You can see her profile facing left with a pileus, a cap that originated in Ancient Greece. In fact, most collectors use the term Mercury dime instead of the official coin name.Īdolph Weinman never identified the woman he used as a model for the Winged Liberty Head dime, but some experts believe it was Elsie Stevens. Her unusual cap with two wings misled Americans to consider her a Roman god, hence the strange nickname. The 1942 war Mercury dimes are silver coins with Lady Liberty on the obverse. The US Mint minted this beautiful series from 1916 to 1945, when the first Roosevelt silver dimes were released in circulation in 1946. Weinman was a talented designer, well-known after probably the best-looking American coin ever, the Winged Liberty Head dime. Besides, their connection with horrible war times makes them particularly desirable among collectors.Ī lso read: Top 17 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money Features of the 1942 Silver DimeĪdolph A. Over 200 million pieces represented the second-highest number of produced coins in the entire series.Įven though most 1942 dimes had an issue with a weak strike, those with Full Bands have vibrant details. The 1942 Mercury dimes had a high mintage, and most were released into circulation. These beautiful pieces produced from 1916 to 1945 are still highly sought-after among collectors. Barber, submitted an entry for creating the new coin, but Weinman’s idea was too beautiful to be ignored.Īs the most successful designer attending the competition, he got the opportunity to create both coin sides. Interestingly, the designer of previous dimes, Charles E. They were the fifth dime design that appeared after the US Mint started Draped Bust dime production in 1796, only four years after its establishment.Īfter 25 years of Barber dimes minted from 1892 to 1916, the Winged Liberty Head dimes came on the scene in all glory.

Mercury dimes are unique American coinage minted from 1916 to 1945. However, specimens from the 1942 set are complex, with a few specific errors worth collecting. Weinman created one of the most beautiful small American coins. These pieces are part of a series that production started in 1916 after Adolph A. They were minted during WWII and had a unique composition adapted to the then-wartime conditions. In most cases, the 1942 dime value is more than these coins’ face value, but it always depends on their appearance and absence of damage.

FAQ about the 1942 Winged Liberty Head Silver Dime.

1942 Winged Liberty Head Silver Dime Grading.

1942 lincoln mercury dime