Semi-Numismatic

1941 Mercury Dime XF

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Struck by the Philadelphia Mint in 1941, this ten cent piece represents a classic era of American silver coinage. Composed of 90 percent silver with a precious metal content of 0.0715 troy ounces, the coin has survived in Extra Fine condition, preserving the intricate details of its celebrated artwork. The obverse displays a youthful depiction of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, a design element originally intended to symbolize freedom of thought. However, the winged cap bore such a striking resemblance to the traditional headgear of the Roman messenger god that the series became universally known as the Mercury Dime. This side also bears the date 1941 and the national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST. On the reverse, the design shifts to a bundle of rods bound around an ax, known as a fasces, which is paired with a leafy olive branch. These symbols represent strength and peace. The reverse inscriptions include the issuing nation, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the denomination, ONE DIME, and the Latin phrase, E PLURIBUS UNUM.