Introduced by the US Mint in 1916, the Mercury Dime replaced the Barber Dime series once it reached the end of its required 25-year lifespan. Though commonly known as the Mercury Dime, its official name is the Winged Liberty Head Dime. The coin’s design was created by Adolph A. Weinman, who earned the commission after winning a national competition to modernize US coin designs. This 1927 Mercury Dime includes the coveted FB designation, indicating Full Bands on the reverse design element.
This 1927 Mercury Dime is in Mint State 65 condition and comes with a highly coveted FB designation. FB stands Full Bands and refers to the condition of the horizontal bands around the center of the fasces on the reverse. To qualify, a Mercury Dime must show a high-quality, sharp strike that delivers clear bands that are fully separated, with no breaks, abrasions, or other issues. Overall, this coin has strong, crisp luster on its high points with minimal flaws present.
The 1927 Mercury Dime saw production only at the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints, with Denver notably absent from striking dimes that year. The Philadelphia issue had a substantial mintage of 28,080,000 pieces, making it readily available to collectors in most conditions. These coins are commonly found in circulation grades but become significantly more valuable when preserved in mint state with full split bands visible on the fasces.
The obverse of the 1927 Mercury Dime features Liberty depicted in a youthful, left-facing profile, wearing a winged Phrygian cap that represents freedom of thought. Weinman’s work is recognized for its balance and detail, from the gentle movement of Liberty’s hair to the carefully rendered feathers of the cap. The word “LIBERTY” lines the rim, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears beside the neck, and the date is positioned below.
The reverse design includes a Roman fasces, a traditional symbol of unity and strength formed by bound rods with an exposed axe blade. An olive branch crosses the fasces to convey peace alongside power. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE DIME” complete the design, reflecting themes that resonated strongly during the years surrounding World War I.
