Semi-Numismatic

1945-S Mercury Dime Fine/VF (Micro-S)

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This mid-century ten-cent coin from 1945 represents a fascinating moment in United States coinage history. Minted in San Francisco, this particular silver dime is known for its distinctive "Micro-S" mint mark, a tiny detail that sets it apart for those who love to examine the finer points of numismatics. Composed of 90 percent silver, the coin contains 0.0715 troy ounces of precious metal. The obverse of the coin, designed by Adolph Weinman, features a youthful personification of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap. This distinctive headgear, which historically symbolizes freedom of thought, led to the popular but incorrect nickname "Mercury Dime" due to its resemblance to the winged Roman messenger god. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST", alongside the 1945 date. On the reverse, the design presents a powerful combination of symbols: a fasces and an olive branch. The fasces, depicted as a tightly bound bundle of wooden rods with an axe blade emerging from the side, represents strength and unity, while the olive branch signifies peace. The reverse inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", "ONE DIME", and the Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM".