Semi-Numismatic

1936-S Mercury Dime XF

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Struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1936, this ten-cent piece is a beautiful example of United States coinage from the era between the world wars. Composed of 90 percent silver, the coin contains 0.0715 troy ounces of precious metal. It is preserved in Extra Fine condition, showcasing the intricate details of its classic engraving with only moderate wear from its time in circulation. The obverse of the coin displays a youthful representation of Liberty. She wears a winged Phrygian cap, an artistic choice by designer Adolph Weinman that was intended to represent freedom of thought. This distinctive headgear led the public to mistake the figure for the Roman messenger god, giving the series its popular "Mercury Dime" moniker. The date 1936 is clearly visible beneath her portrait, alongside the national motto "IN GOD WE TRUST". On the reverse, the design features a traditional fasces, which is a bundle of rods bound around an ax, symbolizing strength and unity. An olive branch is woven alongside the fasces to represent peace. The inscriptions on this side include the issuing nation, "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", the denomination "ONE DIME", and the Latin phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM". The small "S" mint mark indicates its origin from the West Coast minting facility.