Even though dime coins are small, don’t be fooled some of them can be very valuable, which is why coin collectors want them so much. Some scarce types and mistakes made during the minting process have sold for as much as $200,000 or even more.
Because of past mintage limits and errors in printing, expensive dimes show that your spare change could be worth a lot of money.
Looking for Coins of Value
Some kinds of dimes are so rare and expensive at auction that they have become famous among collectors. Check out some of the most costly dimes to see what makes them unique and why they’re worth so much.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime
People who collect U.S. dime coins might think that the 1894-S Barber Dime is the most famous one. The San Francisco Mint made this dime in 1894, but only 24 were ever made, supposedly as gifts for a small group of people.
There are only nine known to be alive today, and because they are so rare, they are very popular. A brand-new, untouched 1894-S Barber Dime has been sold at auction for as much as $2 million. Even used ones fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s the most significant goal for fans to find one.
2. Mercury Dime from 1916-D
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is also a top-rated coin, especially in great shape. Only 264,000 of this dime were made, so finding one in such great shape is very rare. It was made in Denver.
A 1916-D Mercury Dime can be worth $10,000 to $100,000 or even more if it is in perfect shape. The fact that this coin is the first in the famous Mercury dime series adds to its historical value.
3. Mercury Dime from 1942/1 Overdate
Because of a mistake during production, the date “1942” was stamped over “1941,” making this dime one of a kind. This mistake in the date makes a tiny “1” appear under the “42,” which makes the coin look very special and valuable.
This mistake has two copies because it was made at both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. Depending on its state, a 1942/1 Mercury Dime can sell for as much as $35,000. Even average examples can earn tremendous amounts of money.
4. 1968 No-S Proof Dime
Another rare coin is the 1968 No-S Proof Dime, which is known for not having a mint mark. Proof dimes made in San Francisco usually have an “S” on them, but in 1968, some were created without this mark.
Because buyers generally want proof coins to be perfect, these mint mistakes happen very rarely. An ideal 1968 No-S Proof Dime has sold for more than $25,000. It will be precious if you’re lucky enough to find one.
Quick Reference Table of Valuable Dimes
| Coin Type | Year | Mint Mark | Unique Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber Dime | 1894 | S | Extremely limited mintage | Up to $2 million |
| Mercury Dime | 1916 | D | First-year issue, low mintage | Up to $100,000 |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime (Overdate) | 1942/1 | None/D | Overdate error | Up to $35,000 |
| No-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof) | 1968 | None | Missing mint mark, proof finish | Over $25,000 |
Why These Dimes Are So Worth A Lot
Several things make these rare dimes valuable, such as:
- Limited Production: Coins like the 1894-S Barber Dime and the 1916-D Mercury Dime were only made in small numbers, which makes them very rare and popular with coin fans.
- Errors in the minting process: Overdates (like on the 1942/1 Mercury Dime) or missing mint marks (like on the 1968 No-S Proof Dime) make each coin special, and fans are always looking for them. Because of these mistakes, each coin is a unique object from history.
- Historical Importance: A lot of these coins are from essential times in U.S. history. The first coin in the Mercury line was the 1916-D Mercury Dime, and the 1894-S Barber Dime has become a famous collectible.
- Condition: The state, or “grade,” of a coin significantly affects its worth. Well-kept coins or coins that have never been used are worth much more than those that show signs of wear. Coins are rated on a scale; the more valuable the grade, the more it’s worth.
Whether you gather coins for fun or are just interested in them, knowing what to look for could surprise you. If you find a dime, look it over carefully. It might contain an important piece of history just waiting to be seen.
FAQs
1. How can I tell if my coin is money?
Check the state, date, and mint mark. Some numbers, like 1894-S for the Barber Dime or 1916-D for the Mercury Dime, and mistakes made during the minting process could mean that the coin is very valuable.
2. Where can I get the value of my dime checked?
A professional coin grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) or a trustworthy coin trader can give you an exact estimate.
3. What is a coin that is “proof”?
For fans, a proof dime is struck with more detail and a finish that looks like a mirror. Proofs are usually made with a mint mark that makes them stand out, like the “S” for San Francisco.
4. In general, are dimes from the 1960s worth anything?
Many 1960s dimes aren’t worth much more than their face value. However, some proof dimes, like the 1968 No-S Proof Dime, are valuable because of mistakes made when they were minted.
5. Regarding coins, what does “overdate” mean?
If two different years appear on the same coin, this is called an overdate mistake. A well-known and highly valued example is the 1942/1 Mercury Dime, which has “42” stamped over a faint “1.”
These dime coins show that even a small coin can be worth a lot. The next time you look through your pocket change, keep in mind that rare coins may be hiding there, ready to be found and admired.
The 1894-S Barber Dime or the 1942/1 Mercury Overdate Dime are two examples of coins that can make a regular dime into a unique treasure.
READ MORE: What Should You Do If You Think Your Change Is Worth Up To $188,000?
