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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Augustine1992, post: 1229663, member: 30585&quot;]In 1916, America was in need of a change to its coinage. The current designs, used since 1892, featured the same obverse and had become very unpopular with the majority of the public. In 1890 a law had been passed that required a coin design to be in use for 25 years before it was eligible for replacement. In 1916, when the new fiscal year began, the change took place at its earliest oppurtunity. </p><p><br /></p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A public competition was held. Applicants could submit their designs for the new coin and win a-kind of immortality with their design featured on the coin. Many people entered, even Charles E. Barber, who designed the previous Barber dime. Mint director Robert W. Wolley announced on March 3, 1916, that the winner of the contest was Adolph Alexander Weinman. After the announcement, Weinman worked with engraver George T. Morgan to finish the design. </p><p><br /></p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp; The obverse of the new coin, nicknamed the Mercury Dime, featured Lady Liberty. On her head sat a winged cap, the word LIBERTY above with &quot;In God We Trust&quot; and the date below. The image was mistaken widely for that of Mercury, the greek god of trade, profit, and commerce. Also known as the messenger god, Mercury wore shoes with wings on them, symbolizing flight. On the dime, the wings on Libertys head symbolized liberty of thought. Not very different if you ask me, but in a good way. </p><p><br /></p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The reverse of the coin, pictured a roman fasces. It was comprised of an axe tied to a bundle of rods. In Rome, fasces were carried by officials as symbol of authority. Above the words &quot;UNITED STATES OF AMERICA&quot; are engraved. The motto &quot;E PLURIBUS UNUM,&quot; which translated from latin means &quot;Out of many, one,&quot; is on the right of the coin. </p><p><br /></p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unfortunately, the awesome design did not last for ever. In 1946 Congress passed legislation that changed the Mercury Dimes to Roosevelt dimes in honor of Franklin Roosevelt. America has not seen such a fine coin since.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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