CoinNews photos offer a closer look at the U.S. Mint’s first Best of the Mint product, the 1916 Mercury Dime Gold Coin and Silver Medal Set, highlighting the 24-karat gold coin and the newly designed silver medal.
Released June 4 for $810, the set honors the historic 1916 Mercury dime, also known as the Winged Liberty dime. The one-tenth-ounce, 99.99% fine gold coin faithfully reproduces Adolph A. Weinman’s classic dime designs used from 1916 to 1945, enhanced with a Liberty Bell "250" privy mark commemorating the nation’s Semiquincentennial.
Limited to 30,000 sets, the release generated strong demand. Most sold within the first hour, though the one-per-household restriction helped keep sales open for nearly five hours. The Mint then listed the set as "Currently Unavailable" with a "Remind Me" option for alerts if more become available.
Gold Coin Recreates Classic Mercury Dime Design
The gold coin’s obverse shows Liberty in profile facing left, wearing a winged cap symbolizing freedom of thought. Inscriptions include LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and 1916. Weinman’s intertwined initials appear near the date, along with the Liberty Bell "250" privy mark.
The reverse features Weinman’s fasces design, symbolizing strength through unity, accompanied by a battle axe and olive branch representing military readiness and the desire for peace. Inscriptions read UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and ONE DIME. The reverse also carries the "W" mint mark of the West Point Mint.
Silver Medal Features New Companion Artwork
The silver medal was created as a companion piece rather than a direct reproduction of the dime. Its design presents a continuous scene across the obverse and reverse, reflecting the turbulent period from 1916 to 1945.
Liberty appears in both defensive and offensive positions, while rays from her sword symbolize hope after conflict. Hooverville shacks represent the Great Depression, and swirling waves refer to the Dust Bowl. The inscription reads 1916 – 1945.
Packaging, Booklet and Director’s Card
CoinNews photos also show the encapsulated gold coin and silver medal presented together in a black U.S. Mint display case. The set includes a small booklet with background on the series and Mercury dime, details about the included collectibles and their specifications, and a certificate of authenticity.
The CoinNews-photographed set also came with a postcard-style card bearing a message from U.S. Mint Director Paul Hollis: "Every coin shares a story of our history. I hope this is a valued addition to your collection."
First of Five Best of the Mint Sets
The U.S. Mint’s Best of the Mint series is part of its 2026 Semiquincentennial program. Each set pairs a 24-karat gold coin based on a classic U.S. coin design with a newly designed silver medal featuring related artwork.
The Mercury dime set opened the series on June 4. Scheduled releases continue July 10 with the Standing Liberty quarter, Aug. 6 with the Walking Liberty half dollar, Aug. 27 with the 1804 silver dollar and Sept. 24 with the Saint-Gaudens High Relief $20 gold coin.
