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The 1939-S Mercury Dime, graded Extra Fine (XF), is an exquisite example of one of the most iconic and admired designs in U.S. coinage. The Mercury Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, was minted from 1916 to 1945. The design, created by Adolph A. Weinman, is celebrated for its beauty and symbolism, often regarded as one of the most elegant American coin designs. The 1939-S Mercury Dime, struck at the San Francisco Mint, holds particular significance for collectors, especially in higher grades like Extra Fine, where the intricate details remain visible and well-preserved despite light circulation wear.
The obverse of the 1939-S Mercury Dime features a left-facing bust of Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought and intellectual liberty. Weinman’s depiction of Liberty draws from classical inspiration, and although the design was intended to represent Liberty, the winged cap led to comparisons with the Roman god Mercury, giving the coin its popular nickname. The inscription "LIBERTY" arches across the top of the coin, while "IN GOD WE TRUST" is inscribed to the left of Liberty’s neck. The date, "1939," is displayed prominently at the bottom. In an Extra Fine example, the details of Liberty’s hair, the wings on her cap, and her facial features remain sharp, though light wear may be visible on the highest points. The surfaces of the coin exhibit slight signs of circulation, but the overall design remains crisp and visually appealing to collectors.
The reverse of the 1939-S Mercury Dime is equally captivating, featuring a fasces, an ancient Roman symbol of authority and collective strength. The fasces consists of a bundle of rods tied together with an axe blade protruding from the top, symbolizing the idea that strength lies in unity. Flanking the fasces is an olive branch, symbolizing peace, creating a balance between power and peace in the design. Surrounding 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 located to the right of the fasces. In an Extra Fine grade, the details of the fasces, including the individual rods and axe blade, are still well-defined, with only slight wear visible on the highest points. The reverse design remains clear and well-preserved, making this coin a valuable and attractive piece for any collection.
The Mercury Dime was introduced in 1916, replacing the Barber Dime, which had been in circulation since 1892. Adolph A. Weinman’s design was part of a broader movement by the U.S. Mint to update the designs of American coinage, with an emphasis on classical beauty and symbolic imagery. Weinman, who also designed the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, was selected for his artistic skills and ability to represent American ideals through his coin designs. The Mercury Dime became an instant favorite, admired for its artistry and for its connection to American values of liberty and progress. The Mercury Dime series was produced through significant historical periods, including World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II, adding to its numismatic significance.
The 1939-S Mercury Dime was struck at the San Francisco Mint, one of the three U.S. mints responsible for producing the Mercury Dime series, along with the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. The San Francisco Mint, with its rich history dating back to the California Gold Rush, played an essential role in producing coinage for the western United States. The "S" mintmark on the reverse of the 1939-S Mercury Dime adds a layer of collectibility, as many collectors focus on acquiring coins from specific mints to complete their sets. The total mintage for the 1939-S Mercury Dime was 10,540,000, making it a relatively common issue within the series. However, examples in higher grades like Extra Fine are more challenging to find, adding to their appeal among collectors.
The mintage of the 1939-S Mercury Dime reflects the economic recovery efforts that were ongoing in the United States during the late 1930s as the nation worked to emerge from the Great Depression. Coin production was vital for supporting commerce and daily transactions, and the Mercury Dime was an essential part of the U.S. currency system at the time. While millions of these dimes were produced, many were heavily circulated, making well-preserved examples like this Extra Fine coin more valuable. In XF condition, the 1939-S Mercury Dime retains much of its original detail, with only light wear on the highest points of the design. The surfaces are clean, and the overall appearance of the coin remains sharp, making it a desirable addition to any collection of U.S. coinage.
The 1939-S Mercury Dime in Extra Fine condition is a beautiful and historically significant coin that appeals to collectors of all levels. Its connection to the San Francisco Mint, its timeless design by Adolph A. Weinman, and its relatively common mintage make it a popular issue. The Mercury Dime series, as a whole, is beloved for its artistry, symbolism, and historical importance, and the 1939-S issue is no exception. Whether collected for its historical significance, its visual appeal, or as part of a complete Mercury Dime set, the 1939-S Mercury Dime in XF grade is a coin that embodies the elegance and strength of early 20th-century American coinage.