The 1942 Mercury dimes have value as both numismatic coins and as silver bullion. Keep reading to learn more about these silver coins.

1942 Dime

Specifications

Type: Mercury Dime
Year: 1942
Face Value: $0.10
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Silver Weight: .07234 oz.
Total Weight: 2.5 grams
Current Silver Bullion Value: $1.98

Mercury dimes are also known as Winged Liberty Head dimes. The US minted the 1942 dime with no mint mark and also the 1942 D dime and 1942 S dime. The mint mark, when present, can be found on the reverse side of the coin.

Series Location Quantity Minted
1942 Philadelphia 205,410,000
1942 D Denver 60,740,000
1942 S San Francisco 49,300,000

Value

This coin in circulated condition is worth at least its weight in silver. The silver melt value for this coin is $1.98. This melt value is calculated from the current silver spot price of $27.42 per ounce.

The 1942 dime with no mint mark is worth around $3.50 in very fine condition. In extremely fine condition the value is around $4. In uncirculated condition the price is around $7 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $32.

The 1942 D dime is worth around $3.50 in very fine condition. In extremely fine condition the value is around $4. In uncirculated condition the price is around $7 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $30.

The 1942 S dime is worth around $3.50 in very fine condition. In extremely fine condition the value is around $4. In uncirculated condition the price is around $9 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $32.

Proof coins with no mint mark are available and they are each valued at around $180 in PR 65 condition. There were only 22,329 proof coins minted.

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42 Over 41 Overlap Error

There is a rare overlap error which can be found on the 1942 dimes with no mint mark and also the 1942 D dimes. For these error coins the numbers 4 and 2 overlap over the numbers 4 and 1.

The 1942 dime with no mint mark 42 over 41 error coin is worth around $450 in very fine condition. In extremely fine condition the value is around $750. In uncirculated condition the price is around $3,000 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $15,000.

The 1942 D dime 42 over 41 error coin is worth around $425 in very fine condition. In extremely fine condition the value is around $600. In uncirculated condition the price is around $3,000 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $12,500.

Grading System

Very fine- Each of the diagonal bands are completely visible.

Extremely fine- There is only a small amount of wear on the diagonal bands. Liberty's braids and the hair before her ear are completely visible.

MS 60 uncirculated- There are no signs of wear. The coin has luster, but there may be a few stains, abrasions, or surface marks.

MS 65 gem uncirculated- There is strong luster and eye appeal. A few light contact marks may be present but they are barely noticeable.

PR 65 proof- There are no flaws to this coin. A few blemishes may be present.

 

Sources:

The Red Book


See also:

1943 Dime
1941 Dime
1940 Dime