Mercury dime proofs were minted from 1936-1942. All Mercury dime proofs were minted at the Philadelphia Mint. Mercury dime proofs have very low mintages. For example, 1941 Mercury dime proofs have a mintage of 16,000. Early proof coins were packaged in plastic sleeves stapled to cardboard boxes. Mercury dime proofs look different from modern proof coins. Modern proof coins are "Cameo proofs." Cameo proofs have mirrored fields and frosted devices. Mercury dime proofs don't have the "cameo contrast" seen in modern proof coins. Mercury dime proofs are classified as "Brilliant proofs." Brilliant proofs have mirrored fields but lack frosted devices.
