1941 10C PR62 Certification #27648607, PCGS #5076

Charles Morgan

The iconic Mercury Dime, designed by Adolph A. Weinman, was a staple of American commerce from 1916 through 1945. However, Proof versions were only struck for a brief window between 1936 and 1942. During this period, collectors could order indivdual Proof denominations by paying a small premium per coin or purchase a complete "set" featuring one coin of each denomination. This flexible ordering system explains why mintage totals vary across denominations; for the 1941 Lincoln Cent Proof (BN #3348, RB #3349, RD #3350) reached a high of 21,100 pieces, while the 1941 Washington Quarter Proof (#5980) saw the lowest production. From a collecting standpoint, these mintage gaps do not greatly hinder the assembly of a complete year set.

According to numismatic researcher Roger Burdette, the Philadelphia Mint made 29 distinct deliveries of Proof Mercury dimes in 1941. These deliveries typically consisted of 503 or 603 pieces and remained consistent throughout the year, with the exception of a production break in July. It is important to note that the final mintage figures do not reflect the total number of coins struck. Burdette reports that approximately 20% of production was rejected due to quality control standards, ensuring only the finest specimens reached collectors.

* Source: Burdette, Roger. United States Proof Coins 1936-1942. Seneca Mill Press.

Die Varieties and the Elusive "Cameo"

The Philadelphia Mint utilized five obverse and six reverse dies to strike the 1941 Proofs. While nearly every coin left the press with a uniform, glassy brilliance across both the fields and devices, the use of fresh die pairs created the potential for Cameo contrast.

Despite this potential, Cameo designations are nearly nonexistent for this year. To date, only a single specimen has been certified by any service with the distinction and the present author has not personally reviewed the coin to determine the depth of its Cameo frost and the coin is not in a PCGS holder.

Modern Condition and Eye Appeal

Today, a "brilliant" 1941 Mercury Dime Proof is often the result of professional dipping (PCGS offers a professional restoration service that may improve the eye appeal of your toned coin), as most surviving examples have naturally developed some degree of toning over the decades.

• Toned Examples: Specimens with attractive, multi-colored toning are highly sought after and typically command a significant market premium.
• Brilliant Examples: While "blast white" coins exist, collectors should inspect them closely for hairlines- a sign of an improper cleaning.

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