What does the W on a Mercury dime mean?

That little W, seen on the lower right side of the obverse behind Miss Liberty’s neck and between the date and the letter “Y” of “LIBERTY,” is in fact a monogram bearing the letters “A” and “W” and representing the initials of the coin’s designer, Adolph A. Weinman.

Who was on a dime before Roosevelt?

Lady Liberty
Who was on the dime before Roosevelt? Lady Liberty used to be the face of the dime coin up until Roosevelt’s replacement in 1946. At first, the coin just showed her head but in the 1800’s, her full body seated on a rock was used for many years.

Why is the dime so small?

Over time, other coins were created in smaller units, including half-dollars, quarters, and dimes. Thus, the dime had to be rather small, since it only had one-tenth the amount of silver that the dollar coin had. Eventually, other coins, such as nickels and pennies, were needed to make transactions easier.

What years of dimes are silver?

All dimes produced in the United States prior to 1965 are made of 90% silver. Sometimes these coins are referred to as “junk silver” in the industry. Additionally, every year since 1992, proof Roosevelt dimes issued by the U.S.

Who is on the reverse of the Mercury dime?

Weinman is believed to have used Elsie Stevens, the wife of lawyer and poet Wallace Stevens, as a model. The coin’s reverse depicts a fasces, symbolizing unity and strength, and an olive branch, signifying peace.

Why is the Mercury dime called the Winged Liberty Head?

His design featured Lady Liberty wearing a close-fitting Phrygian capped with wings to symbolize freedom of thought. Most people miss took this as the Roman god Mercury and began calling at the Mercury dime. Its proper name is the “Winged Liberty Head”.

When did the first Mercury dime come out?

The Mint produced the first coins in late 1916 with the United States entering World War I in the following year. Mercury dimes are a popular series to collect amongst coin collectors. Demand is relatively stable for coins in uncirculated condition.

What does the olive branch on a Mercury dime mean?

The reverse of the coin features a Roman fasces as a symbol of power and strength with an olive branch to symbolize peace. The Mint produced the first coins in late 1916 with the United States entering World War I in the following year. Mercury dimes are a popular series to collect amongst coin collectors.

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