One of the most well-known coins in American history is the 1942 Mercury Dime. While most of these coins are not worth much, some variations can sell for as much as $10,000. In addition to their exquisite design, collectors value these dimes for their scarcity—especially the over dated variants, which are some of the most sought-after mistake coins in American numismatics.
The Valuable Mercury Dime
Known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, the Mercury Dime was officially struck between 1916 and 1945. Because of the design depicting Lady Liberty with a winged cap, people have mistakenly associated her with the Roman god Mercury. Adolph Weinman created the coin’s reverse design, which has an olive branch for peace and a fasces for unity.
Because of the surge in demand for coinage during World War second, the U.S. Mint was creating millions of Mercury dimes by 1942.
That year alone, the mints in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco produced almost 315 million dimes. A handful of these coin variants have grown uncommon and precious, but most are still rather common.
What Makes the 1942 Mercury Dime Worth Over $10,000?
Its value might soar when a 1942 Mercury Dime is remarkably shaped or contains mint mistakes. This is what you ought to search for:
1. 1942/1 Overdate Error
Situated in the Denver and Philadelphia mints, the 1942/1 Mercury Dime is among the series’ most expensive errors. There is a noticeable overlap where “42” is struck over “41” due to an earlier 1941 die being re-punched with a 1942 date.
Higher-grade coins with this defect are highly rare and can fetch prices of over $100,000. For instance, a 1942/1 dime struck in Philadelphia that was graded MS67 and with a Full Bands (F.B.) classification sold for $108,000.
Some overdated types, even those with inferior grades, can sell for as much as $6,000 or more based on their condition and mint designation.
There are few known examples of the 1942/1-D overdate from the Denver Mint, making it one of the rarest and most valuable dimes.
2. Full Bands Designation
Full Bands (F.B.) designated mercury dimes are valued especially highly. The phrase “Full Bands” describes the coin’s reverse fasces’ entirely separated horizontal bands denoting a powerful, superior strike.
For example, coins bearing this indication in the highest mint state grades—MS68 can easily bring well over $10,000. A 1942-S dime with F.B., the best-known exemplar, was valued at $65,000.
Regular 1942 Mercury Dime Values
While some 1942 Mercury Dimes are still rather valuable, not all are worth hundreds of dollars. For example:
- Due to their silver content, ordinary 1942 Mercury dimes trade for a reasonable $2 to $5 in circulated grades.
- Coins that are uncirculated and have been graded MS65 or above can cost anywhere from $20 to $600, with Full Bands examples being the most expensive.
Factors Influencing the Value
The following are some of the elements that make certain 1942 Mercury Dimes so valuable:
- Mint Errors: Minting errors can greatly increase the value of a coin, as the overdate error demonstrated.
- Condition and Grade: Coins in Mint State (M.S.) or better are typically significantly more valuable than equivalent coins in circulation. A Full Band designation significantly increases the coin’s value.
- Rarity: The 1942 Mercury Dime had a considerable mintage, but certain variants, like the 1942/1 overdate, are uncommon, driving up demand for them.
Estimated Values for 1942 Mercury Dimes
| Coin | Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1942 Mercury Dime (Regular Issue) | MS63 | $20 |
| 1942 Mercury Dime (Regular Issue) | MS65 | $600 |
| 1942 Mercury Dime (Full Bands) | MS67 | $5,000 |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime (Overdate) | MS67 FB | $108,000 |
| 1942-S Mercury Dime (Full Bands) | MS68 FB | $65,000 |
| 1942/1-D Mercury Dime (Overdate) | MS67 | $125,000 |
The 1942 Mercury Dime is an important coin in American history. Most versions are affordable for casual collectors, but some rare ones like the 1942/1 overdate and Full Bands dimes can be worth over $10,000, with the best ones selling for over $100,000.
Whether you’re new to collecting or have experience, knowing these key details can help you find valuable coins easily.