1942 is a very common date for Mercury dimes. In worn condition their retail value is about 0.18 X the current price of silver; a metal dealer will pay less.
Look on the back of the coin to see if there's a small mint mark letter next to the E in ONE. It may be blank or there may be a D or S. (The W on the front of the coin is the designer's monogram and not a mint mark.)
Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 08/2014:
No mint mark (Philadelphia):
Very worn condition - $3
Moderately worn - $3
Slightly worn - $4
Almost no wear - $4
Uncirculated - $6 to $425 depending on quality
"D" mint mark (Denver):
Very worn - $3
Moderately worn - $3
Slightly worn - $4
Almost no wear - $4
Uncirculated - $7 to $525
"S" mint mark (San Francisco):
Very worn - $3
Moderately worn - $3
Slightly worn - $4
Almost no wear - $4
Uncirculated - $7 to $112
There are also two rare "overdate" varieties that resulted from a poorly-executed attempt to reuse a 1941 die, causing the "1" to be visible underneath the "2".
No mint mark, 1942/41 overdate:
Very worn - $450
Moderately worn - $480
Slightly worn - $510
Almost no wear - $1,042
Uncirculated - $2,280 to $21,060
"D" mint mark, 1942/41 overdate:
Very worn - $444
Moderately worn - $480
Slightly worn - $504
Almost no wear - $1,258
Uncirculated - $2,430 to $11,060
DISCLAIMER: The retail values quoted are the best available as of the date shown, but may vary significantly due to changes in the precious metals market. Also the wholesale (buying) price of a coin will be less than the selling (retail) price. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation based on inspection of the coin.
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