However in the end, due to misconception, the coin was improperly named the mercury dime. The confusion comes in when the designer of the coin, Adolf Weinman, added wings to Liberty’s headdress.The wings were added to symbolize “liberty of thought”. Mercury in Greek mythology was known as the “quick messenger” and was equipped with wings to better execute his duties. More about mercury dime coins and what they’re worth… Little-Known Facts About Mercury Dimes The portrait on the front of this coin was mistaken for (and bears resemblance to) the Greek god Mercury.īut the portrait is in fact of Liberty - the same figure that has graced U.S. To begin with, mercury dimes are misnamed.
