Hobbies And Interests
Proof Set
The U.S. Mint began issuing proof sets in 1936. Proof coins are made with a specialized die that is highly polished and cleaned after every several uses, which produces coins with quality unparalleled by coins that are put into general circulation. The 1938 proof set contains sealed copies of the Walking Liberty half dollar, the Washington quarter, the Mercury dime, the Jefferson nickel and the Lincoln penny. All but the penny are composed primarily of silver. Only about 8,000 of these sets were issued, and they regularly fetch more than $1,000 as of the time of publication.
Commemoratives
The Mint issued several commemorative coins in 1938, representing such achievements as the independence of Texas, the exploits of Daniel Boone, the Arkansas centennial and the 250th anniversary of New Rochelle, New York. The same size as the half dollar and composed mostly of silver, these coins can be quite collectible today. The Boone commemorative is the most affordable, as examples in a clean grade of uncirculated (MS-60) sell for about $100 to $150 as of the time of publication.
Buffalo Nickel
This five-cent piece that featured a profile of a Native American on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse ceased circulation in 1938, giving way to the current design that honors Thomas Jefferson. The 1938 buffalo nickel is harder to find than earlier issues, as only about 7 million copies were minted before production ended. In common grades such as good (G-4) or fair (F-12), the coin can be bought for only a few dollars. Uncirculated copies tend to sell for $20 to $30.
Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Often cited as one of the more beautiful American coin designs, the 1938 half dollar features a walking Liberty on the obverse, with he robe flowing in the wind. The eagle on the reverse spreads its wings as if about to take off. This coin sells for about $5 in good and fair conditions. Look for the rare Denver issue featuring the "D" mintmark. Less than half a million copies were struck, and each is worth about 20 times the value of 1938 half dollars minted in Philadelphia.