Numismatic

1942/41 Mercury Dime AU-55 NGC

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During a period of global upheaval, the United States Mint produced a remarkable numismatic anomaly that continues to captivate observers. This ten-cent silver piece, struck in 90 percent pure silver, displays a dramatic overdate error where the 1942 date was stamped directly over a 1941 hub. The remnants of this production mishap are highly visible, particularly the numeral 1, which emerges clearly beneath the final digit of the year. The design of this ten-cent coin, created by Adolph Weinman, is celebrated for its elegance. The obverse presents a youthful depiction of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, an image that historically led the public to mistake her for the Roman messenger god Mercury. On the reverse, the design balances strength and peace, pairing a traditional bundle of rods known as a fasces with a delicate olive branch. This specific coin has been certified in About Uncirculated 55 (AU-55) condition, preserving the intricate details of Weinman's artwork. Containing approximately 0.0723 troy ounces of silver, it stands as a compelling physical record of a mid-century minting mistake, offering a tangible connection to the precise mechanics of wartime coin production.