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The 1936-S Mercury Dime, graded Extra Fine (XF), is a noteworthy piece from one of the most iconic coin series in U.S. history. The Mercury Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, was minted from 1916 to 1945 and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and enduring designs in American coinage. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, this dime is often referred to as the "Mercury" dime due to the resemblance of Liberty’s image to the Roman god Mercury. The 1936-S Mercury Dime, struck at the San Francisco Mint, is a desirable issue for collectors, especially when found in well-preserved condition like Extra Fine, where most of the original design details are still evident despite moderate wear from circulation.
The obverse of the 1936-S Mercury Dime features the iconic depiction of Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. The design is a classical interpretation of Liberty, and although it was intended to represent her, the resemblance to Mercury led to its popular nickname. Surrounding Liberty’s portrait are the inscriptions "LIBERTY" along the top rim and "IN GOD WE TRUST" to the left. The date, "1936," is inscribed at the bottom of the coin. On an Extra Fine example, the details of Liberty’s hair and the wings on the cap remain visible, though slight wear is apparent on the highest points of the design. The surfaces show some light wear but retain much of the coin’s original sharpness, and the coin’s appeal is preserved with crisp design features still noticeable under close examination.
The reverse of the 1936-S Mercury Dime is equally captivating, featuring a fasces, a bundle of rods with an axe protruding from the top. This symbol, derived from Roman times, represents unity and strength, signifying that a group working together is stronger than individuals alone. The fasces is surrounded by an olive branch, symbolizing peace, thus offering a dual message of strength and peace on this small but important coin. The reverse also includes the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DIME," with the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" along the left side of the fasces. The "S" mintmark, indicating the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint, is located to the right of the fasces. On a coin graded XF, the reverse details are still strong, with only light wear visible on the fasces and olive branch. The overall design remains sharp, with the symbols of strength and peace clearly defined.
The Mercury Dime was introduced in 1916 as part of a broader effort by the U.S. Mint to redesign American coinage and move away from the Barber series, which had dominated U.S. coin designs since 1892. Weinman’s design for the Mercury Dime was selected for its classical beauty and symbolism, and it quickly became a favorite among the public and collectors alike. The Mercury Dime was minted through some of the most critical periods of U.S. history, including World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II. As a result, the Mercury Dime holds a special place in American numismatics, not only for its artistic appeal but also for its historical significance.
The 1936-S Mercury Dime was produced at the San Francisco Mint, one of the three mints responsible for striking the Mercury Dime series, along with the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. The San Francisco Mint has a long history of producing high-quality coinage for the western United States and played a key role in the U.S. Mint’s operations throughout the 20th century. The "S" mintmark on the reverse of the coin adds a level of distinction, as coins from the San Francisco Mint are often sought after by collectors who focus on mintmark varieties. The total mintage for the 1936-S Mercury Dime was 9,210,000, making it a somewhat common issue within the series. However, examples in well-preserved grades, such as Extra Fine, are more challenging to find, adding to the desirability of this coin.
The mintage of the 1936-S Mercury Dime reflects the needs of a growing economy, as the United States was in the midst of recovery from the Great Depression by the mid-1930s. Coin production during this period was aimed at replenishing the nation’s circulating currency, and the Mercury Dime played a crucial role in day-to-day transactions. While millions of these dimes were produced, many have since been lost, melted, or heavily worn due to circulation, making well-preserved examples like this one more valuable. In Extra Fine condition, the 1936-S Mercury Dime retains much of its original detail, with only moderate wear visible on the highest points. Collectors prize coins in this grade for their combination of historical significance and aesthetic appeal, as they offer a balance between preservation and affordability.
The 1936-S Mercury Dime in Extra Fine condition is a beautiful and historically important coin that appeals to collectors of all levels. Its connection to the San Francisco Mint, its classic design by Adolph Weinman, and its role in American history make it a prized addition to any collection. The Mercury Dime series, as a whole, is beloved for its artistry and symbolism, and the 1936-S issue is no exception. Whether collected for its historical importance, its aesthetic appeal, or as part of a complete Mercury Dime collection, the 1936-S Mercury Dime in XF grade stands out as a coin that captures the elegance and strength of early 20th-century U.S. coinage.