1942-S Mercury Dime

The 1942-S Mercury Dime had a total mintage of over 49 million coins struck at the San Francisco Mint. This is a higher mintage making the coin plentiful in most grades ranging from circulated to upwards of Mint State 68. It can even be found around MS68 in Full Band versions, with the distinction coming from the sharp strike on the center bands of the fasces on the reverse of the coin. This coin features the popular ‘S’ mint mark on the bottom of the reverse of the coin as well.

History of the 1942-S Mercury Dime

The 1942-S Mercury Dime is a plentiful coin that is worth the effort to cherrypick for exactly what you’re looking for in a collection. This coin can be found at lower prices in circulated and lower Mint State grades, but is still relatively affordable even in the highest grades compared to others in the series. The Mercury Dime was designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman, the designer of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar. He designed the obverse of the coin to feature a young Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap on her head. The reverse features a fasces, which is a bundle of rods projecting an ax. It’s wrapped in an olive branch representing peace.