The 1945-S 10 cent Mercury dime can be special for several reasons. For one, 1945 was the last year of the Mercury dime’s mintage. However, another factor that can make this silver coin so unique is the micro S mintmark present on many 1945-S Mercury dimes. This mintmark is smaller than most mintmarks shown on the reverse of Mercury dimes throughout their nearly 30 year original run. This delightful little variation can make collectors generally willing to part with more dollars than they ordinarily would for a coin, such as this one. Of course, like most coins, the 1945-S Mercury dime can be most valuable when it’s graded and certified. A certified 1945-S Mercury dime with a mint state grade can be a good find. Collectors also keep an eye out for Mercury dimes with FB – “full bands” or “full split bands” – a feature present on well-struck Mercury dimes from 1945 on back to their introductory year of 1916. This is a way of determining the overall crispness and the coin’s strike type. Full bands with split layers around the fasces on the silver coin’s reverse indicate a strong strike. Because they’re rare, 1945-S MS FB Mercury dime may be highly covetable. Grading is generally important to maintain collector interest even for a rare coin with FB designation and a micro S mintmark. Other than the 1945-S coin’s various unique properties, Mercury dimes from all years can be valued both for their silver content and for their unique design. The Mercury dime’s artist value can not be ignored, though. With a beautiful profile bust of Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap, this coin gets its Mercury dime name because it’s easy to confuse the figure on the obverse with the Greek god Mercury, whose signature garment was a winged cap. After 1945, Mercury dimes were replaced with silver-toned 10 cent coins featuring a bust of United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt. These dimes remain in circulation into the 21st century although, as of 1965, dimes use copper and nickel rather than copper and silver to achieve their color. Prior to the Mercury dime, the U.S. 10 cent coin featured an engraving by Charles E. Barber, who also designed quarters and half dollars, though all three were relatively unpopular designs. These bookends can make the Mercury dime stand out even more. The coin can be so beloved, in fact, that the U.S. Mint released a commemorative gold edition to mark its 100th anniversary. This gold 2016 coin can be the perfect addition to a collection of Mercury dimes. You can combine an original proof from 1916, a 1945-S FB coin and a gold commemorative 2016 edition to create a complete collection of beautiful Mercury dimes.
Product Identifiers
Designer
Adolph Alexander Weinman
eBay Product ID (ePID)
170454010
Product Key Features
Strike Type
Business
Mint Location
San Francisco, San Francisco, California
Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper
Year
1945
Dimensions
Weight
2.5g
Additional Product Features
Mintage
4192
EDGE
Reeded
Mint
San Francisco
Denomination
10C
PCGS Number
5061
Diameter
17.9mm
Strike
Full Band
Mint Mark
S
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