The Philadelphia and Denver mints utilized the letters “P” and “D,” respectively, while the San Francisco mint used an “S.” To establish where your 1942 Dime was created, each mint imprinted a distinctive mint mark near the year of mintage (1942 in this case). The design is simple and elegant, expressing the principles that the United States represents: liberty, peace, strength, and independence.Įven more interesting is that the 1942 Dime was struck at three distinct US mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The fasces and olive branches are positioned to form a triangle, a sign of stability and security. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DIME” surround the design, while the inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” sits towards the right. It has a fasces surrounded by a leather strap, which depicts war and justice, and an olive branch, representing peace. Weinman designed the reverse side of the 1942 Dime as well. The design has already appeared on various coins and is still one of American coinage’s most iconic and identifiable designs.Īdolph A. Weinman (AW), a well-known American sculptor and medallist. The picture of Lady Liberty on the 1942 Dime was designed by Adolph A. While the year “1942” sits just below her neck, the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed on the left, near the bottom of the coin.Ī conspicuous monogram also displays “AW” on the coin in reference to the designer. The word “LIBERTY” is etched over her head, reminding us of one of America’s founding principles.

She’s wearing a Phrygian crown, a symbol of victory and achievement, which adds to the design’s elegance. The depiction of Lady Liberty on the obverse of the coin-assumed to be the Roman god Mercury -portrays her strength and grace as she gazes off to the left.

Other technical details of the coin include a weight of 2.5 g and a 17.9 mm diameter. The change was made to conserve copper for the war effort, and other military uses. Instead of mostly copper, it comprises 90% silver and only 10% copper. This 10-cent coin was minted when the country was at war and needed to conserve resources, explaining why its composition differs from other coins. The 1942 Dime is a unique coin in the world of American numismatics.

Designer: Adolph A Weinman (obverse and reverse).

Mint: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.

So, let’s dive in and explore what makes the 1942 Dime special! The 1942 Dime Detailsīelow is a summary of the coin’s information: So, whether you’re a coin collector or just curious about the 1942 Dime, there’s a lot to learn and discover about this little coin that packs a big punch. The 1942 Dime Value and Varieties Guides.

1942 mercury s dime