NEWP! Crusty 1942/1 Mercury Dime... one of my favorite varieties
airplanenut
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The 1942/1 mercury dime is one of my favorite varieties: it's in the Red Book so I've known about it since I was a kid, and it is striking--there's no missing it. The coin has been on my list for a long time, but only within the last year or so did I start to look for one in earnest. My ideal grade based on details remaining and cost (thus maximizing overall value) was an XF. I looked at lots of example and came to realize a few things:
-A lot of the examples on the market are ugly, whether they have chattery surfaces, unappealing color, or something else that results in my not wanting them.
-The above notwithstanding, many sellers still ask premium money for these coins
-A really nice VF can blow a ho-hum XF out of the water any day
With those three thoughts in mind, when I first saw this piece, I paused for a minute. The price being asked was strong, but as a VF35 (PCGS), it was still cheaper than most XF examples. I didn't bite immediately, but I kept going back to look at it again and again. I pinged @MFeld who suggested I call the dealer to confirm the surfaces were as original as they looked in the photos (I'd previously shown Mark other examples, including ones I didn't think he'd approve of, and appreciated the chance to pick his brain about what makes for a really nice example... and what doesn't).
I made the call and bit the bullet. And boy is this a great piece! Super original with wonderful color, nice details for the grade, and really nothing to complain about, especially near the date. I overpaid compared to what a normal VF would go for, but it wasn't that much more, and I got a lot more coin for the money. Just the same, I saved quite a bit by not getting an XF, and I don't think I lost much in the details department with that trade. I certainly didn't see any XF for sale in all the time I was looking I'd have rather had than this coin, even if the prices were the same. Surface quality and color far outweigh a small increase in detail.
Hope you like it!
Comments
I like the bold overdate. Nice addition!
Congratulations, Jeremy! Very well done - I’m glad you’re so happy with the coin. Your patience is admirable and sets a great example for other collectors.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
This is one fabulous 1942/1 example. Amazing!
Dave
VERY NICE! Great example.....
"When they can't find anything wrong with you, they create it!"
I always thought the 1942/1 was a really cool coin, as well, and the one you acquired is fabulous!
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
As others have stated the ones you can easily see are better. This is one.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=wwmUMvhy-lY - Pink Me And Bobby McGee
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https://youtube.com/watch?v=D0FPxuQv2ns - Ruby Starr (from 'Go Jim Dandy') Maybe I'm Amazed
RLJ 1958 - 2023
Nice coin, it's one of my favorites too. You don't need a microscope or a vivid imagination to see this overdate. My only wish is that it would have happened on a Walker, since it's a larger coin!
10-4,
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If only they could have brought the silver dollar out of retirement to really maximize the size!
If a silver dollar could have qualified, why not a $20 gold piece? A Pan Pac (or territorial gold) $50, perhaps?😉
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
That is a nice example! Congrats.
Well a silver dollar has a larger diameter than a gold $20. I thought about the $50, but let's keep this realistic with circulating coins
Also they could have encased them in a magnifying glass holder to make it so that even those who are vision impaired would be able to see all the details.
Beautiful example, Jeremy!
Awesome piece. Love how original it looks. Love the 1942/1 merc. One I've always wanted from flipping through the redbook. I actually bought an example myself online and it recently arrived. I can't wait till I'm home for the holiday weekend to see it in person.
Collector
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That's also one of my favorite varieties, strangely I still don't have one.
I like your example there!
Collector, occasional seller
Really nice! Great coin.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
That is an awesome example! Congrats!
Congrats!
The best part about the 42/1 is even if you can't afford a VF the date is just as bold on even lower grades.
Bought this from JJ Teaparty last fall...
I've always liked this variety, too. My grandfather got one in his change on a coffee break in the 1950s, and it is a treasured heirloom to this day. Every time I look at this coin, I think about how much joy it must've brought him. How proud he mustve been to bring that home and show my young father.
Pop's special coin:
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
That’s the best one. I can never understand why the 1942/1D is priced so high when the overdate is not impressive, actually crummy
I really like your coin. Ever since I was a kid I looked for one in 90% Silver. No luck. After my son found the 1919 double die he really wanted a 42/1. I finally found one at this year's ANA that called out to me.
Great looking coin, Jeremy.
All the 42/1-D did was serve to get me excited when it would show up on a search, and then the big letdown when I saw the mintmark.
The best part of having a coin with a great story is when it’s a great coin, too. Wonderful piece you have there!
I bring some of my fun stuff into the office to show a few coworkers. This was the first coin for which I also brought my loupe.
Outstanding example!! That is an example that I would purchase. For a circulated dime it's got some great eye appeal. Lady Liberty has an almost cameo effect due to the dark areas surrounding her and the devices. It's just dark enough to look natural. I just don't like the look of bright circulated coins. You did great and the patience paid off.
Congrats! Hope you bring it to Tukwilla to show off.
@airplanenut... That is a great coin Jeremy.... Having watched your acquisitions and commentary over the years, I know when you get a coin, it is a good one. Cheers, RickO
Just made a note... it's a tough week, but I think I can be sick that Friday
I like when history is established and told for a particular coin. I gave in and got my own 1942/1 dime this year:
Well, just Love coins, period.
My example. Always loved this variety too. These pics were taken years ago on a Canon S2 IS.
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such a cool overdate. I'll post my 42/1 D just so folks can see how hard they have to squint to see the overdate!
...and then still not see it