Have you ever checked the coins in your wallet or piggy bank and wondered if one of them could be rare or valuable? While most coins are worth just their face value, some carry secrets that make them highly prized by collectors. One such coin is the 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime. Though it looks like any other dime, a small minting detail makes this one worth far more. This tiny difference—called the “Micro S”—can turn an ordinary coin into a collector’s treasure. Even today, it’s possible to find one in old coin rolls, jars, or inherited collections. Let’s find out why this coin matters and how you can identify it.
Coin Name: 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime
The Mercury Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, was minted in the United States from 1916 to 1945. It features a portrait of Liberty wearing a winged cap, which many people confuse with the Roman god Mercury—hence the nickname. In 1945, as World War II was coming to an end, the San Francisco Mint produced a batch of Mercury Dimes with a tiny error: a very small “S” mint mark was used on the coin’s reverse (back side). This smaller-than-usual “S” is located near the bottom left of the torch on the reverse side of the coin. It was caused by a worn or altered minting punch.
This variation is called the “Micro S” because the “S” mint mark is visibly smaller than usual. Most 1945 dimes from San Francisco have a regular-sized “S,” but the Micro S version is much rarer. Today, collectors look for this variety because it was not intentional, and fewer were made. What makes the 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime special is that it’s one of the last Mercury Dimes ever produced, as the series ended that year. The next year, in 1946, the Roosevelt Dime replaced it.
Why It’s Valuable and How to Spot It
The value of the 1945 Micro S dime comes from its scarcity and its place in U.S. coin history. It combines several collector favorites:
- It’s the final year of the Mercury Dime.
- It’s a rare mint mark variety.
- It was made at the popular San Francisco Mint.
To check if you have one, look at the back of any 1945 Mercury Dime. Near the bottom-left side of the torch, you’ll find the mint mark. If the “S” is unusually small, you might have a Micro S!
Be sure to examine it with a magnifying glass or take it to a local coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC to verify.
Table: Key Facts – 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime |
| Mint | San Francisco (S) |
| Metal Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Face Value | 10 Cents |
| Collector Value | $50 to $1,000+ (depending on grade) |
| Unique Feature | Smaller-than-normal “S” mint mark |
| Total Mintage (all) | Over 41 million Mercury Dimes in 1945 |
| Estimated Micro S | Much smaller number, exact unknown |
The 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime is a small coin with a big story. Born during the final year of World War II and the final year of the Mercury Dime series, this rare variety holds a unique place in coin collecting. Its small mint mark makes it a fun and challenging coin to look for—especially since many people may not even know they have one. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned collector, checking your change or old coin collections could lead to a surprising and valuable discovery. So next time you see a Mercury Dime from 1945, take a closer look—you might just be holding a hidden treasure.
FAQ’s:
Q1. What is the “Micro S” on the 1945 Mercury Dime?
A1. The “Micro S” refers to a smaller-than-usual “S” mint mark on the back of the dime, indicating it was made at the San Francisco Mint with a worn or altered die.
Q2. How can I tell if I have a 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime?
A2. Look at the reverse side of the dime under magnification. If the “S” mint mark near the torch looks smaller than usual, you may have a Micro S variety.
Q3. How much is a 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime worth?
A3. Its value depends on condition. Worn examples might be worth $50–$100, while high-grade coins can sell for $500 to over $1,000.
Q4. Why is the Micro S version rare?
A4. It was unintentionally made using a die with a small mint mark. Not many were struck before the mistake was corrected.