Between World War II, when the nations were in uncertainty and conflict, there came a tiny work of art which highlights the disturbing period of the time. In 1942, the US Mint finally came up with a coin that was a sign of hope during the rage of the war. There is a possibility that there might be a coin in your pocket, which is the 1942-1 Mercury Dime that is worth $95K.
From 1916 to 1945, the Mercury dime, which is officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, was minted. The coin, which features the Liberty wearing a winged cap, featuring freedom of thought, was designed by Adolph A. Weinman. On the other side of the coin, there was an excellent bundle of rods with an axe, which was enfolded in an olive branch, which highlights peace and strength.
In World War II, the United States was deeply involved by 1942, when silver coins, such as the Mercury dime, were a part of everyday transactions. The coin is a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper, which makes it worthy not only as currency but also as a source of valuable metal.
1942/1 Mercury Dime
The Mercury Dime, which is also known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, was designed by Adolph A. Weinman, who is a well-known sculptor and medallist of the early 20th century. To update the US currency, as a part of the larger initiative, Weinman’s design was chosen to replace the Barber Dime, which had been in circulation since 1892.
Usually, speaking of the design of the 1892 Silver Dime signifies a fine profile of Lady Liberty, who is a young woman who is wearing a winged cap. With the Roman deity Mercury, this image can often be confused, which is how the coin got its well-known name.
The other side of the coin has a symbol which highlights the fasces, which is the bundle of rods that are tied around an axe, and an olive branch around it. The depiction presented, the meaning is obvious. This motif points towards the harmony and diplomacy, characterized by the olive branch, with power and accord symbolized by the fasces. When taken as a complete, these modules replicate the double nature of the country and its objectives during a period of approaching struggle in specific.
Main Features of the 1942 Dime
The 1942 Mercury Dime is a seamless example of what creativity and functionality together mean. To be more detailed, the physical features of the coin and design were sensibly created to confirm both consistency and artistic petition, which is why the 1942 dime value is considerably complex in contrast with other matters. Below is the table of the most acute features of this coin, which might serve as pointers of authenticity.
| Year of Issue | 1942 |
| Designer | Adolph A. Weinman |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Weight | 2.50 grams |
| Diameter | 17.91 mm |
| Thickness | 1.35 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mintmarks | None in Philadelphia, “D” in Denver, and “S” in San Francisco |
1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate
The star of this article is the 1942/1 Mercury Dime, an uncommon fault coin shaped when a 1942 die was hit over a 1941 die. As a consequence, you can see leftovers of the “1” behind the “2” in the date, making it a vibrant and collectible minting error. These coins were unconfined into flow before the mistake was exposed, and high-grade examples are tremendously valued. In untouched condition, this dime has sold for up to $275,000, making it one of the most sought-after Mercury dimes of all time.
Production Figures and Variants to Know
The 1942 Mercury Dime is a widely known and collectible coin, in part because of its characteristic fault diversities that have increased worth among numismatists, as well as its moderately high mintage. Let us first take a look at how many pieces were unconstrained and dispersed.
| Mint Location | Mintage | Mintmark |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 205,410,000 | None |
| Philadelphia (Proof) | 22,329 | None |
| Denver | 60,740,000 | “D” (on the reverse, to the right of the fasces) |
| San Francisco | 49,300,000 | “S” (same location as Denver) |
As for its variants, the most distinguished certainly points to the 1942/41 overdate mistake, which really followed at both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. Because of a fault that might have happened during the die preparation procedure, a die that was dated 1941 was repunched with the 1942 date. This irregularity is excessively appreciated and may result in higher prices, which we are to debate further.
How Much is a 1942 Dime Worth
The value of a 1942 dime is generally determined by a few factors such as its form, mintmark, artistic plea, silver content, and the presence of extensively familiar faults not to indication. That is the instruction that gatherers are eager to pay high prices for rare and well-preserved illustrations, and the more they want, the faster it cultivates in price.
| Coin Type | Value |
|---|---|
| 1942 No Mintmark (Philadelphia) | $2.50–$35.00 |
| 1942-D (Denver) | $2.50–$40.00 |
| 1942-S (San Francisco) | $2.50–$40.00 |
| 1942 Proof | $125.00–$175.00 |
| 1942/41 (Philadelphia) | $400–$30,000 |
A typical 1942 Mercury Dime is a reasonable way for new accumulators to move in the numismatic compass and get an everlasting artefact that does and will convey its history of the past anytime.
FAQs
How can I identify the 1942/1 Mercury Dime?
The date should be closely checked. You’ll see the number “1” faintly behind the “2” in 1942. Use a magnifying glass or take it to a coin dealer.
Are these 1942/1 Mercury Dimes still in circulation?
It’s rare, but some have been found in pocket change or old collections.
Where can I authenticate a rare dime’s value?
You can send the coin to a grading service like PCGS or NGC, or consult a reputable coin dealer for appraisal.
