Lot 067Coin values

1942 (2 over 1) Mercury Dime

Q: How much is a 1942 (2 over 1) Mercury Dime worth?

Lustre's editorial estimate (Oct 2026) is $470–$2,100 for circulated examples (G-4 to EF-40) and $25,000–$35,000 in MS-65. These are estimates, not an appraisal or market data. A coin in the grade you hold may sell for less at a dealer, who needs a margin.

PHILADELPHIA · 90% SILVER, 10% COPPER · VARIETY

The answer

Worth about $470⁠–⁠$2,100 circulated and $25,000⁠–⁠$35,000 in MS-65.

The 1942 (2 over 1) Mercury Dime is a key date from the Philadelphia Mint, with a mintage that is included in a larger issue. In circulated grades (G-4 to EF-40) our estimate is $470⁠–⁠$2,100, and a well-preserved MS-65 example is estimated at $25,000⁠–⁠$35,000. Because this is a key date, condition and authenticity matter far more than metal content: have any high-value coin graded by a recognised service.

A famous overdate variety: the 1941 die was re-punched with a 2.

Included in the 1942 mintage.

1942 (2 over 1)Philadelphia

Catalogue medallion. We do not yet hold a licensed photograph of this exact date and mint, so none is shown rather than one with a different date.

Mercury dime obverse: Winged Liberty head facing left — Design reference 1943-D Mercury dime. The date on this photograph is not this issue's date. Public domain, credit BrandonBigheart, via Wikimedia Commons.

Mercury dime reverse: fasces with an olive branch — Design reference 1943-D Mercury dime. The date on this photograph is not this issue's date. Public domain, credit BrandonBigheart, via Wikimedia Commons.

Mint: Philadelphia
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Mintage: In larger issue
Weight and size: 2.5 g · 17.9 mm
Designer: Adolph A. Weinman

RarityKey date

PlentifulRare

No separate mintage is recorded for this date, so its place on the scale follows its editorial rarity tier.

Grade & value

Circulated$470–$2,100

Melt, live$4.38

Estimated value by grade for the 1942 (2 over 1) Mercury Dime. Lustre editorial estimate, Oct 2026.
Grade	Estimate
G-4Good	$470–$630
VG-8Very Good	$560–$740
F-12Fine	$770–$1,050
VF-20Very Fine	$1,000–$1,500
EF-40Extremely Fine	$1,500–$2,100
AU-50About Uncirculated	$2,450–$3,550
AU-58Choice About Uncirculated	$3,700–$5,250
MS-60Mint State 60	$5,250–$7,750
MS-63Choice Mint State	$8,250–$11,750
MS-65Gem Mint State	$25,000–$35,000

Melt value (silver)$4.38

0.0723 troy oz of silver at the spot price. Reference prices, not live

Scan your coin

Estimates. Grade values are Lustre editorial estimate, Oct 2026, based on spot prices near $61 per ounce for silver. They are not market data, an appraisal or an offer. Rows marked at melt follow the metal price.

Value ladder

Varieties to look for

Overdate

The date 1942 shows a faint 1 under the 2. The overdate can be identified with magnification.

Full Bands (FB)

Look at the two horizontal bands across the middle of the fasces on the reverse. If both bands are clearly split with a visible gap, the coin is Full Bands and is worth more in Mint State, often several times the price.

Mint mark position

D and S sit on the reverse beside the fasces. A 1916-D without a clean, original D is likely an altered 1916-P: always have a valuable-looking 1916-D authenticated.

Questions

About the 1942 (2 over 1) Mercury

How much is a 1942 (2 over 1) Mercury Dime worth?

Lustre's editorial estimate (Oct 2026) is $470⁠–⁠$2,100 for circulated examples (G-4 to EF-40) and $25,000⁠–⁠$35,000 in MS-65. These are estimates, not an appraisal or market data. A coin in the grade you hold may sell for less at a dealer, who needs a margin.

Is a 1942 (2 over 1) Mercury Dime silver?

Yes. It is 90% silver, 10% copper and weighs 2.5 g, which is 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver. Its melt value is that weight multiplied by the current silver spot price, shown live on this page.

How many 1942 (2 over 1) Mercury Dimes were minted?

Included in the 1942 mintage.

Where is the mint mark on a Mercury Dime?

On the reverse, to the left of the fasces, between the E in ONE and the base of the olive branch. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark.

Is my 1942 (2 over 1) Mercury Dime rare?

Yes. It is a key date. Check the variety notes on this page, look at the date and mint mark under magnification and consider professional grading before selling.

Neighbouring issues