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The 1938-S Mercury Dime, graded Extra Fine (XF), is a prime example of one of the most iconic coin designs in U.S. numismatic history. Officially known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, the coin is more commonly referred to as the Mercury Dime due to Liberty’s depiction in a winged cap, which resembles the Roman god Mercury. The series, minted from 1916 to 1945, is highly regarded for its artistic beauty and symbolic significance, designed by the acclaimed sculptor Adolph A. Weinman. The 1938-S, minted at the San Francisco Mint, is particularly sought after by collectors, especially in higher grades like Extra Fine, where the intricate details of the design remain well-preserved.
The obverse of the 1938-S Mercury Dime features a left-facing bust of Lady Liberty, adorned with a winged cap. The winged cap is symbolic of freedom of thought, reflecting the ideals of liberty and progress that were central to American identity during this period. The portrait is surrounded by the inscription "LIBERTY" at the top, while "IN GOD WE TRUST" is located to the left of Liberty’s neck. The date, "1938," is prominently placed at the bottom. In an Extra Fine example, the fine details of Liberty’s hair, the wings on her cap, and the overall sharpness of the design remain visible, though some wear may be present on the highest points. The surfaces of the coin exhibit slight signs of circulation, but the overall design remains intact and retains much of its original beauty, making it a visually appealing coin for collectors.
The reverse of the 1938-S Mercury Dime is equally striking, featuring a fasces, an ancient Roman symbol of authority and collective power. The fasces, a bundle of rods bound together with an axe protruding from the top, represents strength through unity. Flanking the fasces is an olive branch, symbolizing peace, creating a balanced message of strength and peace. Encircling the fasces are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DIME," with the Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" inscribed along the left side. The "S" mintmark, indicating that the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint, is positioned to the right of the fasces. In this Extra Fine example, the individual rods of the fasces, the axe blade, and the olive branch are still well-defined, with only slight wear visible on the highest points. The reverse design is well-preserved, adding to the coin’s overall appeal and collectibility.
The Mercury Dime was introduced in 1916, replacing the Barber Dime, which had been in circulation since 1892. Adolph A. Weinman’s design was selected as part of a broader initiative by the U.S. Mint to update the designs of American coinage and move toward more artistic and symbolic representations. Weinman’s classical approach, using Liberty as a central figure, quickly became a favorite among the public and collectors alike. The Mercury Dime series was minted during some of the most significant periods in U.S. history, including World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II. As such, the series holds a special place in U.S. numismatic history, not only for its artistic merit but also for its historical context.
The 1938-S Mercury Dime was produced at the San Francisco Mint, one of three mints responsible for striking the series, along with the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. The San Francisco Mint has a long history of producing high-quality coinage, particularly for the western United States. The "S" mintmark adds a level of distinction to the 1938-S Mercury Dime, as collectors often seek out coins from specific mints to complete their sets. The total mintage for the 1938-S Mercury Dime was 8,090,000, making it a relatively low-mintage issue within the series. While not the rarest of the Mercury Dimes, its lower mintage and the condition in Extra Fine make it a desirable piece for collectors, especially those who focus on mintmark varieties.
The mintage of the 1938-S Mercury Dime reflects the economic recovery that was underway in the United States during the late 1930s as the country began to emerge from the Great Depression. Coin production during this period was crucial for supporting commerce and daily transactions. While millions of Mercury Dimes were produced, many of them have since been lost or heavily worn due to circulation. As a result, well-preserved examples like this XF coin are highly sought after by collectors. In Extra Fine condition, the 1938-S Mercury Dime exhibits light wear on the highest points of the design but retains much of its original detail. The overall appearance is clean and sharp, making it a prized addition to any collection.
The 1938-S Mercury Dime in Extra Fine condition is an attractive and historically significant coin that holds broad appeal for collectors of all levels. Its connection to the San Francisco Mint, its classic design by Adolph A. Weinman, and its relatively low mintage make it a highly collectible issue. The Mercury Dime series, as a whole, is beloved for its artistic beauty, symbolism, and historical importance, and the 1938-S issue is no exception. Whether collected for its historical significance, its visual appeal, or as part of a complete Mercury Dime set, the 1938-S Mercury Dime in XF grade is a coin that captures the elegance and strength of early 20th-century American coinage.