How to Spot Rare Errors and Die Variations on the 1938-S Texas Commemorative Half Dollar: A Variety & Error Hunter’s Guide

Most people look right past the tiny details that can turn a common coin into a rarity worth thousands. As an error coin hunter, I’ve spent decades hunched over a loupe, examining the tiniest imperfections on coins that most collectors dismiss as damage — or, worse, don’t even notice at all. The 1938-S Texas Independence Commemorative Half Dollar is one of those coins where the devil is truly in the details. A keen eye can separate a run-of-the-mill MS65 from something far more interesting and valuable.

When a forum thread titled “GTG of this 1938-S Texas Commem. Grade Reveal” recently surfaced, it sparked a fascinating discussion — not just about grading, but about the subtle die characteristics, mint-made anomalies, and identification challenges that make this issue a treasure trove for variety and error enthusiasts. Let me break down exactly what to look for when examining your own 1938-S Texas Commemorative — and why these details matter more than you might think.

Why the 1938-S Texas Commemorative Deserves a Second Look

The 1938-S Texas Independence Commemorative Half Dollar is already a low-mintage issue, with only about 5,000 pieces originally struck at the San Francisco Mint. That alone makes it a desirable coin in any grade. But for the error hunter, the real excitement lies beneath the surface — in the die states, mint mark placements, and subtle production anomalies that can transform an already scarce coin into a genuine rarity.

Texas commemoratives as a series (1934–1938) are known for their relatively soft strikes, generous die polishing, and a variety of die states that advanced collectors actively pursue. The 1938-S, being the final year of the series, often exhibits characteristics from worn or reworked dies. That makes it a prime candidate for die crack analysis and error identification.

Identifying Die Cracks: The Hidden Story Beneath the Surface

One of the most common — and most overlooked — error categories on the 1938-S Texas Commem is die cracking. In the forum thread, a member named Morgan13 raised an excellent question about visible lines on the coin, asking whether they were on the holder or the coin itself. This is precisely the kind of observation that separates casual collectors from serious error hunters.

Here’s what I look for when identifying die cracks on Texas commemoratives:

• Raised, irregular lines: Die cracks appear as raised lines on the coin’s surface because metal flows into the crack in the die during striking. They should feel slightly raised under magnification, not incised or scratched.
• Direction and pattern: Die cracks often follow stress points in the design — around lettering, near the rims, and across high-relief areas like the wing of the eagle or the star on the Texas Commem’s obverse.
• Consistency across the design: A true die crack will appear in the same location on multiple coins from the same die. If you see a line in the same spot on two different 1938-S Texas halves, you may have identified a die marker worth documenting.
• Distinguishing from scratches: Scratches are typically incised (sunken) into the surface and may show metal displacement at the edges. Die cracks are raised and follow no logical “drag” pattern.

In the forum discussion, experienced member @jfriedm56 correctly identified the lines as being on the coin and attributed them to mint-made die polishing rather than damage. This is a critical distinction. Die polishing lines are among the most commonly misidentified features on commemorative half dollars, and understanding them is essential for accurate grading and valuation.

Die Polishing Lines vs. Die Cracks: Knowing the Difference

This brings us to one of the most important distinctions in error coin hunting: the difference between die polishing lines and die cracks. On the 1938-S Texas Commem, both are frequently encountered, and confusing one for the other can lead to misidentification — and missed opportunities.

Die Polishing Lines

Die polishing lines occur when mint technicians polish the die to remove clash marks, rust, or other imperfections. These lines appear on the coin as slightly raised, parallel, or semi-parallel lines that often run in the same direction across a portion of the design. They are mint-made and are not considered errors in the traditional sense, but they are important die state markers that can significantly affect a coin’s numismatic value.

On the 1938-S Texas Commem, die polishing lines are commonly found:

• Across the fields on both obverse and reverse
• Near the lettering, particularly around “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR”
• On the eagle’s wing feathers on the reverse
• Adjacent to the star and wreath elements on the obverse

Die Cracks

Die cracks, by contrast, are stress fractures in the die steel that worsen with each strike. They appear as raised, often jagged or branching lines on the coin. A die crack that develops early in a die’s life will appear on many coins from that die, while a late-stage die crack may appear on only a handful of pieces — making those coins significantly rarer and more desirable to collectors.

Key tip: If you find a 1938-S Texas Commem with a prominent die crack that isn’t listed in the standard references, you may have discovered an unrecorded die state. Document it carefully with high-resolution photographs and consider submitting it to CONECA (Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America) for attribution.

