1942 (S) Mercury Dime
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.
Auction Record
- Price realized
- $1,234
- Sold
- Grade
- MS65
- Auction house
- Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Description
The 1942 (S) Mercury Dime is a dime minted at the San Francisco Mint, within the Mercury Dimes 1916-1945 series. The San Francisco Mint struck 49,300,000 dimes dated 1942. 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 came from working dies that received one impression from a 1941-dated hub and one from a 1942 hub. San Francisco's storied mint, born of the California Gold Rush, has evolved into the primary producer of U.S. proof coins. Estimated market value ranges from $7 to $42 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 #5042.
External References
Error Varieties(10)
1942-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001
1942-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002
_10%25C2%25A2_IMMs%2FWinged_Liberty_(Mercury)_10%25C2%25A2_IMMs%2F1942-S_10%25C2%25A2_WIMM-001_img1.JPG&w=1080&q=75)
1942-S Improper Mint Mark WIMM-001
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-001
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-002
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-003
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-004
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-005
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-006
CU-10c-1942S-01R Cud
Other Strike Types in This Series
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