1942 Mercury Dime Values
1942 Mercury Dime Values
Complete guide to 1942 Mercury dime values, rare varieties, and collecting strategies for one of America's most beloved silver coins
Introduction
Collectors love 1942 Mercury dimes as part of the series of 90% silver coins known more formally as the "Winged Liberty Head" dime. Designed by renowned artist Adolph A. Weinman in 1916, the series ran until 1945, earning its popular "Mercury" moniker because of Miss Liberty's striking resemblance to the ancient Roman god of the same name.
The Mercury dime is considered one of the most beautiful small coins the United States Mint ever produced. It remains extraordinarily popular today, even many decades after the last pieces rolled off the presses. For collectors interested in building 90% silver coin portfolios, understanding 1942 Mercury dime values is essential for making informed collecting and investment decisions.
Table of Contents
How rare is a 1942 Mercury dime
Some Mercury dimes are genuinely rare, such as the famous 1916-D key date, though many others are common. The 1942 Mercury dime falls firmly into the common category, having been struck by the many millions across three different mints. Regular-issue business-strike examples are among the most common Mercury dimes collectors encounter.
Common Availability
1942 Mercury dimes are often equally distributed with other ultra-common Mercury dimes in collections and bulk silver purchases. Well-worn examples trade primarily for their silver melt value.
Junk Silver Content
Purchasers of pre-1965 90% silver often find numerous 1942 Mercury dimes, since worn silver dimes are valued primarily for their silver content rather than numismatic premiums.
Special Varieties
While most 1942 Mercury dimes are common, several valuable and scarce varieties exist, including famous die varieties, proof coins, and Full Bands examples.
Market Reality
The accessibility of common 1942 Mercury dimes makes them excellent entry points for new collectors interested in classic American silver coinage. These coins provide an affordable way to appreciate Weinman's artistic design while gaining exposure to 90% silver content that tracks precious metals markets.
Complete breakdown of 1942 varieties
Those who specialize in Mercury dime collecting know that 1942 represents one of the most complex years in the series. This complexity stems from multiple mint locations, special varieties, and the final year of proof production before World War II interrupted civilian coin production.
| Variety | Mintage | Mint Location | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1942 (No mint mark) | 205,410,000 | Philadelphia | Very Common |
| 1942-D | 60,740,000 | Denver | Common |
| 1942-S | 49,300,000 | San Francisco | Common |
| 1942 Proof | 22,329 | Philadelphia | Scarce |
| 1942/1 Overdate | Unknown | Philadelphia | Very Rare |
| 1942-D/1 Overdate | Unknown | Denver | Very Rare |
Historical Context
1942 marked the final year of proof coin production for United States coins until 1950, several years after World War II ended. This makes 1942 proof Mercury dimes historically significant as the last of their kind for nearly a decade.
Regular Business Strikes
The three regular-issue strikes from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco represent the bulk of 1942 Mercury dime production. These coins are readily available and form the foundation of most Mercury dime collections.
Special Varieties
Beyond regular strikes, 1942 offers collectors proof coins and two famous overdate varieties. These special coins are essential for complete Mercury dime sets but command substantial premiums.
1942 Mercury dime values by condition
While poor condition 1942 Mercury dimes are worth approximately their weight in silver at current spot prices, specimens in better condition are considerably more valuable. Understanding how condition affects value helps collectors make informed purchasing decisions.
Standard 1942 Mercury Dime Values
Values shown are for problem-free examples in typical market conditions:
| Condition/Grade | 1942 (No mint mark) | 1942-D | 1942-S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Silver value | Silver value | Silver value |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $2 | $2 | $2 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $3 | $3 | $3 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $4 | $4 | $4 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $8 | $8 | $10 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $15 | $15 | $25 |
Proof Coin Values
The 1942 proof Mercury dime commands impressive premiums due to its limited mintage and historical significance as the final proof of the series until production resumed in 1950. A Proof-65 (PF-65) example is worth approximately $175, reflecting strong collector demand for these pristine specimens.
Grading Importance
The dramatic value differences between worn and uncirculated examples highlight the importance of condition in Mercury dime collecting. Even modest improvements in grade can significantly impact value, making careful evaluation essential for both buyers and sellers.
Full Bands examples and premiums
Examples showing Full Bands detail, commonly abbreviated as "FB," command substantial premiums over regular examples. Full Bands Mercury dimes showcase complete separation in the fasces bands on the reverse, indicating exceptional strike quality that's highly prized by collectors.
