Semi-Numismatic

1945-S Mercury Dime XF

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Struck during a pivotal year in global history, this 1945 silver ten-cent piece is a beautiful example of mid-century American coinage. Minted in San Francisco, the coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing 0.0715 troy ounces of precious metal. Rendered in an Extra Fine state of preservation, it showcases the intricate details of a classic design that circulated widely during the first half of the twentieth century. The front of the coin displays a youthful profile of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, an image that historically led the public to mistake her for the Roman messenger god Mercury. Accompanying this portrait are the inscriptions "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the date "1945". This iconic artwork was created by the sculptor Adolph Weinman. On the reverse, the design presents a powerful contrast of symbols, featuring a traditional Roman fasces wrapped in an olive branch. This imagery represents both readiness for defense and a desire for peace. The mint mark "S" is visible on this side, indicating its origin at the San Francisco Mint, alongside the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and the country name.