What Makes It a “Micro‑S” Variety The Micro‑S variety features a smaller San Francisco “S” mintmark, struck using a wartime-era punch originally made for Philippine coinage—resulting in a noticeably diminutive and perfectly centered mintmark on the reverse This subtle mintmark difference was discovered around 1947 and is unique to 1945-S Mercury dimes . Specifications & Mintage Date: 1945 Mint: San Francisco (S mintmark — Micro‑S variety) Mintage: 41,920,000 total dimes; Micro‑S portion estimated at around 30,000 surviving examples Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper Weight: 2.50 grams Diameter: 17.9 mm Edge: Reeded Designer: Adolph A. Weinman Grade: NTC MS66 MS66 indicates a Mint State coin with strong strike, full luster, and minimal contact marks. Despite being graded by NTC, a lesser-known grading service, a clean MS66 Micro‑S variety can still command premium collector interest—especially with diagnostic traits intact. Key Diagnostic & Desirability Factors Mintmark clarity: The crisp, tiny “S” is central to identification. Full bands (FB): Bands on the reverse’s fasces should be fully visible—this greatly enhances value, especially in MS66 condition Scarcity in higher grades: While Micro‑S coins are relatively accessible, MS66 Full Bands examples are rare and highly sought after
