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The 2016 1/10 oz Gold Mercury Dime Coin, certified SP70 by NGC with the First Releases designation, is a modern masterpiece honoring the 100th anniversary of one of America’s most beloved coin designs. Officially titled the “2016 Mercury Dime Centennial Gold Coin,” this release was part of a trio of centennial tributes issued by the United States Mint to commemorate the iconic dime, quarter, and half dollar designs originally released in 1916. This modern edition faithfully reproduces Adolph A. Weinman’s Winged Liberty Head dime—popularly known as the Mercury Dime—struck in 24-karat gold, offering both aesthetic reverence and investment appeal.
The original Mercury Dime debuted in 1916, replacing the Barber dime with a design that reflected the Art Nouveau sensibilities of the early 20th century. Adolph A. Weinman’s design, often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury, in fact depicts Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. The Mercury Dime remained in production until 1945 and became one of the most admired and collected American coin designs. In 2016, the U.S. Mint resurrected this classic for a centennial issue, striking it for the first time ever in gold, capturing the historic essence while infusing it with contemporary elegance.
The obverse of the 2016 gold Mercury Dime features the same Winged Liberty Head design from the 1916 original. Liberty faces left, with wings on her cap suggesting the freedom of intellect. The inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the dual date “1916–2016” are included, with Weinman’s distinct “AW” monogram appearing near the base of the neckline. The level of detail is astounding, with the high-relief strike and smooth satin finish highlighting the finesse of Weinman’s artistry, now made more vivid through the clarity and brilliance of modern minting techniques.
The reverse also stays true to the original, depicting a Roman fasces—a bundle of rods tied around an axe—symbolizing unity and strength, intertwined with an olive branch denoting peace. This juxtaposition of military preparedness and peaceful intentions was fitting during the First World War era and remains meaningful today. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the denomination “ONE DIME” frame the image. The brilliant strike in 24-karat gold enhances every nuance of the fasces and olive branch, bringing out textures not always visible in circulated silver versions.
The 2016 Gold Mercury Dime was minted at the West Point Mint and carries the “W” mintmark, distinguishing it from the Philadelphia and Denver issues of the original 1916 coin. Each piece is struck in .9999 fine gold (24-karat), with a weight of one-tenth troy ounce (3.11 grams) and a diameter of 16.5 millimeters—the same as the original silver dime. The coin features a smooth edge and an exquisite Specimen (SP) finish, combining sharp detail and a frosted, semi-matte appearance distinct from both proof and standard bullion formats. This finish lends the coin a timeless elegance and enhances its visual appeal.
The United States Mint released the 2016 Gold Mercury Dime on April 21, 2016, with a maximum authorized mintage of 125,000 coins. The entire mintage sold out on the first day of issue, demonstrating the overwhelming demand from collectors and investors alike. The coin was priced in accordance with the Mint’s pricing grid for gold coins, which is based on the prevailing spot price of gold. Each coin was housed in a custom black presentation case with a U.S. Mint certificate of authenticity, elevating it as a true commemorative keepsake worthy of its centennial purpose.
This specific example, certified as SP70 by NGC, represents the highest possible grade on the Sheldon coin grading scale. A grade of SP70 means the coin is in perfect condition, showing no visible flaws even under magnification. The “First Releases” designation adds additional desirability, confirming that the coin was received by NGC within 30 days of its initial release by the U.S. Mint. Coins with this label often carry a premium, as they appeal to collectors who value both early release status and flawless preservation. This grade also ensures the coin’s long-term marketability and desirability within elite collections.
The packaging by NGC further secures the coin in a tamper-evident holder that includes certification details, grade, and First Releases designation. The encapsulation preserves the specimen’s condition indefinitely, allowing for safe long-term storage and handling. Some versions of this certified coin may also come with a black core holder or special label designs, adding an extra aesthetic dimension for collectors who value presentation as much as quality. The combination of perfect strike, historical reverence, and gold content makes this coin a cornerstone of any modern U.S. gold collection.
While the coin bears a legal tender face value of ten cents, its true value lies in its numismatic and bullion significance. The intrinsic value of the gold alone makes it a strong investment piece, but its commemorative importance and certified perfect condition elevate it far beyond melt value. Collectors prize it not only for the artistry and nostalgia it embodies but also as the opening coin in a three-coin centennial gold series that includes the 2016 Standing Liberty Quarter and Walking Liberty Half Dollar, also reissued in gold later that same year.
The 2016 1/10 oz Gold Mercury Dime Coin SP70 NGC First Releases bridges the gap between historic tribute and modern minting innovation. It encapsulates a century of American coin design evolution while retaining the classic beauty that made the original Mercury Dime so beloved. Its flawless grade, reverse proof-like appearance, and limited mintage make it an outstanding acquisition for both serious numismatists and gold investors. As the first gold version of a widely collected classic and a celebration of one of the most iconic designs in U.S. history, it stands as a symbol of timeless excellence in American coinage.