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The 1935-S Mercury Dime, graded Extra Fine (XF), is an excellent example of one of the most iconic and beloved designs in U.S. coinage history. Officially known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, this coin is more commonly referred to as the "Mercury Dime" due to the depiction of Liberty on the obverse, which resembles the Roman god Mercury. The Mercury Dime series was minted from 1916 to 1945 and is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing designs produced by the U.S. Mint. The 1935-S dime was struck at the San Francisco Mint, one of the three facilities that produced this series. With a mintage of 15,840,000, the 1935-S dime is not the rarest in the series, but its XF grade makes it desirable for collectors who appreciate well-preserved examples.
The obverse of the 1935-S Mercury Dime features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. The design was created by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, who sought to embody the ideals of liberty, progress, and enlightenment through the use of classical imagery. The wings on Liberty’s cap are often misinterpreted as representing the Roman god Mercury, the messenger god, leading to the popular nickname for the coin. The word "LIBERTY" arches above the portrait, while the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" is inscribed to the left. The date "1935" appears at the bottom of the coin. On an Extra Fine example like this, the details of Liberty’s hair, the winged cap, and facial features are still sharp and defined, though there may be slight wear visible in high points, such as the curls in her hair and the wings of the cap. The coin’s surfaces exhibit light circulation wear, but the overall design remains clear and appealing to collectors.
The reverse of the 1935-S Mercury Dime is equally striking, featuring a fasces—a bundle of rods bound together with an axe blade protruding from the top. The fasces is a symbol of unity and strength, derived from ancient Roman iconography, representing the power of the collective. The fasces is flanked by an olive branch, symbolizing peace, conveying the idea that peace is maintained through strength and unity. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" encircle the design, with the denomination "ONE DIME" placed at the bottom. The "S" mintmark, indicating that the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint, is located to the right of the fasces. On this XF coin, the details of the fasces, including the individual rods and the axe blade, are still well-defined, though some light wear may be noticeable on the highest points. The olive branch retains much of its original detail, with the leaves and stems still visible.
The Mercury Dime was first introduced in 1916, replacing the Barber Dime, which had been in circulation since 1892. The U.S. Mint sought to update the design of its coinage, and Adolph Weinman’s design was selected for the new dime. Weinman’s work on the Mercury Dime is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful coin designs ever produced by the U.S. Mint. The Mercury Dime series remained in production until 1945, when it was replaced by the Roosevelt Dime following President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death. The Mercury Dime is particularly notable for being struck during a period of great historical significance, including World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. As a result, it holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and historians alike.
The San Francisco Mint, where the 1935-S Mercury Dime was produced, was one of the key mints responsible for striking coins for circulation in the western United States. The San Francisco Mint has a long and storied history, having opened in 1854 during the California Gold Rush. By the time the 1935-S dime was minted, the San Francisco Mint was well-established as one of the primary facilities for producing high-quality coinage. The "S" mintmark on the 1935-S Mercury Dime adds an extra layer of interest for collectors, as coins from different mints are often collected as part of a complete set. While the 1935-S is not the rarest of the Mercury Dimes, it is still a desirable date for collectors, especially in higher grades like XF.
The mintage of the 1935-S Mercury Dime was 15,840,000, which makes it a relatively common issue within the series. However, finding examples in well-preserved condition, such as this Extra Fine coin, can be challenging. In XF condition, the coin shows moderate wear, but the major design elements remain intact and visible. Collectors prize coins in this grade because they offer an excellent balance between affordability and aesthetic appeal. The XF grade indicates that the coin has seen circulation but retains much of its original detail, with only light wear on the highest points of the design. The coin’s surfaces may exhibit slight toning or patina, which can add to its overall charm and character.
The 1935-S Mercury Dime, in Extra Fine condition, is a beautiful and historically significant coin that appeals to both seasoned collectors and those new to numismatics. Its connection to the San Francisco Mint, its classic design by Adolph Weinman, and its role in American history make it a valuable addition to any collection. The Mercury Dime series as a whole is beloved by collectors for its artistry and symbolism, and the 1935-S dime is no exception. Whether collected for its historical importance or its visual appeal, the 1935-S Mercury Dime in XF grade is a coin that stands out in any collection of U.S. coinage.