Certain dimes, those little, common coins, can be valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. This may surprise you since some think expensive coins are only found in rare gold or silver pieces. Because they were produced in small amounts or with faults, these dimes are extremely desirable to collectors and are considered rare historical relics.
With values that may easily approach six figures, coins like the 1894-S Barber Dime, the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime, and the 1982 “No P” Roosevelt Dime are some of the most sought-after in the world.
This Barber Dime from 1894-S
The 1894-S Barber Dime is among American history’s most well-known and prized coins. Although it was manufactured in 1894 in San Francisco, just twenty-four pieces were produced. It is estimated that just nine of the 24 exist today.
Collectors highly seek after the 1894-S Barber Dime because of its extraordinary rarity. The coin’s restricted mintage and mystery make it even more appealing. The precise causes of the limited production of dimes are still a mystery, considering the currency was designed to be a special issue.
The 1894-S Barber Dime is valuable because of its lengthy history and rarity. At auction, it is one of the few coins that may cost seven figures; immaculate specimens can sell for more than $1 million. Among the most costly dimes in the world, even those in less-than-ideal condition may fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you discover one, you may possess a small fortune’s worth of numismatic history.
The Roosevelt Dime from 1975, “No S”
The 1975 Roosevelt Dime with the “No S” is another precious dime. The 1975 “No S” Dime, which normally signifies that the piece was made in the San Francisco Mint, was inadvertently created without the “S” mintmark, unlike other dimes from the same year.
A unique collection of proof coins was produced specifically for collectors, and this coin was one of them. Proof coins often have a high-quality polish and are crafted with extra care and accuracy. The 1975 “No S” Dime was supposed to have an “S” mintmark, but a few were unintentionally struck without one, making them very uncommon.
This coin has become a collector’s dream since there are only two known copies of the 1975 “No S” Dime. Due to its unusual defect and rarity, the coin’s value has skyrocketed, with recent auctions selling it for over $450,000.
Because this coin is so rare, some experts estimate its future value might exceed $1 million. If a 1975 dime without the mintmark is found, you could have found one of the most valuable coins in contemporary American history.
The Roosevelt Dime from 1982, “No P
In addition to being more popular than the 1894-S Barber Dime or the 1975 “No S” Dime, the 1982 “No P” Roosevelt Dime is also in high demand.
The U.S. Mint unintentionally neglected to affix the “P” mintmark on dimes struck at the Philadelphia Mint, creating this mistake coin. An uncommon error in U.S. coinage, the 1982 “No P” Roosevelt Dime was the only piece in normal circulation to be minted without a mintmark.
Though more common than the other two coins, the 1982 “No P” dime is worth a lot of money, especially if it is in excellent condition. The value of an uncirculated coin can range from $500 to $2,500, depending on its condition.
Generally speaking, circulating lower-grade copies are worth less, although they can still command a reasonable price. If you are fortunate enough to find one, the 1982 “No P” dime is still a prized discovery, even if collectors may obtain it more easily than the other rarer coins.
Methods for Recognizing Rare Dimes
Finding uncommon and valuable dimes requires knowing what to search for. Paying close attention to the mintmarks is very important while identifying these coins. Here’s how to recognize each of the three most valued dimes that were mentioned:
- 1894-S Barber Dime: Look for the “S” mintmark on the back of the 1894-S Barber Dime. The letter “S” must be tiny and situated beneath the eagle. Additionally, “1894” needs to be easily readable. A professional grade is advised to verify authenticity because this rare coin has numerous fakes.
- 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime: The 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime lacks the “S” mintmark that typically appears underneath the year. If a 1975 proof dime is discovered missing the “S” mintmark, it may be a “No S” mistake coin. Since they can only be discovered in proof sets, your best chance is to go through them from 1975.
- “No P” from 1982 Roosevelt Dime: Normally, the “P” mintmark would show beneath the date on this piece, but it is absent. Your pocket change may contain one, as it was coined for everyday use. The primary distinguishing factor for this coin is the lack of the “P” mark.
Rare Dimes Comparison
| Coin | Mint Year | Mintmark | Rarity | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | “S” (San Francisco) | Extremely rare, only 9 known to exist | $1 million+ |
| 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime | 1975 | No mintmark (missing) | Extremely rare, only 2 known to exist | $450,000+ |
| 1982 “No P” Roosevelt Dime | 1982 | No mintmark (missing) | Less rare, but still valuable | $500-$2,500 |
FAQs
What are the signs that I have an 1894-S Barber Dime?
Look for 1894 and a little “S” mintmark on the coin’s back. There is also an “S” beneath the eagle. Because of the rarity, expert grading is advised to ensure authenticity.
How do I recognize a Roosevelt dime that says “No S” from 1975?
Below the year “1975,” look for the “S” mintmark missing. Since these coins were only produced in proof sets, looking through a 1975 proof set is your best bet for discovering one.
What should a 1982 “No P” Roosevelt dime have?
See if the “P” mintmark is missing beneath the year. A rare and valuable blunder, the 1982 “No P” dime was the first coin to be struck without a mintmark and sent into normal circulation.
What is the value of a “No P” Roosevelt dime from 1982?
The value of an uncirculated 1982 “No P” Roosevelt Dime varies with quality, ranging from $500 to $2,500. Versions of lower quality are less valuable.
Where should I go if I think I’ve found one of these rare dimes?
If you believe you have found a rare dime, it’s a good idea to contact a reputable coin dealer or a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC to authenticate and appraise your coin.
Despite their small size, these uncommon dimes are highly valued by collectors. You may be sitting on a little wealth if you’re lucky enough to discover one! So, look closely for these historical gems the next time you’re going through your change.
READ MORE: The 1975 No. S Dime: Could This Very Small Coin Make You Rich?
