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The Mercury Dime 1942 over 41 in Almost Uncirculated condition is one of the most celebrated and dramatic varieties in 20th-century American coinage. A result of a significant overdate error at the Philadelphia Mint, this variety features the clear remnants of a “1” beneath the “2” in the date “1942.” Though initially overlooked when the coins were released, the 1942/41 overdate was later discovered by numismatists and quickly became a centerpiece for collectors of error coins. Its combination of historical intrigue, visual clarity, and rarity make it one of the most coveted varieties in the entire Mercury dime series, particularly in high circulated grades like Almost Uncirculated, where much of the original detail is still sharply preserved.
The Mercury dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, was designed by Adolph A. Weinman and first issued in 1916. It replaced the Barber dime and ushered in a new era of artistic excellence in American coinage. The obverse features a portrait of Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought, though it is often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury—hence the coin’s popular nickname. The reverse of the coin showcases a fasces, symbolizing unity and strength, with an olive branch wrapped around it to convey peace. The design was both bold and elegant, and it remained in use until 1945, when the Roosevelt dime took its place following President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death.
The obverse of the 1942/41 Mercury dime displays Liberty facing left, wearing her winged cap. The word “LIBERTY” curves around the top edge, with the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” tucked to the left below the chin. The date “1942” appears in the lower right field, and it is here that the variety’s unique feature is found. On this overdate, a strong remnant of a “1” is clearly visible beneath the “2,” making the variety instantly recognizable to the trained eye. In Almost Uncirculated condition, the design elements of Liberty’s face, cap, and curls of hair remain well-defined, with only the highest points—such as the cheek and cap’s wings—showing slight friction. The date area, critical for identifying the variety, is usually clean and legible in this grade, with the overdate visible without magnification on better-preserved pieces.
The reverse of the coin presents a fasces, or bundle of rods, bound together with a leather strap and topped with an axe blade. It is flanked on both sides by an olive branch. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DIME” circle the outer rim, with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” placed to the right of the fasces. In Almost Uncirculated condition, the reverse of the 1942/41 Mercury dime retains nearly all of its original definition. The vertical lines of the fasces are still bold, the axe head remains distinct, and the olive leaves are sharply outlined. A touch of wear may appear on the central bands or the tips of the leaves, but overall detail is still strong and the coin maintains high eye appeal.
The 1942/41 overdate was created at the Philadelphia Mint when a working die was mistakenly repunched with a new date, causing the numeral “1” from the previous year to be impressed below the “2.” Unlike minor RPMs (repunched mintmarks), this error involved overlapping numerals within the date itself, making it dramatic and easy to identify. The overdate was not caught during production, and thousands of these dimes were released into circulation. The exact number is unknown, but it is significantly smaller than the overall 1942 mintage, which totaled more than 200 million across all mints. The Philadelphia Mint alone struck over 205 million dimes that year, but only a fraction of those exhibit the overdate, giving this variety a notable place in Mercury dime collecting.
Almost Uncirculated examples of the 1942/41 Mercury dime are particularly desirable because they offer near-Mint State detail without the cost associated with uncirculated coins. In AU condition, the coin typically exhibits light friction on the highest design points but retains much of its original luster, especially around the protected areas of the obverse and reverse. The fields are generally smooth, with few contact marks, and toning may range from light silver-gray to richer hues of gold, steel-blue, or rose. The overdate feature remains sharp and visible, which is critical for authentication and for maintaining the coin’s collector value.
Collecting the 1942/41 overdate is popular among both Mercury dime specialists and general error variety collectors. Its widespread recognition and relative scarcity make it a standout within the series. While lower-grade circulated examples are more common, AU pieces are sought after for their preservation of detail and aesthetic beauty. Additionally, this variety is often included in registry sets and variety-focused collections, and examples with original surfaces and no signs of cleaning or damage command strong premiums. A coin in AU condition strikes the perfect balance for many collectors, offering a sharp appearance and historical value without the price of full Mint State coins.
Authentication of the 1942/41 overdate is crucial due to the existence of counterfeits and altered dates. The best way to ensure the variety’s legitimacy is to purchase a certified example from a reputable third-party grading service such as PCGS or NGC. These services verify the variety, grade, and authenticity of the coin, giving collectors peace of mind. In AU condition, certification adds significant value, as even a small amount of wear does not detract from the collectibility or importance of the overdate. Well-centered strikes and clear overdate visibility are especially prized by advanced collectors who demand high quality in their holdings.
The 1942/41 Mercury dime in Almost Uncirculated condition also serves as an important historical artifact. Minted during World War II, the coin circulated at a time when the nation was mobilizing for conflict on a global scale. The Mercury dime itself, with its symbolism of freedom and peace through strength, resonated deeply with Americans of the time. The presence of such a significant minting error during a period of national focus on precision and unity highlights the human element that still existed in coin production. Today, it serves as both a collectible and a conversation piece, linking numismatics to broader historical themes.
The Mercury Dime 1942 over 41 Almost Uncirculated is a remarkable blend of artistry, rarity, and historical significance. Its eye-catching overdate, preserved design detail, and iconic imagery make it a cornerstone of both the Mercury dime series and the larger field of 20th-century U.S. error coins. Whether displayed in a variety set, a World War II-era coin collection, or as a single standout piece, the 1942/41 AU dime remains a tangible link to the past and a treasured example of a time when mistakes at the Mint led to discoveries that would fascinate generations of collectors to come.