Full Bands Values (MS-65)
- 1942 FB - $40
- 1942-D FB - $40
- 1942-S FB - $125
The significant premium for the 1942-S FB reflects the rarity of well-struck San Francisco examples.
Strike Quality Importance
Full Bands designation requires complete separation of the horizontal bands on the fasces (bundle of rods) on the reverse. This detail is often weak or incomplete on Mercury dimes due to die wear and striking pressure variations.
Understanding Full Bands Rarity
Comparing regular MS-65 values to MS-65 FB examples illustrates the dramatic rarity difference. The 1942-S FB commands a 400% premium over regular MS-65 examples, demonstrating how strike quality affects both rarity and value in the Mercury dime series.
Authentication Importance
Given the substantial premiums for Full Bands examples, careful authentication is essential. Collectors should work with reputable dealers or consider third-party grading services for valuable Full Bands Mercury dimes to ensure accurate attribution and grade assessment.
Valuable 1942/1 overdate varieties
The rare 1942/1 Mercury dime overdates represent some of the most valuable coins in the entire series. These varieties rank on a similar level of popularity and scarceness as the famous 1916-D Mercury dime, making them essential yet expensive additions for serious collectors.
1942/1 Philadelphia Overdate
Created when 1941-dated dies were modified for 1942 use, traces of the underlying "1" remain visible beneath the "2" in the date. This dramatic error creates one of the most sought-after Mercury dime varieties.
Values:
- XF-40: $550
- MS-65: $12,000
1942-D/1 Denver Overdate
The Denver version of the overdate variety is equally rare and valuable. Both overdates are necessary for the complete 80-coin Mercury dime set, along with the 1945-S "micro S" variety.
Values:
- XF-40: $550
- MS-65: $12,000
Complete Set Requirements
These overdate varieties, while expensive, represent exciting and necessary additions for serious Mercury dime collectors. Along with the 1945-S "micro S," they complete the 80-coin Mercury dime set that includes all regular issues plus essential varieties.
Investment Perspective
The dramatic values commanded by these overdates reflect their dual appeal to both variety collectors and Mercury dime specialists. Their rarity and the completion demand from set builders help maintain strong market performance over time.
Building a Mercury dime collection
A coin collector may spend many years searching for Mercury silver dimes in pocket change only to come up empty-handed. While Mercury dimes were still among daily finds in circulation as recently as the 1960s, these coins have become much tougher to locate due to physical attrition and silver hoarding.
Complete Date Set (77 coins)
Spans the entire 29-year run of the series from 1916-1945. This comprehensive collection showcases the full range of Mercury dime production and includes all major mint marks.
WWII Short Set (1941-1945)
A focused collection covering the World War II era makes a handsome short set. This approach reduces cost while capturing an important historical period.
Type Set Representative
A single Mercury dime can represent the entire series in larger type sets, such as a complete 20th-century type set or comprehensive dime type collection.
Starting Your Collection
A single Mercury dime can serve as the catalyst for an incredible collecting journey. Whether starting with a common 1942 example or investing in a key date, these coins provide entry into one of America's most beloved series while offering exposure to 90% silver content that connects collecting with precious metals investing.
Collecting Strategies
- Start with common dates in higher grades
- Focus on specific mint marks or date ranges
- Consider Full Bands examples for premium quality
- Plan for key dates and varieties gradually
- Track silver values for informed purchasing
Type Set Options
Mercury dimes fit beautifully into broader collecting themes:
- Complete dime type set (1796-present)
- 20th-century type set (1900-1999)
- Silver coin type set
- Weinman design collection
Modern Collecting Approach
Today's collectors typically purchase Mercury dimes from dealers rather than hunting pocket change. This approach ensures better condition and allows for systematic collection building while supporting the broader numismatic marketplace and precious metals economy.
Conclusion
1942 Mercury dimes exemplify the complexity and appeal that make Mercury dime collecting so rewarding. While common examples provide affordable entry points into this beloved series, the year's special varieties—from Full Bands examples to rare overdates—offer challenges and rewards for advanced collectors. Understanding the various types and their respective values enables collectors to make informed decisions whether building comprehensive sets or selecting representative examples.
The enduring popularity of Mercury dimes stems from their combination of artistic beauty, historical significance, and precious metal content. As 90% silver coins, they provide both numismatic appeal and intrinsic value that tracks precious metals markets. Whether you're drawn to common dates for their accessibility or rare varieties for their challenge, 1942 Mercury dimes offer something for collectors at every level of expertise and budget.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Coin values fluctuate based on market conditions, silver prices, rarity, and collector demand. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always consult with qualified numismatic professionals before making significant purchases.