Semi-Numismatic

1929-S Mercury Dime VF

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The 1929-S Mercury Dime represents a fascinating moment in United States coinage, struck at the San Francisco Mint just before the close of the decade. Minted in 90% silver, this ten-cent piece contains 0.0715 troy ounces of precious metal. Despite its common nickname, the coin does not actually depict the Roman messenger god Mercury. Instead, the design represents a youthful personification of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, a powerful symbol of freedom of thought. On the reverse, the imagery shifts to a bundle of rods bound around an ax, known as a fasces, which is paired with an olive branch. These symbols represent strength through unity and a desire for peace. The coin features several inscriptions, including the national motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" on the obverse alongside the 1929 date. The reverse displays "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "ONE DIME," and the Latin phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM." This specific coin has survived in Very Fine condition, showing moderate wear but retaining the clear details of Adolph Weinman's iconic design.