The 1942 Mercury Dime Value (Rarest Sold For $120,000)

The first half of the 20th century was one of the most fascinating, yet terrifying times in the human history. The fascination is remaining at the highest since the events of the World War II are still in our recent history, and regardless of whether we notice or not, we still suffer, or rather live in the aftermath of those events. This acts as one of the reasons why people remain highly interested in everything that was going on during those time. Coin collectors are specially interested in the coinage system and the coin production during these times.

So, regardless of whether you’re looking for a quick history lesson, or a specific insight into the current market value of these specific coins, you’re at the right spot! In the following paragraphs, we’re going to explore one of the coins that belong to the coin series known as Mercury dimes; the coin in question is the 1942 Mercury dime. Therefore, without further ado, let’s dive right in!

The 1942 Mercury Dime: How Much Is it Worth Today?

The History and Inception

It was 1890 when the United States Congress approved the Secretary of Treasury to introduce and adopt new coinage. This is the year when the very first Mercury dime was introduced to the U.S. coinage system as well. The new coinage comprised new designs, even new denominations, and none of those could be replaced in the next twenty-five years (from the year of the design adoption). What failed to be understood, and will later cause an issue, was the fact that the design wasn’t required to be changed; only that the chief engraver and designer has the authority to introduce changes if necessary.

Fast forward two years, the Mint Chief engraver, Charles E. Barber, introduced dimes, quarter dollars, and half dollars, as well as their respective designs. Nevertheless, what was supposed to be received positively by the public, was met with high dissatisfaction. The public believed the designs didn’t really do any justice to the idea created around these new coins.

As a result, the treasury Department organized a design competition in 1916, with the hope to replace the old coin designs (the Barber dimes from 1892). The winner of the competition was Adolph A. Weinman, whose designs featured a young Lady Liberty, but the public was yet again dissatisfied since Lady Liberty looked pretty similar to the Roman god Mercury. Because of this, the coin became colloquially known as the Mercury dime (while its initial name of reference was The Winged Liberty Head dime).

Still, public dissatisfaction grew, even after millions of dimes were struck around the country. One of the reasons was the fact that the coins were completely incompatible with vending machines. During the War, many changes have been introduced, and after the death of President F.D. Roosevelt, the U.S. Mint decided it is high time the Mercury dime is replaced. And that is how, in 1945, the Roosevelt Dime was introduced.

The Coin Design and Features

The winner of the aforementioned competition was Adolph A. Weinman, and he was ultimately responsible for the new Mercury dime. Unfortunately, Mr. Weinman never openly confirmed the source of his inspiration for the new dime design, but it was later suspected it was his neighbor Elsie Steves who inspired him. Weinman never confirmed this allegation and even claimed that it was his Manhattan apartment neighbor who served as actual inspiration. The lady in question was a wife of a known New York lawyer. With this story in mind, let’s take a closer look at the design and interesting features of the 1942 Mercury Dime;

The obverse of the 1942 Mercury dime

The central image of the obverse of the 1942 Mercury Dime is the so-called Lady Liberty, facing left. The wings on her Phrygian cap resemble those of the Roman god, Mercury, which later became the very nickname for the coin; the Mercury dime. Because of the resemblance, the design did cause confusion, leading to public dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, the Lady symbolizes the very liberty of thought, which in itself symbolizes peoples’ liberty to be satisfied or dissatisfied with the design. Furthermore, the obverse features inscriptions Liberty, the motto In God We Trust, as well as the Date, struck on the right. There’s also the designer’s initials, of course.

The reverse of the 1942 Mercury dime

The central image of the reverse of the 1942 Mercury Dime is a torch and an axe; both meant to symbolize strength, resilience, independence, and war efforts. Olive branches are there to balance out the symbolism, representing peace and prosperity. There are also several inscriptions, like the name of the country, as well as the denomination (United States of America, One Dime). Dimes printed in the Philadelphia Mint don’t have a mintmark, while the dimes printed in the Denver and San Francisco Mint feature D and S mint marks (placed left of the olive branch). The right half of the reverse of the dime features the Latin saying, E Pluribus Unum (meaning, one of many).

Full band or Full split band

When it comes to the coin features, it is essential to mention the sub-set of the 1942 Mercury dime, known as ‘full-band’ or ‘full split band’ (referred to as FB). This stands for those coins that were struck perfectly, are highly detailed, and are in exceptional condition. The term ‘band’ referred to the bindings of the faces that appear on the reverse of the coin. There are generally two diagonal, and three horizontal straps; the middle one being the central and most important one. In order for a coin to be labeled as a ‘full band’, the line separating the different bands needs to run all the way between them and be clearly visible.

The 1942 Mercury Dime Current Market Value and Price

When it comes to the current market value of the 1942 Mercury dime, it is essential to take a few factors into consideration. The very first one is the notion of rarity. The 1942 Mercury dime reached nearly 205 million specimens struck in Philadelphia alone, which would deem it a common coin. It really isn’t hard to come across a 1942 Mercury dime.

