1942 (D) Mercury Dime
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$1,093 MS68 05-26-2006 Bowers & Merena
Description
The 1942 (D) Mercury Dime was struck at the Denver Mint as a dime in the Mercury Dimes 1916-1945 series. The U.S. Mint produced 60.7 million examples, making this ranked 2nd of 4 mint variants by mintage, with 16% of production. The obverse features young Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom of thought — often called the "Mercury" dime despite not depicting the Roman god and the reverse displays a Roman fasces — a bundle of rods with an axe — entwined with an olive branch, symbolizing strength through unity tempered by peace. The 1942/1 and 1942/1-D overdates are famous varieties created when 1941-dated dies were re-engraved for 1942 production. Coined at Denver's facility, which transitioned from processing Colorado gold rush metal to full-scale coin production in 1906. Estimated market value ranges from $380 to $12K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.5 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #5038.
External References
Error Varieties(24)
1942-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001
1942-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002
1942-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003
1942-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1942-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002
1942-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003
1942-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-001
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-002
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-003
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-004
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-005
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-006
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-007
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-008
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-009
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-010
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-011
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-012
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-013
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-014
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-015
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-016
1942-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-017
Other Strike Types in This Series
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