The Numismatic History Of The 1919-W Mercury Dime

What is a 1919 W Mercury Dime?

The 1919 W Mercury dime is a ten-cent piece struck by the United States Mint in 1919 at its San Francisco branch. Designed by Adolph Weinman, the coin features a depiction of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap on the obverse and a fasces encircled by an olive branch and oak branch on the reverse. The coin's name derives from the fact that it was the first dime to feature a depiction of Mercury, the Roman god of commerce.

The 1919 W Mercury dime is a popular coin among collectors due to its historical significance and relatively low mintage. Only 2,750,000 examples of the coin were produced, making it one of the rarest Mercury dimes in existence. As a result, the 1919 W Mercury dime commands a high premium over its face value.

In addition to its rarity, the 1919 W Mercury dime is also notable for its design. Weinman's depiction of Liberty is considered one of the most beautiful and iconic in American coinage. The coin's reverse is also well-executed, with its intricate detailing and symbolism. As a result of its design and rarity, the 1919 W Mercury dime is a highly sought-after coin among collectors.

1919 W Mercury Dime

The 1919 W Mercury dime is a United States ten-cent piece struck in 1919 at the San Francisco Mint. Designed by Adolph Weinman, the coin features Liberty on the obverse and a fasces on the reverse. The coin's name derives from the fact that it was the first dime to feature a depiction of Mercury, the Roman god of commerce.

• Rarity: Only 2,750,000 examples were produced.
• Design: Considered one of the most beautiful and iconic in American coinage.
• Value: Commands a high premium over its face value.
• History: First dime to feature a depiction of Mercury.
• Mint: Struck at the San Francisco Mint.
• Designer: Adolph Weinman.

These key aspects highlight the rarity, design, value, history, mint, and designer of the 1919 W Mercury dime. The coin's rarity and beautiful design make it a popular collector's item. Its historical significance, as the first dime to feature Mercury, also adds to its value. The coin is a testament to the skill of its designer, Adolph Weinman, and the San Francisco Mint's craftsmanship.

1. Rarity

The rarity of the 1919 W Mercury dime is a significant factor that contributes to its value and desirability among collectors. With only 2,750,000 examples produced, it is one of the rarest Mercury dimes in existence.

• Limited mintage: The low mintage of the 1919 W Mercury dime is primarily due to the fact that it was produced during a period of economic recession. The United States was transitioning from a wartime economy to a peacetime economy, and the demand for coins decreased. As a result, the Mint produced fewer coins in 1919 than in previous years.
• High demand: Despite the low mintage, the 1919 W Mercury dime was still in high demand. The coin's beautiful design and historical significance made it popular among collectors and the general public alike. As a result, the coin's value has steadily increased over the years.
• Numismatic value: The rarity of the 1919 W Mercury dime has made it a valuable numismatic item. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for rare coins, and the 1919 W Mercury dime is no exception. The coin's value is also supported by its historical significance and beautiful design.

In conclusion, the rarity of the 1919 W Mercury dime is a major factor that contributes to its value and desirability among collectors. The coin's low mintage, high demand, and numismatic value make it a prized possession for any collector.

2. Design

The design of the 1919 W Mercury dime is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful and iconic in American coinage. Designed by Adolph Weinman, the coin features a depiction of Liberty on the obverse and a fasces on the reverse. The coin's design is characterized by its simplicity, elegance, and symbolism.

• Liberty: The obverse of the coin features a depiction of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap. This image of Liberty is a powerful symbol of the United States and its ideals. Liberty is shown with her hair flowing in the wind, which represents freedom and independence. The Phrygian cap is a symbol of liberty that was worn by freed slaves in ancient Rome.
• Fasces: The reverse of the coin features a fasces, which is a bundle of rods bound together and topped with an axe. The fasces is a symbol of authority and strength. It was carried by lictors, who were officials in ancient Rome who escorted magistrates. The fasces on the 1919 W Mercury dime is encircled by an olive branch and an oak branch, which symbolize peace and strength, respectively.
• Symbolism: The design of the 1919 W Mercury dime is rich in symbolism. The coin's imagery represents the ideals of liberty, strength, peace, and independence. These ideals are central to the United States and its history.
• Beauty: The 1919 W Mercury dime is considered to be one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the United States Mint. The coin's design is simple and elegant, and its symbolism is powerful. The coin's beauty is timeless, and it continues to be admired by collectors and non-collectors alike.

The design of the 1919 W Mercury dime is a testament to the skill of Adolph Weinman and the craftsmanship of the United States Mint. The coin's beauty and symbolism have made it one of the most popular and iconic coins in American history.

3. Value

The 1919 W Mercury dime commands a high premium over its face value due to several factors, including its rarity, design, and historical significance. As a rare coin with a mintage of only 2,750,000, the 1919 W Mercury dime is highly sought after by collectors. The coin's beautiful design, featuring Liberty on the obverse and a fasces on the reverse, also contributes to its value.

In addition to its rarity and design, the 1919 W Mercury dime is also significant because it was the first dime to feature a depiction of Mercury, the Roman god of commerce. This historical significance further adds to the coin's value.

The high premium that the 1919 W Mercury dime commands over its face value reflects its desirability among collectors. The coin's rarity, design, and historical significance make it a valuable and sought-after item.

Understanding the connection between the value of the 1919 W Mercury dime and its rarity, design, and historical significance is important for collectors and investors alike. This understanding can help collectors make informed decisions about buying and selling the coin, and it can help investors assess the potential value of the coin as an investment.

