Semi-Numismatic

1942 Mercury Dime MS-66 NGC

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The 1942 silver dime is a beautiful example of mid-twentieth-century American coinage. Struck from 0.900 fine silver with a precious metal content of 0.0715 troy ounces, this piece is known popularly as the Mercury Dime. It was designed by Adolph A. Weinman, who brought a fresh, allegorical perspective to the nation's ten-cent piece. On the obverse, the coin displays a portrait of Liberty wearing a winged cap, a feature intended to symbolize freedom of thought. This distinctive headgear led to the common, though technically incorrect, nickname of 'Mercury' due to its resemblance to the Roman messenger god. The reverse of the coin presents a fasces, a bundle of rods bound around an axe, which is enveloped by a leafy olive branch. This juxtaposition represents both strength and peace. This specific coin was produced at the Philadelphia mint, which is indicated by the absence of any mint mark. Graded Mint State 66 (MS-66), it shows remarkable preservation. Legible inscriptions on the reverse include the national motto "E-PLURIBUS UNUM" alongside the words "OF AMERICA" and the denomination "DIME."