The 1938 D Mercury Dime

Mercury head dimes were popular ten-cent pieces produced by the United States Mint from 1916 to 1945. The 1938 D Mercury dime is a late series coin minted in Denver, Colorado. This dime is made of 90% Silver which makes it valuable to collectors and non-collectors alike. It is more properly referred to as the Winged Liberty Head Dime. Many of the public mistook Adolph Weinman’s design featuring a young Liberty for a depiction of the Roman god Mercury, and a nickname was born.

Issues with the Mercury Dime

The Mercury Dime was very popular amongst collectors, but it still faced several obstacles. One Minneapolis newspaper dubbed it the "battle ax" or "golf" dime, reflecting a lack of knowledge concerning the fasces. A letter to the editor in the January 1917 “The Numismatist” appears to be the first numismatic reference to the coin by the nickname "Mercury,” even though the coin is a depiction of Liberty. These misnomers and misidentifications have proven everlasting for the Mercury dime, which is still called such today.

1938 D Mercury Dime Value

The 1938 D Mercury Dime is a wonderful and exciting coin to add to your collection. Like many older coins, the value is tied to the condition of the coin. On a Mercury Dime, you should look for a clear image of Liberty in a winged cap, with “LIBERTY,” and “In God We Trust” clearly visible on the obverse. The reverse will feature a fasces with an olive branch, as well as the denomination mark. Highly circulated coins are worth two dollars and twenty-five cents, but a mint, uncirculated coin is worth seven dollars. Unfortunately, the 1938-D is not one of the rare mercury dimes in the series.

 

Type of coin: Dime

Year: 1938

Mint Mark: Denver

Total mintage: 5,537,000

Metal content: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

Face value: Ten Cents

Weight: 2.5 grams

Edge: Reeded

Designer: Adolph Weinman

Diameter: 17.91 millimeters