1941 S Mercury Dime

The San Francisco Mint more than doubled its output of dimes in 1941 from the previous year. Examples are plentiful through the grade of MS 67 FB, though Full Bands coins form a minority of the overall survivorship. The usual Small S mintmark of 1917-40 is seen on most 1941-S dimes, but a new and larger S debuted this year. It is popularly called the Trumpet Tail for its broad lower serif that resembles the flared bell of a trumpet. Circulated examples of this mintmark are not rare, but Mint State pieces are scarce enough to command a premium. Several repunched mintmark (RPM) varieties are known, all but one involving the Small S. The better of these will be attributed by NGC under its VarietyPlus Service.