Dimes are one of the most commonly circulated coins in the United States, but did you know that some of them are worth a lot more than their face value? From rare mint errors to limited production runs, certain dimes have become highly coveted by collectors and investors alike. While most dimes are worth just 10 cents, a select few are worth hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars. Here’s a guide on how to spot six of the most valuable dimes that could be hiding in your collection, and yes—one of them is worth nearly $4 million!
1. 1894-S Barber Dime – Worth $4.14 Million
The 1894-S Barber Dime is arguably the most famous and valuable dime ever minted. In 1894, the U.S. Mint produced a limited number of Barber dimes, and only 24 were struck at the San Francisco Mint. What’s even more remarkable is that only nine of these dimes are known to have survived. The 1894-S Barber Dime became a sought-after rarity due to its scarcity and the mystery surrounding its production.
- Value: The highest-known sale for an 1894-S Barber Dime was $4.14 million in 2016.
- How To Spot It: The key identifying feature is the “S” mintmark located on the reverse side, just below the wreath. It’s also worth noting that these coins are often in less-than-perfect condition, so a coin with good preservation can fetch top dollar.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime – Worth Over $100,000
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is another iconic coin in American numismatics. The 1916 series was the first year the U.S. Mint produced the Mercury Dime, designed by Adolph A. Weinman. A small run of the 1916-dated dimes were minted at the Denver Mint, and the 1916-D issue is one of the rarest and most valuable of the Mercury series.
- Value: A 1916-D Mercury Dime in excellent condition can sell for $100,000 or more.
- How To Spot It: Look for the “D” mintmark beneath the olive branch on the reverse. The 1916-D is more difficult to find in good condition due to its limited mintage.
3. 1942/1 Mercury Dime – Worth $50,000+
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is an example of a minting error, which has boosted its value among collectors. This coin features a rare overdate, where the “1” was struck over a “2” from the previous year, 1941. This error occurred due to the re-use of old dies, and only a small number of 1942/1 dimes were minted.
- Value: Depending on its condition, a 1942/1 Mercury Dime can sell for $50,000 or more.
- How To Spot It: The overdate is clearly visible on the date, where the “2” from 1941 is still partially visible beneath the “4” of 1942.
4. 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime – Worth Over $200,000
The 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime is another rare minting error that has intrigued collectors. The U.S. Mint accidentally struck a small number of proof dimes in 1975 without the “S” mintmark that should have indicated they were minted in San Francisco. As a result, these dimes are extremely rare and highly valuable.
- Value: A 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime can fetch $200,000 or more at auction.
- How To Spot It: The most important distinguishing feature is the absence of the “S” mintmark on the reverse, where it should appear just below the olive branch. This error is most often found on proof versions of the coin.
Conclusion
While most dimes are worth only 10 cents, the six rare dimes listed above are worth much more—some reaching into the hundreds of thousands or even millions. By knowing how to spot these valuable coins, you could be sitting on a small fortune. Always take the time to examine the mintmark, design, and any potential errors on your dimes to see if they could be worth far more than face value.
FAQs
1. What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime worth so much?
The 1894-S Barber Dime is worth millions due to its extreme rarity—only 24 were minted, and only nine are known to exist today. The coin’s historical significance and scarcity have made it one of the most valuable dimes in existence.
2. How can I identify the 1942/1 Mercury Dime?
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is a rare minting error with an overdate. You can spot it by closely inspecting the date on the coin, where the “2” from 1941 is partially visible beneath the “4” of 1942.
3. What is the value of the 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime?
The 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime is highly valuable due to a minting error where the “S” mintmark was accidentally omitted. Depending on its condition, these dimes can sell for $200,000 or more.