Semi-Numismatic

1943-S Mercury Dime Good/VF

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In 1943, the San Francisco Mint struck this silver ten-cent piece, a coin that remains a compelling example of mid-century American coinage. Composed of 90% silver, containing 0.0715 troy ounces of the precious metal, this dime represents a fascinating era of United States minting. Depending on the individual coin, the outer rim may display some natural signs of wear, reflecting its decades of existence. The obverse of the coin features a youthful depiction of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, a design element originally created by Adolph Weinman. This distinctive headgear, which historically symbolizes freedom of thought, led the public to nickname the series the Mercury Dime. Legible inscriptions on this side include the word LIBERTY and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, alongside the 1943 date. On the reverse, the design presents a fasces, a bundle of rods bound around an ax, positioned alongside an olive branch. These contrasting elements represent strength and the desire for peace. The reverse also bears the mint mark S, indicating its origin at the San Francisco facility, as well as the denomination ONE DIME and the traditional motto E PLURIBUS UNUM.