The 1916 D Mercury Dime is one of the most iconic key dates in 20th‑century American coinage. Introduced late in the year as a replacement for the Barber dime, the Winged Liberty design by Adolph A. Weinman marked a dramatic shift toward modern, sculptural coinage. Liberty’s profile is crowned with wings symbolizing freedom of thought, while the reverse features a fasces and olive branch—representing strength and peace. The Denver Mint struck just 264,000 examples, making it the lowest mintage of the entire Mercury series and a cornerstone of any complete set.

This particular specimen, graded PCGS MS67FB and CAC approved, ranks among the finest known. The Full Bands designation confirms complete horizontal separation in the fasces, a strike rarity that elevates the coin’s technical and aesthetic appeal. Surfaces are satiny and original, with soft frost across Liberty’s cheek and sharply defined devices. The coin’s preservation is extraordinary, especially given the issue’s scarcity and the Denver Mint’s typically blunt strikes in 1916.

The 1916 D has long been a benchmark of advanced Mercury dime collecting. Its combination of low mintage, first‑year design, and Denver origin creates a trifecta of desirability. Most surviving examples are well‑worn, and Mint State coins with Full Bands are exceptionally rare. This MS67FB specimen stands at the summit of condition rarity, offering both historical importance and visual excellence. Its technical precision and untouched surfaces make it a reference piece for grading standards and strike diagnostics.

Auction records confirm the coin’s elite status. In its appearance at Stack’s Bowers, it drew intense interest from specialists and registry set competitors alike. The CAC sticker affirms its quality within the grade, and its eye appeal places it in the top echelon of Mercury dimes ever offered publicly. Its current placement in the Madhatter Collection reflects a commitment to elite preservation and key‑date stewardship. The coin’s survival in this state is not just improbable—it’s numismatically profound.

The Mercury dime series is celebrated for its artistry and symbolism, and the 1916 D anchors that legacy. Weinman’s design remains one of the most admired in U.S. coinage, and the Denver issue’s rarity ensures its continued prominence. The Full Bands strike on this example reveals the full intent of the design—crisp, balanced, and deeply American. It is a coin that transcends its denomination, standing as a sculptural artifact of national identity and minting excellence.

Now part of the Madhatter Collection, this 1916 D Mercury Dime stands as a testament to first‑year rarity, sculptural ambition, and elite preservation. Its presence affirms the enduring importance of transitional coinage, where artistry and scarcity converge. For collectors, it is both a condition rarity and a cultural landmark, embodying the ideals of early 20th‑century American coinage. Its survival in this state bridges history and artistry, making it a keystone of any cabinet. More than a dime, it is a numismatic monument—an object of study, admiration, and national identity.