1930-S Mercury Dime

The 1930-S Mercury Dime had a very small mintage of only roughly 1.8 million coins. This coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint and featured the typically sought after ‘S’ mint mark on the bottom of the reverse of the coin. The 1930-S Mercury Dime, although it had a small mintage, can be found at relatively affordable prices even in the highest Mint State and Full Band varieties. It’s unknown why this coin can be found at such a steal, but it’s worth the effort to find one.

History of the 1930-S Mercury Dime

The 1930-S Mercury Dime can be found up to around Mint State 66, and up to about Mint State 67 in Full Band versions. The Full Band distinction is given for coins that feature fully struck and separated bands on the fasces on the reverse of the coin. This beautiful coin was designed by Adolph A. Weinman who happened to design the Walking Liberty Half Dollar as well. The obverse features a younger Lady Liberty wearing her winged cap that is said to represent “liberty of thought,” while the reverse of the coin features a fasces, which is a bundle of rods with an ax at the top, and it is wrapped in an olive branch. The ‘S’ mint mark is found there as well.