Mint Mark Variations: The “S” That Tells a Story

The 1938-S carries its “S” mint mark on the reverse, positioned above the eagle’s tail feathers and below the “E” in “HALF DOLLAR” (or in some references, near the branch). For error hunters, mint mark variations are a goldmine of collectible varieties.

On the 1938-S Texas Commem, pay close attention to the following:

• Mint mark size and shape: Compare the “S” mint mark across multiple examples. Slight variations in size, serif style, and positioning can indicate different die pairs.
• Mint mark placement: Measure the distance from the mint mark to nearby design elements. Even small positional differences can signify distinct die varieties.
• Repunched mint marks (RPMs): While less commonly documented on Texas commemoratives than on Morgan dollars, repunched mint marks do occur on this series. Look for doubling, shadows, or misalignment within the mint mark itself under 10x magnification.

In the forum thread, one member noted what appeared to be toning marks near the “S” in “OF” — a reminder that environmental factors can sometimes mimic or obscure genuine mint-made features. Always examine toning patterns carefully and distinguish them from die characteristics. A natural patina can enhance eye appeal, but it shouldn’t be confused with a production anomaly.

Double Die Identification: The Holy Grail for Error Hunters

While no major double die varieties are widely recognized for the 1938-S Texas Commemorative, the possibility should never be ruled out. Double dies occur when the hub impresses the die in slightly different positions, creating a visible doubling of design elements. Finding one on this issue would be a career-defining discovery.

What to Look For

When examining your 1938-S Texas Commem for potential doubling, focus on these areas:

1. Lettering: Check “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” “TEXAS INDEPENDENCE,” and “HALF DOLLAR” for any evidence of splitting or shadowing.
2. Date: The “1938” should be examined closely. Look for doubling on individual numerals, particularly the “3” and “8.”
3. Design elements: The star, eagle’s wing, wreath, and all other major design features should be scrutinized for misalignment or doubling.
4. Mottoes: “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “REMEMBER THE ALAMO” are prime candidates for doubling detection due to their fine lettering.

Pro tip: Use at least a 10x loupe, and preferably a stereo microscope at 15x–30x, when searching for doubling. Natural light or a daylight-balanced LED lamp will reveal details that overhead fluorescent lighting can hide. I’ve personally caught doubling under good lighting that I completely missed under a desk lamp — lighting matters more than most people realize.

Specific Errors and Varieties to Target on the 1938-S Texas Commem

Based on my experience grading and examining Texas commemoratives over the years, here are the specific errors and varieties that every error hunter should be targeting on the 1938-S issue:

1. Die Clash Marks

Die clashes occur when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them, transferring design elements from one side to the other. On the 1938-S Texas Commem, look for ghosting of reverse design elements (eagle, legends) visible on the obverse fields, traces of obverse design (star, wreath) visible on the reverse, and unexplained raised areas in the fields that don’t correspond to the intended design.

2. Cud Breaks

A cud is a raised, blob-like area on the coin caused by a piece of the die breaking away entirely. Cuds near the rim of the 1938-S Texas Commem are particularly collectible because they’re visually dramatic and relatively uncommon on this issue. A well-positioned cud can dramatically increase both the rarity and the collectibility of an already scarce coin.

3. Off-Center Strikes

While not die varieties per se, off-center strikes of the 1938-S Texas Commem are highly sought after. Even a 5–10% off-center strike can significantly increase the coin’s value, especially if the date and mint mark remain fully visible. The strike quality on Texas commemoratives is already a known issue, so an off-center example stands out even more.

4. Broadstrike Errors

A broadstrike occurs when the collar die fails to contain the planchet during striking, causing the coin to spread outward. The result is a wider-than-normal coin with a flat, unreeded edge. Broadstruck 1938-S Texas Commems are rare and command strong premiums — I’ve seen examples fetch two to three times the price of a standard mint state piece.

5. Die Deterioration Doubling

As dies wear near the end of their useful life, they can produce a form of doubling known as die deterioration doubling (DDD). This is distinct from a true hub doubling and appears as a bloated, irregular doubling of design elements. Late die state 1938-S Texas Commems are the most likely candidates. Learning to distinguish DDD from genuine hub doubling is a skill that will serve you well across the entire commemorative series.

Grading Considerations: How Errors Affect the Grade

The forum thread’s grade reveal discussion is instructive for error hunters. The consensus among experienced graders landed between MS65 and MS66, with some members even suggesting MS67. But here’s what matters for error hunters: the presence of mint-made errors does not necessarily lower a coin’s grade.

