The Mercury dime, more formally known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, was designed by Adolph A. Weinman and debuted in 1916, replacing the Barber (or Liberty Head) dime designed by Charles E. Barber and first released in 1892. The Mercury dime type was in use from 1916 through 1945, with most issues struck from 1916 through 1931 proving much scarcer than those made from 1934 on; none was issued in 1932 or 1933.
 
Obverse: Winged Liberty, or Mercury (the Roman god of commerce), is depicted facing left with LIBERTY spelled around the periphery. IN GOD WE TRUST appears left of the neck and the date is positioned just below the bust around 5 o'clock. The designer's initials "AW" appear to the right of the neck.
Reverse: A large torch is centered vertically adorned with an axe head and olive branches. UNITED STATES OF AMERICAN * ONE DIME * is spelled out around the periphery. Mint mark, if any, appears near the bottom rim left of the torch.