1942 Mercury Dime
The 1942 Mercury Dime has an incredibly large mintage from the Philadelphia Mint. Over 205 million coins were struck, and remarkably, the 1942 Mercury Dime commands a premium even in the highest grades. This differs from the norm with the abundance of coins that tends to drive prices down. This doesn’t seem to be the case with this beauty. Continue reading to learn more about 1942 mercury dime value.
AUCTION RECORD: $37,600 • PR69
Image source: PCGS
1942 Mercury Dime History
The 1942 Mercury Dime is a really beautiful coin that is a worthwhile hunt and find. Cherrypicking should be relatively easy considering these coins are plentiful in most circulated and Mint State grades, and can be found all the way up to MS68 even in the Full Band version. The toning on the 1942 Mercury Dime can be truly spectacular. The Mercury Dime was designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman. He was the designer of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar as well. The obverse of the coin features a younger Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap. The reverse features the fasces with an olive branch around it. As was common with regular strike coins at the Philadelphia Mint, this one does not have a mint mark.
1942 Mercury Dime Value
The 1942 Mercury Dime value ranges from around $4,800 to upwards of over $15,000 for the highest Mint State grades. While other coins in the series have commanded higher prices, this is a premium for such a plentiful coin. It’s possible to find this coin well-struck with stunning eye appeal, and part of that is thanks to the excellent craftsmanship of the Philadelphia Mint. The 1942 Mercury Dime would make a beautiful addition to any Mercury Dime collection.
Type of coin: Dime
Year: 1942 Mercury Dime
Mercury Dime Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total mintage: 205,410,000
Metal content: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Face value: Ten Cents
Weight: 2.50 grams
Edge: Reeded
Designer: Adolph Alexander Weinman
Diameter: 17.90 millimeters
The value of a 1942 Mercury Dime varies significantly based on its condition, mint mark, and whether it is a regular issue or one of the special overdate varieties. The 1942 Mercury Dime was minted in large quantities, making most circulated examples relatively affordable for collectors. However, uncirculated examples, especially those with Full Bands (FB) details, and the rare overdate varieties can be quite valuable.
Regular 1942 Mercury Dime Values
- Circulated Conditions (Good to Very Fine): $2 to $4. These coins show signs of wear and use.
- Fine to Extra Fine: $3 to $5. These coins have light to moderate wear but retain most of their design details.
- Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-63): $6 to $15. Coins in this range have no wear and may show original mint luster, but might have contact marks or discoloration.
- Choice Uncirculated (MS-64 to MS-65): $20 to $30. These coins have strong luster and fewer contact marks.
- Gem Uncirculated (MS-66 and above): $40 to $100+, especially for those with Full Bands details on the fasces. The price can significantly increase for coins in MS-67 or higher grades, as they are rarer and more sought after by collectors.
1942 Mercury Dime Overdate Values
The 1942 overdate dimes, where a 1942 die was struck over a 1941 die, creating the "1942/1" and "1942/1-D" varieties, are particularly valuable:
- 1942/1 (Philadelphia, no mint mark): In circulated conditions, these can start at several hundred dollars and can go up to $10,000 or more for uncirculated examples with Full Bands.
- 1942/1-D (Denver): Similar to the Philadelphia overdate, circulated examples start in the hundreds of dollars, but uncirculated examples with Full Bands can reach $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the grade.
It's important to note that the market for collectible coins can fluctuate, and prices may vary based on the selling platform, the buyer's and seller's motivations, and the coin's eye appeal beyond its technical grade. For the most accurate valuation, consider having your coin professionally graded by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC.
FAQ
What is the value of a 1942 Mercury Dime?
The value of a 1942 Mercury Dime ranges from a few dollars for circulated examples to over $100 for uncirculated specimens with Full Bands. Special overdate varieties, like the 1942/1 and 1942/1-D, can fetch thousands in higher grades.
How can I identify a 1942 Mercury Dime overdate?
To identify a 1942 overdate Mercury Dime, look closely at the date on the coin. The overdate will have parts of the "1" visible beneath the "2" in "1942." The "1942/1" variety is more common with Philadelphia minted coins (no mint mark), while the "1942/1-D" is for those minted in Denver.
Are all 1942 Mercury Dimes valuable?
While all 1942 Mercury Dimes have some value, especially due to their silver content, not all are highly valuable. Regular issues in circulated condition are relatively common and affordable. The overdate varieties and those in high uncirculated grades, particularly with Full Bands, are more valuable.
What makes the 1942 Mercury Dime special?
The 1942 Mercury Dime is notable for its overdate errors (1942/1 and 1942/1-D), which are among the most sought-after varieties in the series. Additionally, its design and silver content make it a favorite among collectors.
What is a Full Bands (FB) 1942 Mercury Dime, and why is it more valuable?
A Full Bands Mercury Dime features sharp, fully detailed horizontal bands on the fasces on the reverse. This detail indicates a well-struck coin. FB coins are more valuable due to their rarity and the higher demand among collectors for well-struck examples.
How does the mint mark affect the value of a 1942 Mercury Dime?
The mint mark (D for Denver, no mark for Philadelphia, and S for San Francisco) can affect the value slightly, with the overdate varieties (1942/1 and 1942/1-D) being significantly more valuable. Regular issues from each mint are similarly valued unless in high uncirculated grades.
Can a circulated 1942 Mercury Dime still be valuable?
Yes, circulated 1942 Mercury Dimes can still hold value, especially if they are overdate varieties. However, regular circulated issues are more common and typically valued mainly for their silver content.
Where is the best place to sell a 1942 Mercury Dime?
The best places to sell a 1942 Mercury Dime include reputable coin dealers, numismatic auctions, online marketplaces specializing in coins, and coin shows. For rare overdate varieties or high-grade coins, professional auction houses may yield the best results.
How should I store my 1942 Mercury Dime to preserve its value?
Store your 1942 Mercury Dime in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use acid-free holders or capsules designed for coin storage to protect it from environmental damage and handling.
What is the difference between a 1942 Mercury Dime and a 1942-D Mercury Dime?
The difference lies in the mint mark, indicating where the coin was minted. A 1942 Mercury Dime with no mint mark was minted in Philadelphia, while a "D" indicates it was minted in Denver. The presence of a mint mark can affect the coin's value, especially if it is an overdate variety.
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