I would have to see a picture, but likely someone put the "V" there after it left the mint which would make it post mint damage. That date is very common and has a silver value of less than $1.50 based on today's market (1-2-14).
There is no such thing as a Mercury nickel. See the related question below.
The Monetary Value is 10 cents. The intrinsic value is about $2.50. The numismatic value is $3.00.
The value is $3 if it is in mint condition. $2 if circulated.
Mercury Head dimes dated from 1940 to 1945 regardless of mintmarks (if any) are very common. Coins in average circulated condition have a retail value of $3.00
Average retail value of a VF Mercury dime is $3.00. As of 3-23-11 the silver value is $2.60 for each coin.
There is no such thing as a Mercury nickel. See the related question below.
This is a very common date for Mercury dimes. If it has any wear at all the value is for the silver, about $2.00.
The Monetary Value is 10 cents. The intrinsic value is about $2.50. The numismatic value is $3.00.
Place on auction and see what the market will bear.
Mercury dimes were not made in 1842. These are know as Liberty Seated dimes. Your 1942 Mercury dime would be worth around $3 for it's weight in silver. Note- If your 1942 date is stamped over a 1941 date you have a rare coin. You should get it authenticated.
The value is $3 if it is in mint condition. $2 if circulated.
Mercury Head dimes dated from 1940 to 1945 regardless of mintmarks (if any) are very common. Coins in average circulated condition have a retail value of $3.00
1942 is not a rare date for Mercury dimes. In circulated condition, it has about 75 cents worth of silver in it. A nice uncirculated one is worth about $5
Average retail value of a VF Mercury dime is $3.00. As of 3-23-11 the silver value is $2.60 for each coin.
That generic description could apply to both a 1942 half-dollar and a dime. Please see the appropriate question for more information: "What is the value of a 1942 US half dollar?" "What is the value of a 1942 Mercury dime?"
Retail values for circulated coins are $2.00-$3.00 Mint state coins are $5.00
The "aw' you see is just the monogram of the designer Adolph Weinman, it's on every Mercury head dime. 1942 is a very common year so if the coin shows any wear at all the value is about $2.00 just for the silver.