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The 1942/41 Mercury Dime is one of the most famous and sought-after varieties in the entire Mercury Dime series. Known as a “overdate,” this coin displays a unique doubling of the date, where the original "41" from the year 1941 was not entirely removed from the die, and the new "42" for 1942 was stamped over it. This error creates a visually intriguing overlap of the two dates, making the 1942/41 Mercury Dime one of the key varieties for collectors of U.S. coinage. In Fine (F) condition, the details of the coin remain clear and crisp, though the coin shows moderate wear from circulation. The historical significance and rarity of this variety make it an exciting piece for numismatists and Mercury Dime enthusiasts alike.
The Mercury Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, was designed by renowned sculptor Adolph A. Weinman and was first issued in 1916. The obverse of the coin features the profile of Liberty wearing a winged cap, which symbolizes freedom of thought. Many collectors and the public mistakenly believed the figure was the Roman god Mercury, hence the name "Mercury Dime." Surrounding Liberty’s profile are the inscriptions "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date, which in this case is the notable overdate "1942/41." In Fine condition, the obverse retains much of its original beauty, though some of the finer details, such as Liberty's hair and the wings on the cap, may show signs of wear. Despite this wear, the overdate is still clearly visible, making it a valuable and collectible piece.
The reverse of the Mercury Dime showcases a fasces, an ancient Roman symbol of authority, consisting of a bundle of rods tied together with an axe protruding from the center. The fasces is meant to symbolize strength through unity, while an olive branch is entwined around the rods, representing peace. This combination of symbols reflects the dual goals of the United States—peace and strength. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DIME" encircle the fasces, with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" appearing to the right of the bundle. In Fine condition, the reverse design remains intact, though some of the finer details, such as the individual rods and olive leaves, may be slightly worn from circulation. However, the overall imagery remains clear, contributing to the coin's enduring appeal.
The overdate error on the 1942/41 Mercury Dime occurred at both the Philadelphia and Denver mints. While this error is more common in the Philadelphia issue, examples from the Denver Mint (1942/41-D) are much rarer and command higher premiums. This variety was the result of a misalignment during the die production process. In the early 1940s, dies were sometimes reused from one year to the next to save time and resources. In this case, a 1941-dated die was overpunched with the new 1942 date, but traces of the original date remained visible, creating the overdate error. The mistake went unnoticed for a time, and some coins were struck and released into circulation before the error was corrected, making the 1942/41 Mercury Dime a rare find for collectors.
The mintage of regular 1942 Mercury Dimes was substantial, with over 205 million produced at the Philadelphia Mint and over 60 million at the Denver Mint. However, only a small fraction of these coins display the 1942/41 overdate, which is why this variety is so prized. Exact mintage numbers for the overdate variety are unknown, but estimates suggest that only a few thousand were struck, making it a true rarity. Coins that have survived in higher grades, such as Mint State, are especially coveted, but even examples in Fine condition, like the one described here, are highly collectible due to the coin's rarity and historical importance.
The Mercury Dime series, struck from 1916 to 1945, is beloved by collectors for its elegant design and historical significance. The series spans a period that includes World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II, making it a reflection of a transformative era in American history. The 1942/41 Mercury Dime, with its intriguing overdate, adds an extra layer of interest for collectors. In Fine condition, this coin offers a balance between affordability and the ability to still appreciate the unique features of the overdate.
The 1942/41 Mercury Dime remains a cornerstone for collectors of 20th-century U.S. coinage, especially those focused on varieties and errors. Its combination of a beautiful, iconic design with the rarity and intrigue of a notable minting error makes it a highly desirable piece. In Fine condition, it retains enough detail to clearly showcase the overdate, while offering collectors a more accessible option compared to higher-grade examples. Whether for its numismatic value, historical significance, or simply its rarity, the 1942/41 Mercury Dime is a must-have for serious collectors of U.S. coinage.