Ron Guth
The mintmark on a 1945-S Micro S Dime is very tiny compared to the "normal" mintmark of 1945 and previous years. It is an immensely popular variety in the Mercury Head series, and has been since its discovery in 1947. Because it is so common, collectors at all levels, from beginners to advanced, can enjoy ownership of this variety.
Based on the PCGS Population Report, over a third of the 1945-S Dimes submitted to PCGS are of the Micro S variety. Of those, only 10-12 percent demonstrate Full Bands.
Gem and Superb non-Full Band examples are readily available up to MS67. In MS68, this variety is an extreme condition-rarity. Full Band examples are less available and pricier in grades up to MS67FB, and in MS68FB, it is also supremely rare.
#1 MS68 PCGS grade