Semi-Numismatic

1917-S Mercury Dime Fine

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Struck in 1917 at the San Francisco Mint, this ten-cent silver piece is a classic example of early twentieth-century American coinage. Composed of 90 percent silver with a metal content of 0.0715 troy ounces, this coin belongs to the celebrated Mercury Dime series. The coin survives today in Fine condition, showing the honest wear of a piece that once circulated widely, which may be particularly visible along its outer rim. The obverse features a youthful depiction of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, a design element originally intended to symbolize freedom of thought. Surrounding this central figure are the legible inscriptions of "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the year "1917". On the reverse, the design presents a fasces, a traditional symbol of strength and authority, bound alongside a peaceful olive branch. The reverse also bears the denomination "ONE DIME" and the "S" mint mark, indicating its origin from the West Coast minting facility, alongside the Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM".