1942-D

Denver produced 60,740,000 Mercury Dimes in 1942, a figure that includes both the normal 1942-D and the famous 1942/1-D overdate covered as a separate listing. The mint was running at high capacity to support wartime commerce, and the dimes entered circulation immediately and saw heavy service across the Mountain West and beyond. Original rolls preserved Mint State examples in adequate quantities, and the 1942-D is one of the more accessible late-series Denver issues in high grade today. Strike quality is generally good, with Full Bands examples available through the higher Mint State grades without too much difficulty.

The Weinman design features Liberty in her winged cap on the obverse and the fasces with olive branch on the reverse, with the D mintmark placed to the left of the fasces base. The coin weighs 2.5 grams in 90% silver and 10% copper alloy, measures 17.9 mm in diameter, and has a reeded edge. Authenticators on the 1942-D look first at the date area to confirm whether the coin is the normal 1942-D or the overdate variety, since the latter carries a substantial premium and is the most counterfeited 1942-D piece. The D punch should be the proper serifed style used at Denver in the early 1940s. Central bands on the fasces must show complete horizontal separation for the PCGS or NGC Full Bands designation, and most 1942-D pieces meet that bar with reasonable die quality.

Prices remain reasonable through MS-66 Full Bands, with the climb steeper at MS-67. Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers both show consistent demand for top-graded examples. The 1942-D is a comfortable slot for series builders. Population reports updated regularly by Professional Coin Grading Service and Numismatic Guaranty Company give the best read on conditional scarcity by grade. Roll-quantity finds from estate consignments occasionally bring fresh material to the market, though such groups are increasingly uncommon. See the Mercury Dime series history for broader context.