10¢ Winged Liberty Head - early dates

关于此套币: The Winged Liberty Head or Mercury dime series is generally separated into two distinct eras: the early dates 1916-1931 (42 different date/mm issues), which fall within the "classic" era, and the late dates 1934-1945 (35 date/mm issues), which fall within the "modern" era of US coinage.

Early date mint marked mercury dimes
I'm particularly intrigued by the early dates minted in Denver and San Francisco.

Mintage-wise, the early dates represent less than one-quarter of all mercury dimes ever minted, but most were minted in Philadelphia. During this period, annual production at the branch mints typically totaled under 10mil, while output in Philly was typically in the 20mil to 50mil range. The 27 Denver and Frisco issues from 1916-1931 represent over one-third of the 77 dates in the mercury dime series, though mintage-wise represent only ≈8% of all mercury dimes ever minted (about one mercury dime in twelve)!

Additionally, the coin collecting hobby was far less widespread prior to the early thirties, and so the early dates (from all three mints) experienced greater circulation, with fewer saved in higher grades. The soft silver wore down as dimes passed through the roaring twenties, many still circulating well into the thirties and forties, and later. A dime had more buying power, many simply got “used up” in commerce. From this northeasterner’s perspective, the branch mints are also relatively exotic locales: Denver, a mile high in the mountains! San Francisco, the granite lady on the bay!

I endeavor to include specimens that are well struck with toned luster and crusty original skin. Too many available examples lack original surfaces, whether from over-dipping or cleaning/mishandling, which adds to the inherent rarity characteristics mentioned above.

Happy to connect with other mercury dime enthusiasts, feel free to email.
I've posted a selection of my collection here as well.