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The Certified 1939 Proof Mercury Dime graded PR65 by PCGS represents an exquisite example of early U.S. proof coinage and a prime specimen from the later stages of the Mercury dime series. Proof Mercury dimes were struck in limited quantities between 1936 and 1942, when the U.S. Mint resumed production of proof coins after a two-decade hiatus. The 1939 issue stands out for its quality of strike, brilliant surfaces, and classic Art Deco design by Adolph A. Weinman. In a certified PR65 holder, this coin embodies both collectible rarity and historical elegance, delivering excellent value and enduring appeal to connoisseurs of early 20th-century American coinage.
The Mercury dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, was first issued in 1916 as part of a design overhaul that introduced more artistic imagery into American coinage. Adolph A. Weinman’s obverse design features a youthful Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. Because of its resemblance to the Roman god Mercury, the coin earned its enduring nickname. The reverse design, also by Weinman, depicts a fasces bound with an olive branch, representing both military strength and peaceful intentions. The Mercury dime remained in production until 1945, and it is widely considered one of the most beautifully executed small denomination coins in U.S. history.
By 1939, the U.S. Mint was issuing proof coins again after discontinuing them in 1916. Proof coinage resumed in 1936 and was produced annually until the outbreak of World War II suspended operations after 1942. The 1939 proof Mercury dime was struck in Philadelphia, as all proofs were during this era, and it bears no mintmark. With a total mintage of just 9,321 pieces, it is among the lower mintage issues of the proof series and far scarcer than its business strike counterparts. These coins were struck using specially prepared dies and polished planchets, creating a mirrored or reflective finish that distinguishes them from circulation issues.
The PR65 grade assigned by PCGS signifies a coin in Gem Proof condition, with strong eye appeal, full mirror surfaces, and only minor hairlines or contact marks. This grade is one of the most popular and attainable thresholds for collectors of early proof coinage, offering an excellent blend of quality and affordability. The obverse of this 1939 Mercury dime is expected to exhibit razor-sharp details in Liberty’s hair, the winged cap, and facial features. The reverse should present a crisply defined fasces with clear vertical rods, an axe head, and finely etched olive leaves and berries, all surrounded by bold, high-relief legends.
The proof surfaces on a PR65 Mercury dime typically display brilliant mirrors, often accented by frosted design elements that produce mild contrast. Though this coin is not designated as a cameo or deep cameo—since such features were not consistently produced or recognized in this era—some PR65 examples do show faint cameo effect. The fields should be smooth and reflective, with only minor signs of handling or aging, such as hairlines that are not visible to the naked eye. Light, attractive toning in hues of blue, gold, or lavender may be present due to long-term storage and adds to the coin’s visual charm.
PCGS certification ensures that this 1939 Proof Mercury dime is both authentic and accurately graded. PCGS, or Professional Coin Grading Service, is one of the most respected third-party grading companies in the numismatic industry. Their PR65 label guarantees that the coin has been evaluated under strict, industry-standard criteria and is securely sealed in a tamper-evident holder. This encapsulation protects the coin from environmental damage and makes it suitable for long-term storage, display, or investment. PCGS-certified coins are recognized in all major numismatic markets and are eligible for inclusion in PCGS Registry Sets.
Because of their low mintages and exceptional production quality, proof Mercury dimes are far scarcer than their circulation strike counterparts and are collected as a distinct subset within the series. The 1939 proof is one of the mid-range dates in terms of availability, but examples in PR65 and higher are always in demand. Collectors seeking to build a complete proof Mercury dime set—covering the short 1936–1942 range—often begin with dates like 1939, which offer visual excellence and historical pedigree without the extremely high premiums associated with the rarest issues. For those building 20th-century proof type sets, this coin also serves as a quintessential representative of pre-war U.S. proof silver coinage.
The appeal of the 1939 Proof Mercury dime lies not only in its rarity and production quality but also in its place in history. Struck on the eve of America’s entry into World War II, this coin reflects a time of both elegance and looming global uncertainty. It was issued during a period of rising tensions overseas and domestic economic recovery. Though minted purely for collectors, its artistry, refinement, and relatively small population make it a treasured survivor from an era that soon gave way to austerity and wartime priorities. As such, the 1939 Proof dime serves as a mirror—both literal and symbolic—of a fleeting moment in American numismatic and cultural history.
In terms of collectibility, the PR65 grade is widely considered a sweet spot. While PR64 examples are more affordable, they often come with noticeable distractions. PR66 and higher grades command significant premiums, and their population thins out rapidly. A PR65 example offers crisp detail, brilliant surfaces, and strong visual impact while still being attainable for most serious collectors. The 1939 date is also free from the striking weakness or cloudy surfaces that sometimes affect earlier proofs, making this a consistently attractive coin with high eye appeal at this grade level.
In conclusion, the Certified 1939 Proof Mercury Dime graded PR65 by PCGS is a remarkable and desirable coin that blends artistic beauty, historical significance, and numismatic rarity. As a product of the Philadelphia Mint’s short-lived prewar proof program, it offers collectors a stunning example of Weinman’s iconic design, executed with precision and preserved with care. Whether acquired as part of a complete proof set, a type collection, or as a standalone piece of numismatic art, this PR65 specimen provides lasting value and timeless elegance. With its mirrorlike fields, sharp relief, and authenticated pedigree, it remains a shining gem in the world of vintage American proof coinage.