WASHINGTON – The United States Mint announced today that it will strike and issue coins to commemorate the 100th anniversary of three iconic coin designs first issued in 1916: the “Winged Liberty” dime, “Standing Liberty” quarter, and “Walking Liberty” half-dollar. All three coins will be manufactured from .9999 fine, 24-karat gold.
To approximate the 1916 coin dimensions, the “Winged Liberty” dime will contain one-tenth troy ounce of 24-karat gold, the Standing Liberty quarter will contain one-quarter troy ounce of 24-karat gold, and the Walking Liberty half-dollar will contain one-half troy ounce of 24-karat gold.
The “Winged Liberty” dime, designed by Adolph A. Weinman, features a portrait of Liberty facing left and wearing a winged cap on its obverse (heads side). The design became known as the Mercury dime because of its resemblance to the Roman god, Mercury. The coin’s reverse (tails side) includes a Roman fasces and an olive branch, representing America’s military readiness and, simultaneously, its desire for peace. Additional inscriptions to the originals will include “AU” (the symbol for gold), “24K,” and “1/10 OZ.”
The Standing Liberty quarter, designed by Hermon A. MacNeil, depicts Liberty on its obverse. She is holding a shield and an olive branch as she steps through an opening in a wall bearing 13 stars. The reverse shows an eagle in flight flanked by 13 stars. Additional inscriptions to the originals will include “AU,” “24K,” and “1/4 OZ.”
The Walking Liberty half-dollar, also designed by Weinman, portrays Liberty on its obverse as she strides toward the sunrise, carrying branches of laurel and oak in her arms to symbolize both civil and military glory. Liberty wears a Phrygian cap on her head and an armored plate on her chest over her gown, with the American flag behind her. The reverse features an eagle rising from its mountaintop perch. Additional inscriptions to the originals will include “AU,” “24K,” and “1/2 OZ.”
Details about mintage levels, on-sale dates, and pricing will be announced next year.
About the United States Mint
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. The United States Mint’s numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.