1938 is not a rare date for Mercury dimes. In lower grades its value is mostly determined by the silver it contains, about 0.072 troy oz.
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; more below)
Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 03/2012:
With average wear, regardless of mint mark: $4
No mint mark (Philadelphia):
Almost no wear - $7
Uncirculated - $11 to $350 depending on quality
"D" mint mark (Denver):
Slightly worn - $5
Almost no wear - $10
Uncirculated - $17 to $225
"S" mint mark (San Francisco):
Almost no wear - $8
Uncirculated - $18 to $690
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.
The W "mint mark"Many people are confused by the W on the front of Mercury dimes. It's the initial of the coin's designer, A. A. Weinman and does NOT stand for the West Point Mint. West Point didn't start striking coins until the 1980s and in any case the mint mark was located on the back side of most US Coins prior to 1968.This coin in circulated condition is valued around $3. If it is uncirculated they are worth around $30.
A 1926 Mercury dime is common, average value is $3.00-$6.00 depending on the condition of the coin.
That's off by about 65 years. Mercury dimes were minted from 1916 to 1945. A dime from 1853 would be called a Liberty dime or Liberty Seated dime.
Mercury dimes were minted from 1916 to 1945. Your coin is called a Barber dime, after its designer Charles Barber.
a 1936 dime is called a mercury dime. they aren't rare so they are worth around a dollar
Average values are $2.25 to $3.50 for most circulated 1938 Mercury head dimes.
The 1938 Mercury dime is common. Average circulated coins are $4.00.
This coin in circulated condition is valued around $3. If it is uncirculated they are worth around $30.
The first MERCURY dime was struck in 1916
dime = 10 cents
A 1926 Mercury dime is common, average value is $3.00-$6.00 depending on the condition of the coin.
Mercury dimes were struck from 1916-1945. A 1907 dime is called a Barber (1892-1916) dime. It's a common date coin with a average value of $3.00.
Now. Check the following link for Mercury dime prices.
Please check your coin again and post a new, separate question.> There are no buffalo dimes> Buffalo nickels were minted from 1913 to 1938.> All 1938 dimes carry the famous "Mercury head" portrait of Miss Liberty.
That's off by about 65 years. Mercury dimes were minted from 1916 to 1945. A dime from 1853 would be called a Liberty dime or Liberty Seated dime.
The US never minted a flowing-hair dime. A dime from 1937 would be a Winged Liberty dime, normally called a "Mercury" dime because the wings on Miss Liberty's cap make her resemble the Roman god Mercury. Please see the question "What is the value of a 1937 Mercury dime?" for more information.
A '44 Mercury dime is worth about $2.50.