CoinValueDB

1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate Value

$500 – $65,000

The 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate was minted at the Philadelphia Mint. Values range from $500 in lower grades to $65,000 in top condition. This is a key date, making it especially sought-after by collectors. The coin contains 90% silver with a melt value of $2.21.

1942 | Philadelphia | Mintage: Unknown

Melt Value (90% silver)

$2.21

Based on $30.50/oz silver

as of Aug 1, 2026

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Market Activity

SoldHigh BidFor SaleLast Asking PriceMoving Average
Avg: $12,367 High: $65,000 Low: $500 9 total data points

CoinValueDB Price Guide by Grade

CoinValueDB Price Guide by Grade
GradeValue
Good (G-4)
$500
Very Good (VG-8)
$700
Fine (F-12)
$1,100
Very Fine (VF-20)
$2,000
Extremely Fine (EF-40)
$4,500
About Uncirculated (AU-50)
$7,500
Mint State (MS-60)
$10,000
Choice (MS-63)
$20,000
Gem (MS-65) Best Value
$65,000
Under $100 $100 - $1,000 Over $1,000

Coin Specifications

Year
1942
Mint
Philadelphia
Mintage
Unknown
Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight
2.50 grams
Diameter
17.9 mm
Edge
Reeded
Designer
Adolph A. Weinman
Series
Mercury Dime Error (1916-1945)
PCGS #
5036

Historical Notes

One of only two confirmed overdates in the Mercury Dime series. A 1942 die was punched over a previously dated 1941 die, leaving clear traces of the underlying date visible under magnification.

Varieties

1942/1 Overdate

A 1942-dated die was punched over a 1941-dated die, leaving traces of the underlying 1 visible beneath the 2 in the date.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate worth? +
A 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate is worth between $500 and $65,000 depending on condition. Coins in higher grades (MS-65 and above) command significant premiums.
How many 1942 Mercury Dime Error coins were made? +
The Philadelphia Mint produced Unknown 1942 Mercury Dime Error coins. Lower mintage numbers generally correlate with higher collector value.
Is the 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate a key date? +
Yes, the 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate is considered a key date in the Mercury Dime Error series. Key dates are coins with low mintage, high collector demand, or both, making them among the most valuable in the series.
What is the melt value of a 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate? +
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate contains 90% silver and has a melt value of approximately $2.21 based on current spot prices ($30.50/oz silver). Most collectible coins are worth significantly more than their melt value due to numismatic demand.
How much is a 1942/1 Mercury Dime worth? +
A 1942/1 Mercury Dime in Good condition typically sells for over $500. Specimens in high Mint State grades often trade for several thousand dollars at auction.
Is the 1942/1 Mercury Dime rare? +
Yes, it is a rare key date variety. It is one of only two confirmed overdate errors for the series, making it a target for serious collectors.

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