly sought after because the Denver Mint produced only 264,000 examples, making it the key date in the series and one of the most desirable Mercury Dimes available to collectors today.

This specific example has been professionally graded by PCGS as AG-3 (About Good 3). In this grade, the coin displays heavy circulation wear yet remains completely identifiable with clear date and mintmark. The iconic winged Liberty portrait, fasces on the reverse, and the all-important "D" mintmark are still visible, making it an affordable way to own a legendary key date without the premium commanded by higher-grade specimens.

Collectors and investors alike appreciate the historical significance and scarcity of the 1916-D Mercury Dime. As silver coins that circulated during both World Wars and the Great Depression, these dimes carry stories of American resilience and economic history. The low mintage combined with the high demand from Mercury Dime set builders has consistently driven strong collector interest in this date for decades.

Coin Specifications

• Date: 1916
• Mint: Denver (D)
• Mintage: 264,000
• Denomination: 10 Cents (Dime)
• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
• Diameter: 17.9mm
• Weight: 2.50 grams
• Designer: Adolph A. Weinman
• Grading Service: PCGS
• Grade: AG-3 (About Good 3)
• Designation: Winged Liberty Head (Mercury Dime)

Historical Context

The 1916-D Mercury Dime was born during a period of significant change in American coinage known as the Renaissance of American Coinage. Following the outdated designs of the Barber series, the U.S. Mint introduced new designs by some of America's most talented sculptors. Adolph Weinman's Winged Liberty Head Dime replaced the Barber Dime and immediately captured public attention with its elegant and symbolic imagery.

The obverse features a beautiful portrait of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. The reverse displays a Roman fasces intertwined with an olive branch, representing strength through unity and peace. These powerful symbols resonated with Americans as the nation stood on the brink of entering World War I.

Despite the artistic success of the design, the 1916-D issue suffered from extremely limited production. The Denver Mint was preoccupied with striking large quantities of other denominations, resulting in the tiny mintage of just 264,000 pieces. Many of these coins were heavily circulated during the economic hardships that followed, making well-preserved examples increasingly difficult to locate in today's market.

Owning a 1916-D PCGS AG-3 Mercury Dime offers collectors an authentic connection to this pivotal era in both numismatic and American history. Whether completing a Mercury Dime set, building a collection of key date silver coins, or simply appreciating the artistry and scarcity of early 20th-century American coinage, this rare Denver Mint dime remains a cornerstone acquisition for discerning collectors.

Each 1916-D Winged Liberty Head Dime we offer has been carefully examined and certified by PCGS, ensuring authenticity and grade accuracy. The slab provides protection while allowing clear viewing of this historic silver coin. This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the most important key dates in U.S. dime collecting at a more accessible price point than higher-grade examples.