Rampant speculation was that it was sculpted after Wallace Stevens’ wife, Elsie. No one ever came forward as being whom the coin is modeled after. The Mercury Dime model was never mentioned by Adolph Weinman, the designer of the coin.

The dime was beautifully crafted, but there were instances throughout its history when the dime and its creator both experienced criticism. Between 19, the Mercury Dime was one of the most popular circulating designs. Though popular, the Mercury Dime was not met without controversy. Phrygian caps are sometimes referred to as Liberty caps, representing freedom and liberty. Though not its original intent, the name Mercury Dime was thus used during its time in circulation. Upon inception of the coin, many in the public believed the cap to look to the Roman god, Mercury. The Mercury Dime gets its name from confusion over the look of the Phrygian cap atop Liberty. The reverse features a fasces and olive branch. Caps of this nature were worn by many people in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, and more appropriately, Phrygia. The obverse features Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, a conical cap often worn pulled forward. More than you’re your typical dime, there are unique identifiers of the Mercury Dime. With the aid of a magnifying glass your 1942 dimes are worth a second look.A Mercury Dime is a ten-cent coin produced by the U.S. In the past many circulated long enough to wear considerably, leading to the possibility of finding one in any box of old coins. The close up picture of the date shows the over punching of numerals is very clear. When an uncirculated 1942/41 enters the market values often reach over $1500. Many collectors of Mercury dimes consider the coin as part of a complete set, creating a solid demand. Pictured is an example with light even wear and in this condition sold at a David Lawrence Rare Coin Auction for $634. Few were released into circulation and when discovered collectors realized the scarcity and soon began the rise in value of the coin. Coins minted using this die show a clear 2 over 1 date. A rare 1942 Mercury dime was created by the mint when preparing a die, the number '2' was punched over a '1' when the date was applied.

1942 mercury dime uncirculated