Mercury Dimes are genuine .900 silver dimes depicting Mercury, and are all circulated U.S. currency. These dimes have been strung on braided red silk chord, a natural fiber, to be worn around the ankle. This is a traditional method of Protection against powders and foot track workings. All anklets are washed and fed. If your anklet has any plant or animal matter stuck to it upon arrival and you wish to clean it, wash it with whiskey or gin, not water.