1938 Mercury Dime Proof

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Benjamin-46, Aug 31, 2019.

  1. Benjamin-46

    Benjamin-46 New Member

    Hi, I just got into coin collecting a few months ago. I have since bought a 1938 Proof dime on Ebay. I was very skeptical that this was actually a proof dime, as less than 9000 were made in 1938. But I figured that I could buy, look at it, and return if needed.

    The coin arrived today. It has a nice shinny, mirror-like finish. But when I took high resolution pictures of the coin, I saw obvious scratches across Lady Liberty. Is this what they call a "Whizzed coin"?
     
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  3. Benjamin-46

    Benjamin-46 New Member

  4. derkerlegand

    derkerlegand Well-Known Member

    metal flow in fields, and rounded rims questionable
     
    Last edited: Aug 31, 2019
    Spark1951 likes this.
  5. TheFinn

    TheFinn Well-Known Member

    This is not a proof. It is a polished coin.

    If you can't tell what a proof should look like, you should only by certified coins from PCGS, NGC, ANACS or ICG.
     
  6. PlanoSteve

    PlanoSteve Well-Known Member

    Welcome to CT @Benjamin-46! :happy:

    Yikes!!!!!!!.....returning it is required! :smuggrin: You're right on both counts - it is whizzed, & it is not a proof.

    Go to a coin show (or at least a local coin shop) & see first hand, in hand, what a proof looks like. For that matter, look at examples of any coins you are interested in, in person (in hand) to see what they should look like in different grades.

    I'm not sure you are ready yet to assess & purchase raw coins off the internet. :happy:
     
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  7. Benjamin-46

    Benjamin-46 New Member

    Thanks, for the replies and suggestions! I do know what a proof coin looks like. I was just too tempted to to own a rare one from 1938. And postage is free, each way.
     
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  8. Kentucky

    Kentucky Supporter! Supporter

    Whizzed and polished to death!
     
  9. spirityoda

    spirityoda Coin Junky

    That coin has be polished/cleaned to its death. Return it right away.
     
    I_like_Morgans likes this.
  10. Heavymetal

    Heavymetal Well-Known Member

  11. MeowtheKitty

    MeowtheKitty Well-Known Member

    Yep, Meow would return it if you paid thinking you where getting a proof. It is most definitely not one.
     
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  12. johnmilton

    johnmilton Well-Known Member

    It is a heavily polished or whizzed Mercury Dime. It's not a Proof.

    I don't have a 1938 Proof dime, but here is a 1936 Proof dime which has a similar look.

    1936 Proof Dime O.jpg 1936 Proof Dime R.jpg

    And here is a 1939 Proof Dime.

    1939 Dime Cam 2 O.jpg 1939 Dime Cam 2 R.jpg
     
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  13. wxcoin

    wxcoin Getting no respect since I was a baby

    Nice coins. The squared rims and the sharpness of the devices are good indicators of a proof in any series. The OP's coin is definitely not a proof.
     
  14. coinsareus10

    coinsareus10 Well-Known Member

    Ask, before you buy.:)
     
    spirityoda likes this.
  15. Nathan F

    Nathan F Well-Known Member

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