Imagine discovering a coin worth over $1 million while idly going through your spare change. This has been a reality for certain collectors and fans despite the fact that it may seem like an unachievable goal.
Several uncommon dimes and quarters that are frequently disregarded have sold for outrageous sums of money at auction. Coins such as the 1976 No-S Bicentennial Quarter and the 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime have turned seemingly little change into priceless gems.
The Amazing No-S Roosevelt Dime of 1975
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime is one of American history’s rarest contemporary mistake coins. This dime should have the “S” mintmark close to Roosevelt’s neck because it was explicitly made for proof sets by the San Francisco Mint. However, a few of these dimes were produced without the mintmark because of a rare minting mistake.
Since there have only been two confirmed instances of this issue, collectors highly value it. One of these coins brought $456,000 at auction in 2019, and experts estimate that a perfect example may get over $950,000. Examining the dime closely if you have a 1975 proof set is worthwhile since this small mistake might result in a revelation that changes your life.
The Uncommon No-S Bicentennial Quarter of 1976
Another gem that has won collectors over is the 1976 No-S Bicentennial quarter. These unique quarters, which honor America’s 200th birthday, include a drummer boy design on the back and the dual date “1776–1976.”
Most of this quarter’s proof copies were struck at the San Francisco Mint and bore the “S” mintmark. A few quantities, meanwhile, were inadvertently struck without the “S,” making them highly uncommon collectibles.
These mistake coins have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction, although only a few known to exist. Look for this missing mintmark on your quarter if you have a 1976 Bicentennial proof set; it may be a hidden treasure.
The Iconic Barber Dime of 1894-S
Despite not being a contemporary piece, the 1894-S Barber dime is one of the most well-known U.S. coins ever struck. Only nine are currently known to exist out of the original 24 struck at the San Francisco Mint.
These rare dimes are among the most costly coins in history; in 2005, one of them went for $1.3 million. Coin aficionados are nonetheless motivated by this dime’s legendary reputation, even if it is unlikely to appear as pocket change.
Why Are These Coins So Worth It?
The secret to these coins’ worth is their scarcity. Collectors highly seek after them due to minting mistakes, restricted manufacturing, and their inclusion in unique proof sets. A brief comparison of these uncommon discoveries may be seen below:
| Coin Name | Year | Special Feature | Last Known Value | Potential Value Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime | 1975 | Missing “S” mintmark | $456,000 (2019) | $950,000+ |
| 1976 No-S Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Missing “S” mintmark | Hundreds of thousands | $300,000+ |
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | Only 9 known examples | $1.3 million (2005) | $2 million+ |
Barber Dime, 1894-SThere are just nine occurrences that are known.$1.3 million in 2005Over $2 million
Coins such as the 1976 No-S Bicentennial Quarter and the 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime demonstrate that exceptional value may be found in the most unlikely places.
Examining your proof sets and spare change might reveal a treasure trove of value, regardless of your level of experience as a collector or curiosity. These coins, which range in value from hundreds to millions of dollars, serve as a reminder that even seemingly little elements may have a significant influence.
FAQs
What are the signs of a 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime?
Examine your 1975 proof set. If the dime lacks the “S” mintmark next to Roosevelt’s neck, it could be among the rarest contemporary coins ever produced.
What is the value of the Bicentennial quarters?
The 1976 No-S proof quarter is a highly sought-after collector’s item since it is incredibly unusual owing to its missing mintmark, although most Bicentennial quarters are shared.
Does anyone still use these coins?
No, these uncommon instances are often located in proof sets or private collections. They are not likely to show up in normal change.
Where may a rare coin be sold?
Reputable auction houses, authorized coin dealers, or individual collectors are the best places to sell rare coins. Before selling, be sure your coin is authenticated.
How can I get the authenticity of my coin?
Send your coin to a reputable grading company such as NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) or PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service). After confirming authenticity, these organizations award a rating that establishes the item’s worth and condition.
READ MORE: Check Your Coins for Two Bicentennial Quarters and Rare Dimes Totaling Over $900,000!
