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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1941/42 or 42/41? D Silver Dime

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Expert: - 11/22/2008


Question
How do you tell if the dime is a 41 over 42 or vice versa?
I found this dime in my change and knew it was silver. When cleaning I noticed it sometimes looked like the date was '41 then '42. I took it to my jeweler (my eyes aren't great) he saw the same thing I did.

Answer
Jean,

The known variety is the 42 over 41 -- caused by re-engraving of the 42 date over the 41 date so that the old die could be re-used -- coin dies were expensive at that time.

There is a picture of the real thing here :

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/4/0/5/4/7/webimg/158927234_o.jpg

Note that all you see on the real coin is extra little nubs at the bottom of the 4 & 2 -- no where near enough to confuse the 2 with being a 1.

If you have the real thing, it is worth hundreds of dollars, however since you cleaned yours, it will be worth significantly less.

Dan

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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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