1941-S 10c Large S, FS-511 MS FB

Historically speaking, most Mercury dime issues from the San Francisco Mint are at least a little challenging in the higher grades. Of course, as enthusiasts know examples struck since 1934 are much more common than their earlier counterparts. And the 1941-S Mercury dime is no exception to this rule, whereby it is essentially as common as its Philadelphia- and Denver-minted counterparts, if not exactly by original mintage then at least by survivorship. Only the top-end examples -- Full Bands specimens grading higher than MS67 -- pose any real challenge to the enthusiast.

Obverse Description

Winged Liberty, or Mercury (the Roman god of commerce), is depicted facing left with LIBERTY spelled around the periphery. IN GOD WE TRUST appears left of the neck and the date is positioned just below the bust around 5 o'clock. The designer's initials "AW" appear to the right of the neck.

Reverse Description

A large torch is centered vertically adorned with an axe head and olive branches. UNITED STATES OF AMERICAN * ONE DIME * is spelled out around the periphery. Mint mark, if any, appears near the bottom rim left of the torch.