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The Certified Mercury Dime 1942/41-D AU58 NGC is a remarkable and highly collectible example of one of the most famous overdate varieties in all of U.S. coinage. Graded About Uncirculated 58 by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this specimen retains full detail and nearly complete mint luster, with only the slightest traces of wear visible on the highest points. The 1942/41-D overdate is a dramatic and highly sought-after mint error that occurred at the Denver Mint during a transitional period in die preparation, and coins like this—especially certified and in such high condition—are prized by both variety specialists and Mercury dime collectors alike.
The Mercury dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, was designed by Adolph A. Weinman and struck from 1916 through 1945. With its graceful obverse of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom of thought, and a reverse depicting a fasces and olive branch, symbolizing strength and peace, the design remains one of the most admired in American numismatics. The 1942/41 overdate is one of the standout varieties of the entire series and is known in both Philadelphia and Denver Mint versions, though the Denver variant is significantly scarcer.
The obverse of the coin features the left-facing bust of Liberty, surrounded by the inscription “LIBERTY” at the top, “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the lower left, and the date “1942” in the lower right. On this rare variety, the digits in the date show clear evidence of a repunched “1” and “9” under the “4” and “2,” the result of a 1941 die being repunched with a 1942 date. On the Denver Mint version, the overdate is subtler than on its Philadelphia counterpart but still distinctly visible under magnification. In AU58 condition, the coin has a sharply detailed portrait, with full central definition and luster approaching that of a Mint State specimen. Light wear may be detected on Liberty’s cheek or the tips of the cap’s wings, but the coin retains the full beauty of a Mint State strike in nearly all other respects.
The reverse design, consistent across the series, features a fasces (a bundle of rods bound around an axe) flanked by olive branches, symbolizing the balance of justice and peace. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DIME” are inscribed around the rim, with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” to the right of the fasces. The Denver Mint’s “D” mintmark appears to the left of the fasces near the bottom rim. On this AU58 example, the reverse is exceptionally sharp, with full lines and clean fields. Only minimal friction may appear on the highest parts of the fasces, while the rest of the design remains well preserved and lustrous.
The 1942/41-D overdate was created when a working die for the 1941 dime was overpunched with a 1942 date. This kind of error was made possible due to the Mint’s reuse of dies and manual punching practices during World War II, when efficiency and production volume were paramount. Once discovered by collectors, this variety was quickly recognized as a major error and included in all major reference books, including the “Cherrypickers’ Guide” and the “Guide Book of United States Coins.” While the 1942/41 from the Philadelphia Mint is more widely known due to its more dramatic doubling, the Denver variety is considerably rarer and harder to obtain in any condition.
The Denver Mint produced 60,740,000 dimes in 1942, but only a small number of overdated coins were struck before the faulty die was replaced. As a result, the 1942/41-D is considered one of the key Mercury dime varieties and is significantly more difficult to locate than its Philadelphia counterpart, particularly in higher grades. The AU58 grade is a superb threshold for collectors, offering the full detail and appearance of a Mint State coin with only the lightest wear—and at a substantially lower cost than true MS examples.
NGC’s certification of this coin guarantees both its authenticity and its status as the 1942/41-D variety. This is essential for a coin like this, which is subject to misidentification and, in lower grades, can be mistaken for normal issues without proper attribution. The NGC holder preserves the coin’s condition while also assuring future buyers of its genuine status and accurate grading, both critical factors in determining its value and marketability.
In terms of appearance, this AU58 example likely displays strong cartwheel luster, especially in the protected fields, and may exhibit a light patina or natural toning common to well-preserved wartime silver coinage. The strike is typically bold for the Denver Mint in 1942, with fully formed central elements and crisp rims. The overdate, though not as bold as the Philadelphia version, is unmistakable upon close inspection, with clear doubling beneath the “4” and “2” in the date.
The Certified Mercury Dime 1942/41-D AU58 NGC is a true numismatic treasure, combining rarity, historical intrigue, and nearly Mint State quality in one compelling coin. For collectors of the Mercury dime series, it is a major variety that fills a critical spot in advanced sets. For error and variety enthusiasts, it represents one of the most well-known overdates in U.S. coinage history. With its top-tier preservation, PCGS encapsulation, and market recognition, this coin is both a beautiful artifact of wartime minting and a sound investment in early 20th-century numismatics.