Semi-Numismatic

1938-S Mercury Dime BU

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The 1938 Mercury Dime, struck at the San Francisco Mint, stands as a beautiful representation of early twentieth-century American coinage. Crafted from 90 percent silver, this ten-cent piece is celebrated for its elegant composition, containing approximately 0.0715 troy ounces of precious metal. Preserved in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, the coin retains its original luster, allowing the intricate details of the design to be appreciated just as they appeared when the coin first left the minting press. On the obverse, the design features a youthful depiction of Lady Liberty. She wears a winged Phrygian cap, a powerful symbol that historically represents freedom of thought. Surrounding her profile is the classic national motto, "IN GOD WE TRUST," alongside the 1938 date of issue. This iconic imagery gave rise to the popular "Mercury" nickname, as the winged cap closely resembles the headgear of the Roman messenger god. The reverse of the coin presents a contrasting yet complementary theme of strength and peace. It depicts a traditional fasces, a bundle of rods bound around an axe, which is closely intertwined with an olive branch. This combination symbolizes the nation's readiness for defense alongside a deep desire for peace. The mint mark "S" is visible on this side, indicating its origin from the San Francisco facility, accompanied by the Latin phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM."