For coin collectors, rare U.S. dimes are treasures that go beyond mere currency. These dimes carry unique histories, low mintage, and stunning designs that make them highly desirable.
Some rare dimes have even fetched astounding prices at auctions, becoming prized possessions in any collection.
Here, we’ll explore six of the rarest and most valuable U.S. dimes, each one with a story and a worth that might just blow your mind.
1. Draped Bust Dime (1804)
The 1804 Draped Bust Dime is one of the earliest dimes minted in the U.S. This coin’s design features a beautiful portrayal of Lady Liberty, a testament to early American craftsmanship and style. With only a few surviving coins, its scarcity makes it highly sought after.
Collectors treasure this dime for its historical significance, and pristine examples can reach values of $150,000 or more.
2. Liberty Seated Dime (1873-CC)
The 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime, minted in Carson City, holds a special place in coin collections. Produced during a brief operational period at the Carson City Mint, this dime is extremely rare. The “closed 3” design detail in the date adds a unique touch to this piece.
For numismatists, owning an 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime is like owning a piece of American West history. This coin can reach values of $300,000 in top condition.
3. Barber Dime (1894-S)
With only 24 ever produced, the 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest U.S. coins. Created at the end of the production year at the San Francisco Mint, this dime’s origins remain somewhat mysterious. Today, only about 9-12 are known to exist, which makes it a true gem in the world of coin collecting.
Highly prized by collectors, the 1894-S Barber Dime can sell for around $1.9 million, making it one of the most expensive dimes ever.
4. Mercury Dime (1916-D)
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is particularly popular due to its limited mintage. Only 264,000 of these dimes were struck in Denver, making it a rare find. Known as the “Winged Liberty Head” due to Lady Liberty’s winged cap, the coin is sometimes mistaken for the Roman god Mercury.
For those who value both beauty and rarity, the 1916-D Mercury Dime is a prized piece, with some examples valued at over $45,000.
5. Roosevelt Dime (1949-S/S)
The 1949-S/S Roosevelt Dime stands out for its unique minting error. Known as a repunched mint mark error, this coin shows a double “S” mint mark, indicating a second attempt to punch the mark at the San Francisco Mint. Such errors are highly collectible.
Though younger than the others on this list, the 1949-S/S Roosevelt Dime still holds value and can sell for more than $12,000 in top condition.
6. Proof Roosevelt Dime (1975-No-S)
The 1975-No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime is one of the most famous error coins in modern times. It was mistakenly minted without the “S” mint mark, creating a significant rarity. Only two proof coins from this era are known to have this error, which adds to its allure.
Due to its modern rarity and unusual production error, the 1975-No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime can fetch an impressive $450,000, making it a top pick for collectors
| Rare Dime | Year | Mint | Unique Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draped Bust Dime | 1804 | Philadelphia | Early depiction of Liberty | $150,000+ |
| Liberty Seated Dime | 1873-CC | Carson City | “Closed 3” in date | $300,000+ |
| Barber Dime | 1894-S | San Francisco | Only 24 minted | $1.9 million |
| Mercury Dime | 1916-D | Denver | Limited mintage | $45,000+ |
| Roosevelt Dime | 1949-S/S | San Francisco | Double “S” mint mark error | $12,000+ |
| Proof Roosevelt Dime (No-S) | 1975-No-S | San Francisco | Missing “S” mint mark | $450,000+ |
FAQs
Rare dimes are valuable because of their limited mintage, unique historical context, and often, their design or minting errors. Scarcity and collector demand drive up their worth.
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the most expensive U.S. dimes ever sold, with an auction price of around $1.9 million. Only a few of these coins are known to exist.
Identifying a rare dime requires examining its mint mark, date, design details, and overall condition. Consulting a coin appraisal expert or reference guides can help in authenticating rare coins.
A repunched mint mark occurs when the mint mark is stamped more than once, creating a noticeable error. These mistakes add value to coins due to their rarity and uniqueness among collectors.
It’s highly unlikely to find extremely rare dimes like those listed here in circulation, but occasional finds of older dimes or minor mint errors can happen. However, rare and valuable dimes are generally in private collections or held by dealers.
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