Moreover, dimes, and coins in general, that were minted in Philadelphia, have the lowest value. These were also circulating coins that show heavy wear-and-tear signs. Coins minted in the Denver mint are slightly more valuable (and have a ‘D’ mint mark), but often, the most valuable are those minted in the San Francisco mint (and have an ‘S’ mint mark). In this case, however, the least valuable in their regular condition is the San Francisco mint specimen.

The full-band coins are significantly more valuable than the other three iterations, especially those that have a clear separation line between the two bands in the very middle of the reverse of the coin. With all of the information in mind, let’s take a look at the current market value of the 1942 Mercury dime (July 2023);

Also Read:

• The 1942 Penny Value (Rarest Sold for $12,500)
• 1942 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value (Rarest Sold For $30,000)?

The 1942 Regular Strike Mercury Dime (Minted in Philadelphia)

• Category: Mercury Dimes (1916-1945)
• Mint: Philadelphia
• Mintage: 205,410,000
• Obverse Designer: Adolph A. Weinman
• Reverse Designer: Adolph A. Weinman
• Composition: Silver
• Fineness: 0.9
• Weight: 2.5g
• ASW: 0.0723oz
• Melt Value: $1.69 (7/11/2023)
• Diameter: 17.8mm
• Edge: Reeded

There were over 205 million 1942 Mercury dimes minted in the Philadelphia Mint, all used for circulation. Unless there’s an error on the coin, or the coin itself isn’t remarkable for other reasons, these are deemed to be of the lowest value in the current market climate. An average price for a good condition 1942 Mercury dime, according to the NGC Price Guide, with no mint mark, is around $2.50, reaching up to $4.15, for an MS 58 dime. The highest market value for an MS 68+ Mercury dime minted in Philadelphia is currently $4,000.

The 1942-D Mercury Dime (Minted in Denver)

• Category: Mercury Dimes (1916-1945)
• Mint: Denver
• Mintage: 60,740,000
• Obverse Designer: Adolph A. Weinman
• Reverse Designer: Adolph A. Weinman
• Composition: Silver
• Fineness: 0.9
• Weight: 2.5g
• ASW: 0.0723oz
• Melt Value: $1.68 (7/11/2023)
• Diameter: 17.8mm
• Edge: Reeded

When it comes to the 1942 Mercury dime minted in Denver, we’re looking at around 60 million specimens produced, which is yet another high-mintage wartime issue. The Denver Mint has produced the most well-struck dimes out of the three mints, so there is an abundance of Full Bands coins. According to the NGC Price Guide, as of July 2023, a Mercury Dime from 1942 in the circulated condition is worth between $2.50 and $4.50. However, on the open market, 1942 D Dimes in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $625.

The 1942-S Mercury Dime (Minted in San Francisco)

• Category: Mercury Dimes (1916-1945)
• Mint: San Francisco
• Mintage: 49,300,000
• Obverse Designer: Adolph A. Weinman
• Reverse Designer: Adolph A. Weinman
• Composition: Silver
• Fineness: 0.9
• Weight: 2.5g
• ASW: 0.0723oz
• Melt Value: $1.68 (7/11/2023)
• Diameter: 17.8mm
• Edge: Reeded

The San Francisco Mint has produced the lower mintage numbers when it comes to the 1942 Mercury dime. Still, considering this is a wartime mintage number, it is still a huge number. Coin collectors back in the day had a practice of collecting free 1942-S Mercury dimes, which makes them currently available in pristine condition. 

However, because of the tendency to over-polish the coins back in the day, only a few of the 1942-S Mercury dimes qualify for the certified designation of PL, or prooflike. According to the NGC Price Guide, as of July 2023, a Mercury Dime from 1942 in the circulated condition is worth between $2.50 and $5.50. However, on the open market, 1942 S Dimes in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $500.

Most Valuable Auction Records and Full Band 1942 Mercury Dime

Sometimes the average price of a coin doesn’t necessarily correlate with the auction records, or the prices reached at auctions. Also, as we previously mentioned, the full band or full split band are coins that were struck perfectly and are highly detailed and are in exceptional condition. The full-band coins are significantly more valuable than the other three iterations, especially those that have a clear separation line between the two bands in the very middle of the reverse of the coin. Let’s take a closer look at their value and current market pricing;

• 1942 Mercury Dime, MS68+ – $4,800.00
• 1942 10C, FB (Regular Strike) – $15,275.00
• 1942/1 10C, FB (Regular Strike) – $120,000.00
• 1942/1-D 10C, FB (Regular Strike) – $73,437.50
• 1942-S 10C, FB (Regular Strike) – $14,750.00

Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! Now you’ve learned everything essential there is to learn about the iconic 1942 Mercury dime. Hopefully, this brief journey was fun and informative. For more information about the 1942 Mercury dime, we recommend you check professional coin/bill grading services and their informative blog posts as well as active or closed auctions. This can help you understand how the value of a bill changes over time, and what can you expect regarding the market climate. We wish you the best of luck and happy collecting!

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