Açıklama
This Dime showcases a Roman-style symbol of authority on its reverse side. Amidst the rampant tales of secret Communist infiltration into U.S. coinage, which have persisted for decades, lies the misconception that the Mercury Dime somehow endorsed Fascism. Adolph Weinman's design for the Mercury Dime indeed incorporates the ancient Roman symbol for authority: the Fasces, consisting of an axe within a bundle of wood sticks bound together. Scientifically, such an axe handle is proven to be much stronger than one made of a single piece of wood. This symbolism of strength through unity has endured for centuries.
Viewed in its proper historical context, the selection of this symbol for a coin of the United States was both brilliant and visually poetic. Critics alleging an evil intention behind the Mercury Dime design simply misinterpret history. Weinman crafted the Mercury Dime in 1916, at least three years prior to Benito Mussolini's adoption of the symbol for his oppressive regime, thus imbuing 'fascism' with a new and detested connotation.
As an artist, Weinman drew inspiration from ancient Rome, not foreseeing the rise of a totalitarian regime that did not yet exist at the time of the design's creation. While the historical context of the design remains undeniable, rumors persist of a subliminal, intentional connection, continuing to fuel speculation to this day.