1942 (S) Mercury Dime

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,234 MS65 02-23-2023 Legend Rare Coin Auctions

Description

The 1942 (S) Mercury Dime is a dime produced at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Mercury Dimes 1916-1945 series. Total mintage reached 49.3 million. 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, while 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. Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.5 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #5042. Adolph Weinman's Winged Liberty Head Dime, universally known as the "Mercury" Dime despite depicting Liberty rather than the Roman god Mercury, debuted in 1916 alongside his Walking Liberty Half Dollar. The 1916-D (mintage 264,000) is the key date and one of the most coveted 20th-century U.S. coins. Full Bands (FB) designation specimens command significant premiums. The 1942/1 and 1942/1-D overdates are famous varieties.