Designed by: Adolph A. Weinman
Issue Dates: 1936-1942
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 17.9 mm
Weight: 2.50 grams (38.58 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Proof Mintage: 78,648
While the Philadelphia Mint struck some Matte Proof issues in 1916 (notably the Lincoln cent and the Buffalo nickel) the three new silver issues of that year (Mercury dime, Standing Liberty quarter and the Walking Liberty half) arrived too late in the year to be struck in that format. That is unfortunate, for Matte Proof examples of these three would certainly be a treat for numismatists today. However today we are at least fortunate to have Proof examples of both the dime and half struck for seven years between 1936 and 1942. These were produced using the brilliant, mirrored fields seen on the silver coins through 1915 and the gold coins prior to 1908. The matte proofs of 1908-1916 failed to excite collectors, and while extremely popular today, were shunned when they were originally sold.
When Proof production resumed in 1936, collector response was positive, and mintages increased steadily each year from 1936 through 1942 at which time the program was suspended due to the war. In the case of the dime, some 4,130 were struck in 1936 and had reached 22,329 by 1942.
Availability today is in line with the original mintages, with 1936 being the scarcest date and 1942 the most common. Most examples fall within the range of PR-64 to 66, though most dates can be found with relative ease in PR-67. It is not until PR-68 that some dates can be called scarce, and of course, PR-69 examples are unquestionably rare with only a handful certified. Cameos are only really available for the 1939 issue, though one or two pieces have been certified for most of the other dates.
Both Weinman’s design for the dime and the half have achieved iconic status and today remain two of the most popular 20th century issues with collectors. A nice Proof example of the Mercury dime is both affordable and beautiful, and its appeal to collectors will likely endure for some time to come.
