1941-S

San Francisco struck 43,090,000 Mercury Dimes in 1941, a substantial figure that placed the issue close to the Denver output and well above any of the prewar S-mint years. The mint was operating at full capacity as defense industry payrolls expanded across California and the West Coast. These dimes circulated immediately and continued to do so through the war and postwar decades. Mint State examples are available in good numbers from the original roll and bag hoards of the silver speculation era, and the 1941-S is one of the more approachable San Francisco Mercury Dimes in high grade.

Liberty appears on the obverse in Weinman's winged cap design, with LIBERTY around the top and the date at the lower right of the truncation. The reverse carries the fasces flanked by an olive branch, with the S mintmark to the left of the fasces base. The coin weighs 2.5 grams of 90% silver and 10% copper, measures 17.9 mm in diameter, and has a reeded edge. The S punch on 1941-S coins is the knob-end style used in the late series. Authenticators verify the mintmark shape, check the central horizontal bands on the fasces for the complete separation required for the PCGS or NGC Full Bands designation, and inspect the wing feathers for strike strength. The 1941-S strikes reasonably well and Full Bands examples can be found with patience.

Prices remain reasonable through MS-66 Full Bands, with the steeper climb beginning at MS-67. Heritage Auctions has shown consistent demand for top-graded pieces. The 1941-S is a comfortable acquisition for series builders. Population reports updated regularly by Professional Coin Grading Service and Numismatic Guaranty Company give the best read on conditional scarcity by grade. Roll-quantity finds from estate consignments occasionally bring fresh material to the market, though such groups are increasingly uncommon. The Mercury Dime series history offers more context.