10 Rare Dimes: Did you know that some coins in your pocket or old coin collection could be worth a fortune? Certain rare dimes and Bicentennial coins have skyrocketed in value, with some fetching up to $250 million at auctions! These small pieces of metal are not just currency; they hold historical significance, minting errors, and extreme rarity, making them highly valuable among collectors.
In this article, we will explore 10 of the rarest dimes and Bicentennial coins, their estimated market values, and what makes them so valuable. Whether you are a coin enthusiast or just curious, this guide will help you identify coins that could potentially change your life.
Overview of the Most Valuable Rare Dimes and Bicentennial Coins
| Coin Name | Estimated Value | Key Feature | Rarity Level |
| 1894-S Barber Dime | Over $2 million | Only 9 known to exist | Extremely rare |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | $200,000+ | First-year low-mintage issue | Very rare |
| 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime | Up to $456,000 | Missing “S” mintmark | Only 2 known |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate | $500 – $10,000+ | Overdate error on the year | Uncommon but valuable |
| 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime | $10,000 – $20,000 | Missing “S” mintmark on proof coin | About 12-15 known |
| 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter | Up to $19,200 | 40% silver content | Rare in high grades |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Double Die | $100 – $1,000+ | Double impression on lettering | Uncommon error |
| 1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar No-S Proof | $10,000 – $20,000 | Missing “S” mintmark | Extremely rare |
| 1976 Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar Type 2 | $50 – $1,000+ | Bold reverse lettering | Less common |
| 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter Struck on Dime Planchet | $5,000 – $10,000+ | Quarter design on dime-sized planchet | Extremely rare error |
Rare Dimes: Hidden Treasures Worth a Fortune
1. 1894-S Barber Dime – The King of Rare Dimes
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the most coveted coins in American numismatics. With only 24 pieces ever minted and just 9 still in existence, this coin is considered a Holy Grail among collectors.
💰 Estimated Value: Over $2 million
📍 Key Fact: Some believe the San Francisco Mint director gave these to banker friends as gifts.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime – A First-Year Rarity
The 1916-D Mercury Dime was minted in Denver, with only 264,000 produced—making it the lowest-mintage Mercury dime. Finding one in pristine condition is incredibly rare.
💰 Estimated Value: $200,000+
📍 Key Fact: Many circulated heavily, making uncirculated versions extremely valuable.
3. 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime – A Modern Rarity
This 1975 Roosevelt Dime was accidentally struck without the San Francisco mintmark, making it one of the rarest modern proof coins.
💰 Estimated Value: Up to $456,000
📍 Key Fact: Only 2 known specimens exist today.
4. 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate – A Minting Mistake Worth Thousands
A minting error resulted in 1942 Mercury dimes being struck over 1941 dies, creating an overdate effect where the “1” is faintly visible under the “2”.
💰 Estimated Value: $500 – $10,000+
📍 Key Fact: Visible under magnification, making it a popular find among error collectors.
5. 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime – A Proof Coin with a Major Mistake
Another No-S mintmark error, this time on a 1968 Roosevelt Dime proof coin, makes this piece highly valuable.
💰 Estimated Value: $10,000 – $20,000
📍 Key Fact: Only 12-15 known examples exist today.
Bicentennial Coins: Historical Collectibles with Sky-High Value
6. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter – A Rare Silver Version
While most Bicentennial quarters are common, the 40% silver proof version is highly valuable in perfect condition.
💰 Estimated Value: Up to $19,200
📍 Key Fact: The MS70 grade version sold for nearly $20,000.
7. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Double Die – A Rare Printing Mistake
A double die error caused some Bicentennial quarters to have doubled lettering, increasing their value significantly.
💰 Estimated Value: $100 – $1,000+
📍 Key Fact: Doubling is most noticeable in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
8. 1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar No-S Proof – A Rare Minting Error
This No-S proof Kennedy Half Dollar was mistakenly struck without its mintmark, making it one of the rarest Bicentennial coins.
💰 Estimated Value: $10,000 – $20,000
📍 Key Fact: Extremely rare, with only a few known examples.
9. 1976 Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar Type 2 – A Bold Lettering Variant
The Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar has bolder lettering on the reverse, distinguishing it from the more common Type 1 version.
💰 Estimated Value: $50 – $1,000+
📍 Key Fact: Less common but still a sought-after collector’s item.
10. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter Struck on a Dime Planchet – A Minting Anomaly
This rare minting error resulted in a quarter being struck on a dime planchet, creating a smaller-than-normal quarter.
💰 Estimated Value: $5,000 – $10,000+
📍 Key Fact: Extremely rare, with only a few examples known.
How to Identify Valuable Coins
✔ Check the Year & Mint Mark – Look for rare dates and missing mintmarks.
✔ Inspect for Errors – Double dies, overdates, or wrong planchet errors increase value.
✔ Evaluate the Condition – Uncirculated coins fetch higher prices.
✔ Weigh & Measure – Rare coins may have unexpected weights or sizes.
✔ Consult a Professional – Get coins authenticated by PCGS or NGC.
Final Thoughts
The world of rare dimes and Bicentennial coins is full of hidden treasures. Whether you find one in your old collection or pocket change, these coins could be worth millions! Keep an eye out for key details, and who knows—you might be sitting on a small fortune.
💬 Have you ever found a rare coin? Let us know in the comments!
