The 1942 dime value is $1.25 - helped by the price of silver it contains. A majority of 1942 Mercury dimes, if circulated are at this price.
Collectors and dealers begin to attach a premium value to coins in "uncirculated" condition, coins that have remained well preserved and appear as if brand new. Pictured is a very nice example, with bright luster, few marks and a welcome addition to any Mercury dime collection. Value of this 1942 dime is $10 to $20 well above its $1.25 minimum silver value.
Dimes of 1942 also have an over date variety, it is seen in the date where the "2" is over a "1." Although a scarce coin, should you have one, it is easily detected when looking closely. A popular mint error with collectors and for you a possible valuable find. Compare your coins to the close-up image below.
These old silver dimes of the 1940's are always in demand, they introduce many to the hobby of coin collecting. Values can vary depending on the mint that struck the coin, but condition has the greatest influence on how much your 1942 dime is worth.
A mint marked 1942 dime is worth similar to the Philadelphia coin with the San Francisco dime at a slight premium.
Mintmarks are used to distinguish the minting facility that struck the coin. The San Francisco mint used an "S" mark and Denver a "D" both mintmarks are found on the reverse along the rim. Dimes without a mark were struck in Philadelphia.
A rare 1942 Mercury dime was created by the mint when preparing a die, the number "2" was punched over a "1" when the date was applied. Coins minted using this die show a clear 2 over 1 date. Few were released into circulation and when discovered collectors realized the scarcity and soon began the rise in value of the coin.
Pictured is an example with light even wear and in this condition sold at a David Lawrence Rare Coin Auction for $634. Many collectors of Mercury dimes consider the coin as part of a complete set, creating a solid demand. When an uncirculated 1942/41 enters the market values often reach over $1500.
The close up picture of the date shows the over punching of numerals is very clear. In the past many circulated long enough to wear considerably, leading to the possibility of finding one in any box of old coins. With the aid of a magnifying glass your 1942 dimes are worth a second look.
The chart shows the value of a 1942 dime the same covering grades "Good" through "Extremely Fine" condition. Collectors and dealers are always searching for the best quality, best preserved coins. They judge the condition of each and assign a "grade." Comparing your coins to the images finds the accurate condition value on the chart.
Uncirculated: This Mercury dime never circulated. Untouched since minted, it shines with luster. Your coin in this condition may show toning, but underneath there is no evidence of wear. Rotated under a light, an unbroken, radiating luster rolls across the surface. An uncirculated coin is one sparkling with a freshness placing it at the top of 1942 dime value.
Extremely Fine: Of interest to collectors are many Mercury dimes in Extremely Fine condition. The slight even wear leaves the majority of the design crisp and sharp. Liberty's hair above the eye is evidently worn but just slightly, wing details are beginning to show some smoothness. 1942 dimes in this condition will eventually be valued above their silver content.
Fine: Wear is noticeable covering the entire surface, diminishing the minor parts of the design. A blending of hair details on the obverse and a flattening of the design in the leaf details on the reverse. At this stage of wear your old coin still retains a pleasing look.
Good: Just beginning to merge into the lettering and date, the rim indicates the grade of this dime. The bust of Liberty is lacking all design features, no hair or wing elements are visible but she does remain well outlined. Holding 1942 dime value low is the fact collectors strive to add nicer examples to their collections.
Rare and valuable dates are scattered through out the series leading to a wide range in Mercury dime values. A key element, the condition of your coin, is a major driving force to rare coin values. Compare your coins to the grading images, determine their condition and check the value of your Mercury Head Dimes.
Coin Values Discovery... finds 1942 dime value and... all old US coin values. It is an excellent index with images and text links to all coin series, from Cents to Gold. Value charts, grading images with descriptions uncover how much your box of old coins is worth.