Mercury Dimes
1934-1945

Mercury (or Winged Liberty Head) dimes (and Liberty Walking half dollars) were designed by Adolph A. (Alexander) Weinman (1870-1952) and minted from 1916 through 1931; and 1934 through 1945. Weinman's monogram AW is to the right of the neck of Liberty. The wings crowning her cap are intended to symbolize liberty of thought.

. . . In 1916 it was desired to redesign the Barber Liberty head coins which had been in use for 25 years. Contracts were given to Adolph Weinman and Herman MacNeil to provide new designs, after the Treasury Department, in connection with the Commission of Fine Arts, had reviewed a number of submissions. Arrangements were made for the two artists to visit the Mint to acquaint themselves with coinage procedures. Apparently, George T. Morgan, the assistant engraver, was very friendly and receptive, but Barber, the chief engraver, was sullen and sulky. It was Barber's unpopular design for the dime, quarter and half dollar that was to be replaced . . . -- The History of United States Coinage: As Illustrated by the Garrett Collection, by Q. David Bowers (1979)