1942 Silver Coin Mercury Dime in Good condition, see photos. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, the 1942 Mercury Dime—officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime—is a classic masterpiece of American numismatics designed by renowned sculptor Adolph A. Weinman. Issued during the height of World War II, this 2.5-gram coin features a youthful Miss Liberty in a winged Phrygian cap on the obverse (which the public famously mistook for the Roman god Mercury) to symbolize freedom of thought, while the reverse depicts a fasces bound with an olive branch to signify strength and peace.