1938 Mercury Dime

About This Coin

The 1938 Mercury Dime is a United States dime from the Mercury Dimes 1916-1945 series — 20th of 27 years in the series. In 1938, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 35.8 million. This ranks 8th of 27 years by total mintage, below the series median of 56.6 million. The obverse features young Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom of thought — often called the "Mercury" dime despite not depicting the Roman god and the reverse displays a Roman fasces — a bundle of rods with an axe — entwined with an olive branch, symbolizing strength through unity tempered by peace. Struck during the Great Depression, when mintages dropped sharply and the United States abandoned the gold standard in 1933. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.5 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have identified 5 known die varieties for this date, including doubled die obverse, repunched mint mark, spiked head. Across its variants, estimated values range from $7 to $380 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $32K in PR68 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman.