Lot 1713
1916-D Mercury Dime. PCGS graded MS-66 Full Bands. Old green holder. Nice original deep old time toning. Well struck. Popular key date. The Philadelphia Mint concentrated a great deal of effort on dime production in 1916, while its Denver branch facility was in a world of its own with an emergency issue of the Barber quarter for most of the year. Before November 24, however, the Denver Mint did manage to deliver 264,000 dimes of the winged Liberty or "Mercury" design as it has come to be known. This issue's very low original mintage has earned it a place of honor in the long march of 20th century rarities. Circulated or Mint State examples alike, all are in constant, indeed growing demand among the numerous collectors who specialize in this series.
Given the high grade assigned by PCGS, we are pleased to describe a gem of the finest MS66 order whose wonderful gyrating luster adorns the deep natural "old silver" toned surfaces. Piercingly sharp for the date, easily finer in sharpness than many in nominally higher grades. All of which goes to give the collector an important bidding opportunity; and for the specialist, one that will probably not be repeated for many months. Pop 17; 6 in 67 FB. (PCGS # 4907) .
Numismatist David Proskey thought that Liberty resembled Mercury. "The new dime is far more beautiful than any since the 1807 issue," he said upon its first appearance in 1916, "but not nearly so beautiful in execution nor so appropriate in design as any of the issues from 1796 to 1807. The profile of Liberty is strongly masculine as to chin. The Phrygian cap, typical of Liberty, is adorned with a wing similar to that we are accustomed to see on the cap of Mercury. It may be suggested therefrom our Liberty is of fleeting character, or mayhap depending upon the development of our flying warships, both aerial and naval…"
The new dime of 1916 was christened with many pet names. Some people called it the "golf dime" because the fasces resembled a golf bag. Others referred to is as the "Wilson dime," a misinterpretation of the small "W" on the obverse. There was also speculation that the "W" signified Wilson's policy of watchful waiting" with regard to the war.
Estimated Value $40,000 - 50,000.
Ex. Reed Hawn Collection.
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