Semi-Numismatic

1935-S Mercury Dime XF

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The 1935 ten-cent piece from the San Francisco Mint stands as an elegant example of United States coinage from the era between the world wars. Struck in 90 percent silver, this coin carries a precious metal content of 0.0715 troy ounces. It is widely known by its popular nickname, the Mercury Dime, though the central figure is actually a classic American symbol in mythological attire. On the obverse, the design presents a youthful profile of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap. This choice of headgear was intended to symbolize freedom of thought, though it frequently caused the public to mistake the figure for the Roman messenger god, Mercury. Surrounding this portrait are the inscriptions "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the date "1935." The reverse of the coin displays a fasces, a traditional bundle of rods bound around an ax, paired alongside an olive branch. These contrasting symbols represent strength and readiness for defense balanced with a desire for peace. The inscriptions on this side include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "ONE DIME," and the Latin phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM." A small "S" mint mark denotes its origin from the San Francisco facility.