4. History

The 1919 W Mercury dime holds historical significance as the first dime to feature a depiction of Mercury, the Roman god of commerce. This connection is significant for several reasons:

• Symbolism: Mercury was the patron god of travelers, merchants, and thieves. His image on the dime represented the importance of commerce to the United States, a nation built on trade and industry.
• Break from tradition: Prior to the Mercury dime, dimes featured images of Liberty or allegorical figures representing the United States. Mercury's depiction marked a departure from tradition, reflecting the nation's growing economic power and global influence.
• Artistic merit: Adolph Weinman's design for the Mercury dime is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and iconic in American coinage. Mercury's flowing hair and dynamic pose capture the spirit of commerce and progress.
• Numismatic value: The historical significance and artistic merit of the 1919 W Mercury dime have contributed to its numismatic value. Collectors and investors alike prize this coin for its rarity and beauty.

In conclusion, the historical significance of the 1919 W Mercury dime as the first dime to feature a depiction of Mercury is multifaceted. It reflects the nation's economic growth, artistic innovation, and the enduring legacy of classical mythology in American culture.

5. Mint

The connection between "Mint: Struck at the San Francisco Mint" and "1919 W Mercury dime" is significant for several reasons:

• Production: The San Francisco Mint was one of the primary facilities responsible for producing the 1919 Mercury dime. The "W" mint mark on the coin indicates that it was struck at the San Francisco Mint, distinguishing it from Mercury dimes produced at other mints.
• Historical Context: The San Francisco Mint played a crucial role in the production of coins during the early 20th century, especially during the period when the Mercury dime was introduced. Understanding the mint's operations and historical context provides insights into the production and distribution of the 1919 W Mercury dime.
• Numismatic Value: The mint mark on a coin can affect its numismatic value. Collectors often seek out coins with specific mint marks, as they can represent different production runs or historical events. The "W" mint mark on the 1919 Mercury dime is a desirable feature for collectors, potentially enhancing its value.
• Regional Significance: The San Francisco Mint has a strong regional significance, particularly in the Western United States. Coins produced at the San Francisco Mint often carry a premium value due to their connection to the region's history and economy. The 1919 W Mercury dime is an example of a coin that reflects the importance of the San Francisco Mint in American coinage.

In conclusion, the connection between "Mint: Struck at the San Francisco Mint" and "1919 W Mercury dime" highlights the role of the San Francisco Mint in producing the Mercury dime, the historical context surrounding the coin's production, its numismatic value, and its regional significance.

6. Designer

The connection between "Designer: Adolph Weinman" and "1919 W Mercury dime" is significant for several reasons:

• Artistic Vision: Adolph Weinman was a renowned sculptor and designer whose artistic vision shaped the iconic design of the 1919 W Mercury dime. His interpretation of Liberty and the fasces embodies the ideals of freedom, strength, and commerce.
• Historical Context: Weinman's design was selected through a competition held by the United States Mint in 1916, reflecting the nation's desire for a new and distinctive coinage design. The Mercury dime marked a departure from previous coin designs, showcasing Weinman's innovative and modern approach.
• Technical Expertise: Weinman's technical expertise as a sculptor and engraver is evident in the intricate details and high relief of the Mercury dime. His ability to translate his artistic vision into a practical and durable coin design is a testament to his craftsmanship.
• Legacy: The 1919 W Mercury dime stands as a lasting legacy of Adolph Weinman's artistic contributions. Its timeless design continues to be admired and appreciated by collectors, historians, and the general public alike.

In conclusion, the connection between "Designer: Adolph Weinman" and "1919 W Mercury dime" underscores the importance of artistic vision, innovation, and technical expertise in the creation of enduring and iconic coinage.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 1919 W Mercury Dime

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the 1919 W Mercury dime, offering valuable insights into its history, rarity, and significance.

Question 1: What is the significance of the 1919 W Mercury dime?

Answer: The 1919 W Mercury dime holds historical significance as the first dime to feature a depiction of Mercury, the Roman god of commerce. This marked a departure from traditional coin designs and symbolized the nation's growing economic power.

Question 2: Why is the 1919 W Mercury dime so rare?

Answer: The 1919 W Mercury dime has a low mintage of only 2,750,000, making it one of the rarest Mercury dimes in existence. This scarcity is primarily due to the economic recession following World War I, which led to a decreased demand for coins.

Question 3: What are the key design elements of the 1919 W Mercury dime?

Answer: The 1919 W Mercury dime features a depiction of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap on the obverse and a fasces encircled by an olive branch and oak branch on the reverse. These elements symbolize freedom, strength, peace, and prosperity.

Question 4: Who designed the 1919 W Mercury dime?

Answer: The 1919 W Mercury dime was designed by Adolph Weinman, a renowned sculptor and engraver. His artistic vision and technical expertise are evident in the coin's intricate details and high relief.

Question 5: What is the value of a 1919 W Mercury dime?

Answer: The value of a 1919 W Mercury dime varies depending on its condition and rarity. However, due to its low mintage and historical significance, it generally commands a high premium over its face value.

Summary: The 1919 W Mercury dime is a rare and significant coin that embodies the nation's ideals and artistic heritage. Its rarity, beautiful design, and historical importance make it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Transition: To further delve into the fascinating world of numismatics, let's explore the history and significance of another iconic coin, the...

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 1919 W Mercury dime stands as a testament to the artistry, history, and economic significance of the United States. Its beautiful design and historical relevance make it a prized possession for collectors and a symbol of American heritage. The rarity and value of the 1919 W Mercury dime underscore the enduring fascination with numismatics and the enduring legacy of the Mercury dime series.

As we delve deeper into the world of numismatics, we continue to appreciate the artistry, craftsmanship, and historical significance embedded in coins. Each coin tells a story, and the 1919 W Mercury dime is no exception. Its legacy as a symbol of American commerce and freedom serves as a reminder of the nation's rich history and the enduring value of its coinage.