1942 Mercury Dime : A Collector’s Guide

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The 1942 Mercury Dime is a highly collectible coin sought after by numismatists for its historical significance, design beauty, and scarcity. Here's a comprehensive collector's guide to this specific coin:

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Historical Context: The 1942 Mercury Dime was minted during a pivotal time in American history, as the United States was deeply involved in World War II. The Mercury Dime series, designed by sculptor Adolph A.

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Weinman, was in circulation from 1916 to 1945. Although commonly referred to as the "Mercury Dime," the coin actually depicts a Winged Liberty Head, often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury due to its resemblance.

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Design: The obverse (front) of the 1942 Mercury Dime features the iconic Winged Liberty Head, symbolizing freedom of thought. The reverse (back) displays a fasces, an ancient Roman symbol of authority, flanked by olive branches, symbolizing peace. The design is renowned for its exquisite artistry and intricate details.

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Mintage: The 1942 Mercury Dime was minted at three locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The Philadelphia Mint issue does not bear a mint mark, while the Denver Mint issue bears a "D" mint mark, and the San Francisco Mint issue bears an "S" mint mark.

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Collector Value: Despite its relatively high mintage, the 1942 Mercury Dime is sought after by collectors, particularly in higher grades and with Full Bands (FB) designation, indicating strong details on the horizontal bands of the fasces.

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Grading and Authentication: When collecting the 1942 Mercury Dime, it's crucial to ensure the coin's authenticity and condition. Coins should be graded by reputable third-party grading services, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), to verify authenticity and assess condition accurately.

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Varieties and Die Variations: Like many coins of its era, the 1942 Mercury Dime has varieties and die variations that can add interest to a collector's pursuit. Varieties may include differences in mint marks or slight design variations.

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