The phrase references a selected sort of United States ten-cent coin, minted from 1916 to 1945. It derives its worth from its composition, being product of 90% silver and 10% copper. Additionally it is related to a selected imagery, resembling mercury.
These cash maintain significance for a number of causes. Their intrinsic silver content material makes them useful as a valuable steel funding. They’re wanted by collectors resulting from their historic significance, design artistry, and relative shortage, particularly in larger grades. Their affiliation with a Roman god offers them an aura of cultural significance.