This is a unique Silver Cent for the date and mint mark. A silver dime planchet intended for striking a Mercury Dime at the San Francisco Branch Mint was struck by Cent dies.

Silver Cents prior to 1940 are very scarce. Most are extremely circulated, damaged, or both. Although circulated, this example is in a very pleasing grade, showing all the detail, and is full size (19 mm) as the silver Dime planchet expanded in the Cent collar as it was struck.

Milt Cohen assembled one of the greatest mint error collections of all time. This 1938-S Cent struck on a silver Dime planchet was originally in his collection. I personally assisted Milt Cohen in the 1970's as he assembled his amazing mint error collection, selling him many off-metals, off-centers, and transitional mint errors. Mint Error News published an article on the Milt Cohen Collection, and this unique Silver Cent is listed on page 18.

The Milt Cohen Collection

Editor's Note:

I personally assisted Milt Cohen as he assembled his amazing mint error collection. I sold him many off-metals, off-centers, and transitional mint errors.

Natalie Halpern was a well known mint error dealer many years ago. She sold the Mint Cohen collection which included many unique and finest known mint errors. It is fascinating to not only view all of the rarities that were in his collection, but also to remember where some of them have gone over the years.

Off-Metal Errors are featured in
my NLG Award winning book,
World's Greatest Mint Errors.