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The Certified 1942 Mercury Dime graded MS65 by PCGS is a beautifully preserved example of one of America’s most iconic silver coin designs. Known officially as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, the coin is often referred to as the "Mercury Dime" due to the obverse's resemblance to the Roman god Mercury. Designed by famed sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, this coin was struck in 1942 at the height of World War II, a period when American coinage was transitioning from early 20th-century artistry to more utilitarian post-war designs. The 1942 issue is widely collected as a late-type Mercury Dime and remains popular for its availability in high grades, stunning visual appeal, and rich historical context. As a certified MS65 specimen, this coin offers strong luster, clean fields, and minimal contact marks, making it a highly desirable mid-gem example.
The obverse of the 1942 Mercury Dime features a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. The detailed design includes the word “LIBERTY” arcing around the top of the coin, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” placed to the left near the neckline, and the date “1942” at the lower right. On this PCGS MS65 example, Liberty’s hair, cap, and facial features are crisply struck, with full separation of the strands and sharp detailing in the wings. The fields are clean and exhibit strong mint luster, typical of a coin in the gem uncirculated range. Only minor contact marks may be present, none of which detract from the coin’s aesthetic appeal or its technical grade.
The reverse features a fasces—a bundle of rods with an axe head—symbolizing unity and strength, superimposed over an olive branch that signifies peace. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DIME” encircle the central design, with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” placed to the right of the fasces. The detail on this MS65 coin is sharp, with clean lines in the rods and axe, and well-articulated leaves on the olive branch. Luster flows across the reverse in satiny or sometimes brilliant patterns, depending on the strike and die state. The edges are well-defined, and the coin’s eye appeal is typically strong at this grade level, often enhanced by natural toning or mirrored brilliance.
The 1942 Mercury Dime was struck at three U.S. Mints: Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”). The PCGS-certified example in question is a Philadelphia issue, indicated by the absence of a mintmark on the reverse to the left of the fasces. The Philadelphia Mint produced 205,410,000 Mercury Dimes in 1942, making this a common date within the series. While readily available in circulated grades and even in lower Mint State conditions, gems such as MS65 and above are more selectively preserved and thus more prized by collectors. High-grade examples must display superior strike, clean surfaces, and eye-catching luster to meet the standards of certification companies like PCGS.
PCGS, or Professional Coin Grading Service, is one of the most trusted third-party grading companies in the numismatic world. An MS65 grade indicates that the coin is in gem uncirculated condition with strong luster, minimal abrasions, and a sharp strike. At this level, the coin is considered high-end for most collectors and represents an excellent balance between visual quality and affordability. The PCGS encapsulation provides not only authentication but also long-term protection for the coin, preserving its surfaces from environmental damage and securing its place in the collector marketplace with an authoritative, certified grade.
Historically, the Mercury Dime reflects an era of artistic renaissance in American coinage. Adolph Weinman, who also designed the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, imbued this dime with classical elegance and modern symbolism. Issued from 1916 through 1945, the Mercury Dime series captured the public’s imagination and quickly became a favorite of collectors. The 1942 issue sits toward the end of the series and is among the most widely collected dates due to its high mintage and consistent quality of strikes. This makes it an ideal representative for type sets, introductory collections, and advanced registries alike.
The coin’s composition is 90% silver and 10% copper, with a diameter of 17.9 mm and a weight of 2.5 grams. As such, the 1942 Mercury Dime retains intrinsic value through its silver content in addition to its numismatic worth. In 1942, dimes were still essential for everyday purchases, covering the cost of a newspaper, a cup of coffee, or public transportation. Given the historical backdrop of World War II, these coins would have passed through the hands of millions of Americans on the home front and abroad. A coin such as this MS65 example, however, was likely set aside shortly after minting and preserved with care—perhaps as part of a collector’s set or war-time keepsake.
Mercury Dimes in MS65 condition offer outstanding value in the market, often serving as foundational coins for collectors building a complete uncirculated set or focusing on high-grade 20th-century American silver coinage. The 1942 issue is particularly appealing because of its strong strikes and brilliant luster, which are common features due to the minting quality at the time. Still, not all coins achieve gem status, and MS65 examples must meet rigorous standards for surface preservation and visual harmony. This makes each PCGS-certified MS65 coin a premium example worthy of numismatic appreciation.
The Mercury Dime series came to an end in 1945 with the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose legacy was honored with the introduction of the Roosevelt Dime in 1946. As a result, the 1942 Mercury Dime represents the twilight of Weinman’s elegant design and the last chapter of pre-modern American dime artistry. Collectors value the 1942 coin not only for its availability and beauty but also for its position within this transitional moment in U.S. coin history. It remains a popular choice for those seeking a blend of beauty, accessibility, and historical relevance in a single coin.
In conclusion, the Certified 1942 Mercury Dime graded MS65 by PCGS is an exceptional example of classic American coinage in gem uncirculated condition. With its iconic design, brilliant luster, and certified pedigree, this coin offers both aesthetic enjoyment and historical insight. It stands as a testament to the artistic innovation of early 20th-century coinage and provides an excellent entry point or advanced addition to any serious U.S. coin collection. Its preservation, beauty, and symbolism ensure its place as one of the enduring favorites among collectors of American silver coinage.