Dime coins are often forgotten when people talk about expensive coins. There are, however, a few scarce dimes that are worth a lot of money enough to pay off your college loans or even take your family on a dream trip.
Collectors want these dimes because of rare minting mistakes, the small number made, or their exciting past. Any chance you find one of these uncommon dimes, it could be your key to a considerable bankroll. Here is a list of the rarest dimes that can sell for a lot.
The Rarest Coin Ever Is the 1894-S Barber Dime
Many people think that the 1894-S Barber dime is one of U.S. history’s most famous and hard-to-find coins. Only 24 of these dimes were made at the San Francisco Mint, which is a very small number. Even more amazing is that only 10 of these dimes are left in circulation today.
The 1894-S Barber dime has fetched astronomical prices at sales, with the best examples sometimes going for over $1 million. This is because they are very rare and have historical worth.
The 1894-S Barber dime is a very rare but well-known American coin. If you were lucky enough to find one, it would almost certainly pay off your college loans and more.
The 1916-D Mercury Dime Is the Rarest of the Mercury Dimes
The 1916-D Mercury dime is another very sought-after coin among fans. Only 264,000 of this Denver-minted dime have ever been produced, making it the rarest in the Mercury dime series. Because it is so rare and has such a famous pattern, coin fans love it.
Even a used 1916-D Mercury dime can be sold for a lot. Depending on its state, it can fetch several thousand dollars.
On the other hand, if you find one that is perfect and has never been used, it could be worth $10,000 to $20,000. The 1916-D Mercury dime is a real collector’s item because it is hard to find, in high demand, and beautifully designed.
A Modern Rarity Is the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
Old coins are usually worth the most, but the 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime shows that new coins can also be precious.
This dime is different because it doesn’t have the “S” mint mark that all proof coins made at the San Francisco Mint have. It is thought that very few of these dimes were made by mistake without the mint mark, making them very rare.
One of the few mistake coins from the 20th century that can fetch a price well into the six-figure range is the 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime. It is also scarce.
At the sale, one of these rare dimes brought more than $350,000, and the few still in circulation are still worth a lot of money. Someone might hold a rare and valuable piece of history if they find one of these coins in a proof set.
Other Unique and Valuable Dime
Some of the most well-known rare dimes are the 1894-S Barber dime, the 1916-D Mercury dime, and the 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime. However, these are not the only coins that are worth money.
Some Mercury and Barber dimes are rare or have historical value, making them worth a lot of money. Some mint marks and dates are precious, and coins that are in great shape can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Low-mintage 1913-S Barber dimes, 1945 Mercury dimes, and other dimes from other years can be worth much more than their face value. Always watch for dates, mint marks, or coins that are in perfect shape. These could lead to a valuable find.
Table: Rare and Valuable Dimes
| Dime Type | Year | Mint Mark | Minted Quantity | Estimated Value | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | S | 24 minted | $1 million+ | One of the rarest coins in U.S. history |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | D | 264,000 minted | $10,000 – $20,000 | The rarest Mercury dime |
| 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof) | 1975 | None | Unknown, few exist | $350,000+ | Missing mint mark, rare error coin |
| 1945 Mercury Dime | 1945 | None | 48 million minted | $100 – $500 | Valuable in high grades |
| 1913-S Barber Dime | 1913 | S | 1.5 million minted | $100 – $500 | Known for low mintage and demand |
Watch Out for Uncommon Dimes
Finding a rare dime in your pocket change might seem complicated, but it’s not. Pay close attention to any coins you find, especially old dimes or coins that don’t seem right.
This is especially true if you are a coin collector or interested in coins worth a lot of money. It’s still possible to find a lot of rare dimes. Coin hunters often find them hidden in old coin collections, family treasures, or store changes.
Even though you probably won’t find any of these dimes in your average change, you could look through your coin jar or your family’s old collections to see if they are hidden. If you’re lucky, the coin you hold could be worth a lot more than its face value.
FAQs
How can I tell if my dime is an 1894-S?
Look for the “S” mint mark on the back, below the circle. If it’s from 1894 and has the letter “S,” you might have a rare dime. To ensure its accuracy, a skilled coin analysis is suggested.
What makes the 1916-D Mercury coin so valuable?
Only 264,000 of the 1916-D Mercury dimes were made, making it the rarest in the Mercury line and very expensive. Its worth goes up because it is hard to find, and fans want it.
How do I get a No-S Roosevelt dime from 1975?
Because it is so rare, you can usually only find this dime in proof sets from 1975. However, only a few were sent out without the mint mark by mistake, so they are hard to find.
Are any other Mercury or Barber dimes worth a lot of money?
Yes! Some Mercury and Barber dimes, like the 1913-S Barber dime or the 1945 Mercury dime, are valuable because they were only made in small numbers or are essential to history. These coins can fetch hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on how good they are.
Should I grade a dime that I think is rare?
Yes, having a professional grade on a rare coin can prove its accuracy and give you an exact value. Grading also makes you more likely to sell it for more money.
READ MORE: Collectors Are Willing to Pay Thousands of Dollars for These Very Rare Bicentennial Quarters
