1942/1-D Mercury Dime. FS-101. MS-66+ FB (PCGS). CAC. Here is a phenomenal example of this popular and eagerly sought overdate in the Mercury dime series. Brilliant and highly lustrous, both sides are frosty in texture with a very smooth appearance for the assigned grade. Striking detail is razor sharp not only in the centers, but also at the borders, where the rims are crisp and distinct from the peripheral design elements. A true "wonder coin" among 1942/1-D dimes, and sure to sell for a strong premium.The popular 1942/1 and 1942/1-D owe their existence to the chaotic conditions of the wartime Philadelphia Mint. Tasked with churning out immense quantities of coins to fuel the United States economy during World War II, the engraving department at the Mint often produced coinage dies for multiple years at the same time. One such occasion was at the end of 1941, when dies for both 1941- and 1942-dated dimes were being prepared. During that era two impressions from the hub were required to impart full detail to a working die. In at least two instances, an obverse die for the Mercury dime received its first impression from a 1941-dated hub but its second from a hub dated 1942. One of these dies was shipped to the Denver Mint and was used to strike the 1942/1-D, as here; the other remained in the Philadelphia Mint and is responsible for the 1942/1.The Denver Mint overdate was discovered by Delma K. Romines in 1962, and widely publicized. However, by that time all or nearly all had been placed into circulation with the result that the average condition was apt to be VF or EF. Curiously the Denver Mint coins do come with sharper strikes, so when a Mint State coin is found, it most likely will have the desired Full Bands strike. Even so, the present example is a remarkable strike and condition rarity that would serve as a highlight in the finest Mercury dime set.
