Top 10 Rare Dimes: than just currency—they are hidden treasures. In this article, we will explore 10 rare dimes and a Bicentennial quarter that have shocked the numismatic world with their astonishing values. Could you be holding one of these rare coins without even knowing it? Let’s find out!
Overview of the Most Valuable Dimes and Bicentennial Quarter
| Coin | Year | Value (Up To) | Notable Feature | Rarity |
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | $2 million | Only 9 known to exist | Extremely rare |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | $200,000+ | First-year Denver issue | Highly valuable |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime (Overdate) | 1942 | $50,000 | 1941 date over 1942 | Uncommon |
| 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime (Proof) | 1975 | $450,000+ | No “S” mint mark | Extremely rare |
| 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime (Proof) | 1968 | $30,000 | No “S” mint mark on proof | Very rare |
| 1844 Seated Liberty Dime | 1844 | $50,000 | Low mintage | Scarce |
| 1860 Seated Liberty Dime | 1860 | $100,000 | Transitional design | Rare |
| 1874-CC Seated Liberty Dime | 1874 | $200,000 | Carson City mint issue | Very rare |
| 1798/7 Draped Bust Dime | 1798 | $200,000+ | Overdate variety | Extremely rare |
| 1822 Capped Bust Dime | 1822 | $100,000 | Low mintage | Scarce |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | $19,200 | Silver proofs & errors | Limited mintage |
1. 1894-S Barber Dime – The $2 Million Rarity
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest U.S. coins ever made. With only 24 pieces minted and just 9 known to exist today, this dime is highly sought after. Some believe these dimes were struck as gifts for influential bankers. One of these coins even sold for $1.9 million in 2007.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime – A First-Year Rarity Worth $200,000+
This coin marks the first year of the Mercury dime design, but the Denver Mint only produced 264,000 of them. Finding one in pristine condition is extremely difficult, making high-grade specimens worth over $200,000.
3. 1942/1 Mercury Dime – The Overdate Error Worth Up to $50,000
A rare minting mistake led to a 1942 date being struck over a 1941 die, creating a visible overdate. Depending on the condition, this error coin can fetch anywhere from $500 to $50,000.
4. 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime – The $450,000 Modern Rarity
This dime was accidentally struck without the “S” mint mark at the San Francisco Mint. Since only two examples are known, this proof coin is among the rarest modern U.S. coins, with one selling for $456,000 in 2019.
5. 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime – A Hidden Treasure Worth Up to $30,000
Similar to the 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime, this proof dime was also mistakenly struck without an “S” mint mark. While fewer than 50 exist, they remain highly desirable among collectors.
6. 1844 Seated Liberty Dime – The “Orphan Annie” Dime Worth $50,000
Nicknamed the “Orphan Annie” dime, this low-mintage piece from 1844 is difficult to find, especially in high grades. Some uncirculated examples have sold for over $50,000.
7. 1860 Seated Liberty Dime – A Design Change Worth $100,000
This transitional design dime is unique because it lacks stars on the obverse, a feature later adopted in 1860. Only a handful of these exist, and collectors are willing to pay up to $100,000 for them.
8. 1874-CC Seated Liberty Dime – The Carson City Rarity Worth $200,000
Coins from the Carson City Mint are among the most sought-after by collectors. With a mintage of just 10,817, this dime is extremely rare, and high-grade examples have sold for over $200,000.
9. 1798/7 Draped Bust Dime – An Overdate Error Worth $200,000+
This early U.S. dime features a visible “7” underneath the “8”, indicating an overdate variety. Due to its age and rarity, it can command prices upwards of $200,000.
10. 1822 Capped Bust Dime – A Scarce Collector’s Favorite Worth $100,000
With a mintage of only 100,000, the 1822 Capped Bust Dime is difficult to find, especially in pristine condition. Some examples have sold for over $100,000.
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter – A Modern Coin Worth Thousands
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was minted to commemorate America’s 200th anniversary. While most are worth only 25 cents, some special varieties and errors have high collector value.
Valuable Bicentennial Quarter Varieties:
- 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter – Worth up to $19,200 in pristine condition
- Double Die Errors – Can fetch up to $8,400
- Off-Center Strikes – Range from $100 to $1,000+, depending on the error
If you find a Bicentennial quarter with silver composition, a doubling error, or an off-center strike, it might be worth much more than its face value!
How to Identify Valuable Coins in Your Collection
To determine if you have one of these valuable coins, follow these tips:
✔ Check the Date and Mint Mark – Certain years and mint locations are more valuable.
✔ Look for Errors – Overdates, missing mint marks, and doubling errors can add significant value.
✔ Examine the Condition – Coins in uncirculated condition fetch higher prices.
✔ Use a Scale – Silver dimes weigh 2.5 grams, while modern dimes weigh 2.27 grams.
Final Thoughts
The world of rare dimes and Bicentennial quarter value is full of surprises! Whether you’re a collector or just checking your spare change, you might stumble upon a coin worth thousands or even millions.
Next time you receive a dime or quarter, take a closer look—it could be a hidden fortune! 💰
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends and fellow coin enthusiasts. Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever discovered a valuable coin! 🪙
