1942

Philadelphia struck 205,432,329 Mercury Dimes in 1942, a figure that includes coinage from working dies of both the normal 1942 type and the famous 1942/1 overdate variety covered separately. The total is one of the highest in the series and reflects the massive wartime demand for small change across an economy that was operating at full capacity to support the war effort. Most 1942 dimes saw heavy circulation through the war and beyond, and the date is among the easier late-series issues to find in attractive Mint State condition because of extensive bag and roll hoarding by collectors and speculators during the silver run of the 1960s.

The Weinman design from 1916 carries Liberty in her winged cap on the obverse and the fasces with olive branch on the reverse. The coin weighs 2.5 grams in 90% silver and 10% copper, measures 17.9 mm in diameter, and has a reeded edge. The Philadelphia mint used no mintmark on these regular 1942 dimes. Strikes are typically strong and Full Bands examples are common. Authenticators check the date for the standard 1942 punch without any underlying overdate, since the famous 1942/1 variety carries a strong premium and is the most heavily counterfeited variety in the series. The central bands on the fasces should show complete horizontal separation for the PCGS or NGC Full Bands designation, and most 1942 Philadelphia dimes meet that standard with little difficulty.

The 1942 is affordable through MS-67 Full Bands and is a popular type coin choice. Heritage Auctions records consistently confirm strong demand at the very top of the population reports. Original surfaces with consistent luster across the cheek, wing, and reverse fields are the strongest signal of long-term holding value. Buyers should match expected prices against current Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers Galleries records before committing to a purchase. For broader background, see the Mercury Dime series history.