Imagine discovering that a simple dime sitting in your coin jar is worth a life-changing $900,000. While most dimes are only worth their face value, a few rare varieties and minting errors have fetched staggering sums at auctions. These valuable dimes are not just numismatic treasures; they’ve become legends in the coin-collecting world. Could you have one of these extraordinary dimes hidden in your change? Here are three examples of dimes that have sold for incredible amounts, along with tips to help you identify them.
1. The 1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber dime is one of the most famous and rarest coins in U.S. history. Only 24 of these dimes were minted at the San Francisco Mint, making them incredibly rare. Legend has it that these coins were created as a special run for VIPs, with some dimes given to mint officials and their families. Today, only about nine 1894-S Barber dimes are known to exist.
These 2 Unique Bicentennial Quarters Could Be Worth $850,000!
Why It’s So Valuable
One of these rare coins sold for $1.3 million at auction. If you think you might have one, here’s what to look for:
- Mintmark: Look for the “S” mintmark below the wreath on the reverse side of the coin.
- Date: The 1894 date should be clearly visible. If it matches, get it authenticated immediately.
2. The 1916-D Mercury Dime (Mint-State Condition)
The 1916-D Mercury dime is another sought-after rarity, especially in mint-state condition. Only 264,000 were minted, making it the lowest mintage of the series. The coin’s design features Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought, with the mintmark “D” for Denver appearing on the reverse.
Why It’s So Valuable
While circulated examples of the 1916-D Mercury dime are worth hundreds or thousands, a pristine, mint-state 1916-D can fetch upwards of $900,000 at auction. Look for these key features:
- Mintmark: The “D” mintmark should be visible on the reverse.
- Condition: Higher-grade, mint-state examples are the most valuable.
3. The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof Coin)
A modern rarity, the 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime is a proof coin accidentally struck without the “S” mintmark that should appear on dimes from the San Francisco Mint. Only two examples of this error are known to exist, making it one of the rarest coins in American numismatics.
Why It’s So Valuable
One of these elusive dimes recently sold for $456,000, and experts believe a perfect PR70 example could exceed $900,000. These dimes are typically found in proof coin sets intended for collectors, so if you’ve inherited an old collection, it’s worth checking! Look for:
- No Mintmark: There should be no “S” mintmark on the reverse of the coin.
- Condition: Proof coins in perfect PR70 condition hold the highest value.
Conclusion: Could You Be Sitting on a $900,000 Dime?
Dimes may be some of the smallest and most unassuming coins, but a rare variety could be hiding immense value. The 1894-S Barber dime, the 1916-D Mercury dime, and the 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime are extraordinary examples of how a simple coin can hold a fortune.
If you’re a coin collector or have a coin jar full of change, carefully inspect your collection for these valuable dimes. You might be sitting on a hidden gem worth hundreds of thousands of dollars—or even $900,000!