The 1942/41 Mercury dime—featuring a faint “41” beneath the bold “42”—is one of the most celebrated overdate errors in U.S. coinage.
Minted at both the Philadelphia and Denver facilities, this nuanced anomaly stands out for its rarity, historical intrigue, and accessibility to collectors.
While everyday examples are valued at a few hundred dollars, mint-state specimens can fetch $3,000 to $18,500 or more.
What Is an Overdate Error?
An overdate happens when a previously dated hubbed die is reused after re-punching a new date over the old one. With Mercury dimes, the 1942/41 variety occurs when a “41” is visible under the freshly punched “42” on the die. These coins are categorized as Class III doubled dies, where the hub was impressed twice with differing dates.
Dual Mint Varieties: Philadelphia & Denver
- 1942/41-P (Philadelphia):
- Estimated survival: several thousand in circulated condition, with mint-state examples available.
- Value range: $435 in average circulated, up to $18,500+ in high-grade MS.
- 1942/41-D (Denver):
- Considered scarcer than the Philadelphia variety.
- Value range: $404 in circulated to $12,000+ in pristine condition.
This presence across two mints is highly unusual, and contributes to both brands’ collectible appeal.
Why Collectors Treasure the Overdate
- Double-die rarity: Overdates are distinctive and relatively easy to spot under magnification.
- Mint-wide occurrence: Both Philadelphia and Denver struck them, boosting supply but preserving demand.
- Bullish market: Premium examples (Full Bands, MS65+) command top prices; AU–MS65 coins bring thousands.
1942/41 Mercury Dime Value Guide
| Variety | Condition/Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1942/41-P | Circulated (VF–AU) | $400–$600 |
| 1942/41-P | Uncirculated (MS+) | $3,053–$18,501+ |
| 1942/41-D | Circulated (VF–AU) | $404–$600 |
| 1942/41-D | Uncirculated (MS+) | $3,053–$12,028+ |
Identification Tips: How to Spot a Genuine Overdate
- Date inspection: Use a 10× loupe to see a faint “41” ghost underneath the “42.”
- Full Bands assessment: On mint-state pieces, ensure bands on fasces are fully struck for highest premiums.
- Mintmark confirmation: For the Denver variety, locate the “D” mintmark on the reverse right of the fasces.
- Authentication: Submission to PCGS/NGC is advised. The PNC method grades by variety and condition.
Market Trends & Collector Demand
- Incremental value growth: Even EF/AU coins have doubled or tripled in value over the past 10 years.
- MS coin premiums: MS63+ coins can exceed $20,000, driven by rarity and visual quality.
- Accessibility: Moderate prices for circulated errors allow collectors entry into specialized variety collecting.
Popular Overdate Error Values
| Grade | Philadelphia (P) | Denver (D) |
|---|---|---|
| VF–AU | $400–$600 | $404–$600 |
| MS60–MS62 (Full Bands) | $3,000–$6,000 | $3,000–$5,000 |
| MS63–MS65+ (Full Bands) | $8,000–$18,500+ | $6,000–$12,000+ |
Avoiding Counterfeits & Misidentification
- Raised bands: Flat bands across fasces indicate repros or altered coins.
- Inconsistent doubling: Replicas may show smudging or artificial date layering. Authentic overdates show clean, die-based layering.
- Certification check: Always verify with PCGS/NGC and use variety sets or archives for comparison.
Why the 1942/41 Error Stands Out
Unlike rare one-off misstrikes, the 1942/41 is a well-documented, recurring die variety. It merges accessible rarity with striking visual intrigue, spurring broad recognition in catalogs, online communities, and trade shows.
The 1942/41 Mercury dime is more than a minor mint mistake—it’s a highlight of mid-century U.S. numismatics. Its rarity, especially in mint state with full-band quality, drives strong collector demand and formidable prices reaching tens of thousands. For collectors seeking a classic variety error with history and beauty, the 1942/41 Mercury dime checks every box.
FAQs
Q1: How many 1942/41 dimes survive?
PCGS estimates around 3,500 examples of the Philadelphia variety remain, with rare high-grade specimens.
Q2: Can circulated overdates still be valuable?
Yes. Even VF–AU overdate dimes typically range $400–$600 due to rarity and collector interest.
Q3: Is it necessary to get a certified overdate?
Absolutely. Grading by PCGS or NGC verifies authenticity and identifies Full Bands, which significantly affect market value.