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The Certified Mercury Dime 1916-D G Details NGC is a rare and historically significant example of the most coveted date in the entire Mercury dime series. Struck in the first year of the Winged Liberty Head design, the 1916-D has long held its place as a key rarity, and even low-grade examples are in high demand. While this particular coin has been certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) with a “G Details” designation—meaning it has the detail of a Good (G) grade but shows some issue preventing numeric grading—it remains an essential acquisition for collectors seeking to complete the iconic Mercury dime series.
The Mercury dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, was introduced in 1916 and designed by Adolph A. Weinman. The design features Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap symbolizing freedom of thought. Despite its short production run of less than thirty years (1916–1945), the series remains one of the most widely collected in U.S. coinage. The 1916-D is its unquestioned centerpiece, boasting a famously low mintage of just 264,000 coins struck at the Denver Mint—the lowest regular-issue production figure of any coin in the series.
On the obverse of the coin is Weinman’s celebrated portrait of Liberty facing left, with “LIBERTY” around the top rim, “IN GOD WE TRUST” tucked along the left field, and the date “1916” at the lower right. In Good details condition, the coin shows heavy circulation wear, with Liberty’s facial features, cap, and hair worn nearly flat. However, the date remains fully readable, which is critical for identification. Most of the legend may be faint but visible, and the rims are typically worn into the field but still mostly complete. Although it is not assigned a numerical grade due to surface issues—such as a cleaning, corrosion, or damage—the central devices are present, and the coin clearly retains its authenticity and detail level.
The reverse features a Roman fasces wrapped with olive branches, symbolizing both strength and peace. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DIME” surround the image, with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” tucked to the right of the fasces. The all-important “D” mintmark, which distinguishes this rarity from the far more common Philadelphia and San Francisco issues of the same year, is located to the left of the fasces near the rim. In G details condition, the reverse is heavily worn but still identifiable. The mintmark is clear enough to verify its authenticity, which is crucial, as the 1916-D is among the most counterfeited U.S. coins. Certification by NGC ensures this example is genuine despite any imperfections that led to the Details grade.
The 1916-D's scarcity stems from several factors. As the first year of issue for the Mercury dime, 1916 saw more substantial production at the Philadelphia (22,180,080 coins) and San Francisco (10,450,000 coins) mints. Denver’s much smaller output—only 264,000 coins—was largely overlooked by the public at the time, with little notice of its rarity until years later. By the time the coin’s value was realized by collectors, most had seen extensive circulation. As a result, uncirculated examples are extraordinarily rare and expensive, and even well-worn coins like this are highly valued.
NGC’s “G Details” grade is assigned when a coin’s wear is consistent with a Good (G4) grade, but the coin has a problem that prevents it from receiving a straight numeric grade. Typical issues include cleaning, scratches, rim damage, corrosion, or environmental damage. While these flaws may reduce the coin’s technical grade, they do not diminish its authenticity or significance, especially for a rarity like the 1916-D. The details grade makes the coin more accessible to collectors seeking an affordable way to own this key date without paying the high premiums associated with problem-free graded examples.
The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a diameter of 17.9 mm and a reeded edge. Like all Mercury dimes, the 1916-D was intended for daily circulation, and it fulfilled that role for decades, further reducing the population of surviving examples. Even in heavily worn condition, a 1916-D Mercury dime remains one of the most desirable 20th-century U.S. coins, and demand consistently exceeds supply in all grades.
The market for the 1916-D Mercury dime is robust and active. While Mint State examples can reach into five figures or more, circulated and Details-graded pieces like this G Details specimen offer a significantly more affordable alternative while still filling that critical slot in a date-and-mintmark set. Collectors value authenticated examples regardless of minor issues, and NGC’s encapsulation confirms both authenticity and approximate condition while preserving the coin for future generations.
The visual appeal of this G Details example will depend on the nature of the surface issue, but overall, such coins typically exhibit deep gray or brown toning, smooth worn fields, and a pleasing “circulated honesty” that reflects their journey through American hands over a century ago. The D mintmark is the centerpiece of the reverse and must be intact for proper attribution. On certified coins like this, collectors can rest assured that the mintmark is original and not a counterfeit addition.
The Certified Mercury Dime 1916-D G Details NGC remains a key acquisition for any collector of 20th-century coinage or Mercury dimes. Its reputation as the rarest date in the series, its compelling backstory, and its enduring demand make it one of the most recognizable and respected U.S. coins. Even with a Details grade, its value lies in its rarity, authenticity, and historical significance. For collectors building a complete set or simply honoring America’s classic coinage, this coin is a must-have foundation piece.