I prefer the Merc. For some reason, I've never liked the walker obverse -- perhaps because they often are missing the details of the hand and it just looks odd. Of the two reverses, I prefer the walker, but overall like the Merc.
The Walker is better, in my opinion, hands down. I like the obverse better. But what makes it such any easy choice for me is that the Walker has a beautifull eagle on the reverse. The reverse of the Merc just does nothing for me.
Adolf Weinman designed medals that I think are lovelier yet than either the Mercury dime or the Walking Liberty half. This medal was created by Weinman in 1904 for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis that year:
This thread needs photos. Here are 2 MS68's. Photos courtesy of Heritage I voted for the Mercury Dime. It was my favorite when I was a kid and it is my favorite now. I really think the design would look better on a quarter instead of a dime though.
I'm a huge fan of both. But what it boils down to is, the Walker is one of my favorite coins PERIOD, so I'll go with those. Mercury's are my favorite dimes though, if that counts for anything.
It is difficult to choose. The reverse of the Walker is one of the best representations of the eagle ever, imo. The reverse of the Merc, with the fasces is interesting in that it was current here while there was fascism in Italy. I have never read of any criticism about the design due to that.
I like both also but when I got back into collecting I chose Miss Mercury to spend my time with. She'll always be my favorite. Obverse and reverse, plain , simple and thought provoking.... John
WOW! The ideals of America are duly represented on the Walking Liberty. Think about it: LIBERTY wrapped in an American flag, carrying branches of laurel (peace) striding into the new morning sun with her welcoming hand out-stretched. It almost makes you want to cry! But, the Mercury depicts LIBERTY with wings (representing thought). It's such a pure, clean and simple design, yet majestic in its own way. I have to go with the Mercury on this one. But, I agree with Rohumpy that the reverse of the Walkers have one of the best depictions of the eagle... ever!
Walking 50c, beyond doubt. It's part of a great era - Standing Lib 25c, Walking Lib 50c, Standing Lib St. Gaudens $20. "Head to toe" portraits of Liberty. The 50c has an insurmountable advantage over the 10c - Weinmann had a larger "canvas on which to paint". He was able to do more with the larger coin. Both are terrific, classic designs. Our hobby owes much to these coins. Consider this question : How many people turned on to coin collecting because of these two coin designs ? Many. And I'm one of 'em. I got a Merc 10c in change at a garage sale 40 years ago. It was fascinating to me as a boy, and I'm still fascinated.
I like them both alot, but the walker wins it for me for overall design. If I had to choose just based on the head, I would pick the dime. Maybe a new half design could have the walking liberty with the winged head. Anyone with good photoshop skills?
I like them both also, but the Walker is a beautiful design. I love how the flag is draped over Liberty. The sun and it's rays are stunning as well.
Mercury obverse & the Walker reverse At the end of the 50 state quarter program how about a 2009 25-cent piece with the Mercury obverse & the Walker reverse. Very best regards, collect89
The Walkers look great in higher grades only. Once they get worn, they loose their appeal to me. The Mercs look good in any grade. Both are great designs though. If I had to choose, I'd say the Walkers.