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.
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.
Place on auction and see what the market will bear.
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.