The key distinction is between mint-made and post-mint damage. Mint-made features — die cracks, die polishing, doubling, clash marks — are part of the coin’s production story and are generally not penalized in grading unless they are severe enough to disrupt the overall eye appeal. Post-mint damage — scratches, dents, cleaning marks, environmental damage — will lower the grade and should never be confused with mint-made errors.

In the thread, member Jim noted a “black lengthy scuff looking mark to the left of right facing wing and spot on star” that he believed would prevent a grade of MS66. This is an excellent example of the kind of post-mint mark that graders penalize — and that error hunters must learn to distinguish from genuine mint-made features.

Actionable takeaway: When buying or selling a 1938-S Texas Commem with visible die characteristics, always document whether those characteristics are mint-made or post-mint. A coin with attractive die polishing lines or a minor die crack may grade the same as — or even higher than — a “clean” example, because the die characteristics add to the coin’s story without detracting from its eye appeal. Provenance and clear documentation of mint-made features can only help your case.

Building a Reference Collection: Practical Steps for Error Hunters

If you’re serious about hunting errors on the 1938-S Texas Commemorative, here’s my recommended approach:

1. Acquire a quality reference library: Start with the Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars by Van Allen and Mallis for die variety methodology, and supplement with specialized Texas commemorative references. Understanding the broader context of die variety identification will sharpen your eye for this specific issue.
2. Invest in proper equipment: A stereo microscope (10x–45x), a high-quality digital camera with macro capability, and consistent lighting are non-negotiable. I cannot stress this enough — the right tools will pay for themselves many times over.
3. Join a specialized club: CONECA and the Society of Silver Dollar Collectors both maintain error and variety databases that can help you identify and attribute your finds. The collectibility of your discoveries often depends on proper attribution.
4. Document everything: Photograph every coin you examine, even if it shows no errors. Building a visual database of “normal” coins makes it easier to spot anomalies when they appear. I wish I had started doing this earlier in my own collecting journey.
5. Network with other collectors: The forum thread we’ve been discussing is a perfect example of how community knowledge advances the hobby. Share your findings, ask questions, and contribute to the collective understanding of this fascinating issue.

The Investment Angle: Why Error Coins Outperform

As one forum member wisely noted, “Texas Commems — Always a good investment.” This is especially true for error and variety examples. While a standard MS65 1938-S Texas Commem might trade for a few hundred dollars, a well-documented die variety or dramatic error on the same issue can command multiples of that price.

The market for error coins has grown significantly in recent years, driven by increased awareness, better attribution resources, and a new generation of collectors who value the story behind the imperfection. The 1938-S Texas Commem, with its low mintage and rich die variety potential, is perfectly positioned to benefit from this trend.

Key investment considerations:

• Coins with PCGS or NGC error designations (such as “Die Crack,” “Polished Die,” or “Doubled Die”) typically command higher premiums than unattributed examples. Third-party attribution adds credibility and liquidity.
• Early die state examples with sharp, well-defined details and strong luster are generally more desirable than late die state pieces showing heavy deterioration.
• Eye appeal matters enormously: A beautifully toned 1938-S Texas Commem with a minor die crack will always outsell a dull, lackluster example with the same error. Never underestimate the power of original surfaces and attractive patina.

Conclusion: The 1938-S Texas Commemorative — A Microcosm of Error Hunting

The 1938-S Texas Independence Commemorative Half Dollar is far more than a low-mintage commemorative with an attractive design. For the error coin hunter, it represents a microcosm of everything that makes this niche of numismatics so rewarding: the thrill of discovery, the satisfaction of correct identification, and the knowledge that a tiny die crack or subtle mint mark variation can transform a common coin into something truly special.

The forum discussion that inspired this article perfectly illustrates the collaborative spirit of the error hunting community. From Morgan13’s careful observation of die polishing lines, to @jfriedm56’s expert attribution, to the spirited grade-guessing that ranged from MS64 to MS67, every post contributed to a deeper understanding of this remarkable coin.

Whether you’re a seasoned variety collector or just beginning to explore the world of error coins, the 1938-S Texas Commem offers an accessible and rewarding entry point. Its relatively modest price point (compared to, say, Morgan dollar varieties) means you can build a meaningful collection without breaking the bank, while its genuine die variety potential means there are still discoveries waiting to be made.

So the next time you encounter a 1938-S Texas Commemorative — at a coin show, in an auction lot, or even in a forum thread — don’t just look at the grade on the holder. Pick up that loupe. Examine the fields, the lettering, the mint mark, and the rim. Look for the tiny details that most people look right past. Because somewhere on that coin, there may be a story that no one has told yet — and you might be the one to tell it.

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