Imagine taking out your pocket money and finding a coin worth a few thousand or even a few hundred thousand dollars. It may sound impossible, but a few rare U.S. dimes are worth a lot more than their ten-cent face value because they are rare, have historical value, or were minted incorrectly.
Some of these dimes, like the 1894-S Barber Dime, are so rare that even a worn-out example is worth almost $188,000 to fans of the coin.
This article shows you the rarest dimes and why they are so valuable. It also shows you how to spot one in your collection. Before you throw away that jar of loose change, look it over carefully. You might find a prize inside.
The Most Valuable Dimes to Look For
Over the years, some dimes have become very popular with fans because they were only made in small numbers, and mistakes were made when minted or had unique design elements. Watch for these top dimes, and read about what makes each one special.
1. Barber Dime from 1894-S
One of the most sought-after U.S. dimes is the 1894-S Barber Dime, sometimes called the “holy grail” of dimes. Only 24 of these dimes were ever made, and less than 10 are thought to still exist today. The fact that these coins were made as a favor for a small group of fans is said to make them even more appealing.
An 1894-S Barber Dime that is in great shape can fetch nearly $1.3 million, while even ones that are worn have brought about $188,000 at sale. You’ve probably found something valuable if you ever encountered this dime.
2. A Mercury Dime from 1916-D
In the first year of the Mercury Dime series, 1916, only 264,000 of the 1916-D Mercury Dime were made in Denver. Because there aren’t many of them, they have an antique style, and people want them. If your 1916 Mercury Dime has the letter “D” on it, it may be a valuable coin you wish to keep.
A 1916-D Mercury Dime can be worth more than $40,000 if it is in perfect condition. Even coins that aren’t in ideal condition can fetch several thousand dollars.
3. Mercury Dime Overdate for 1942/41
This dime is an error coin because the year “1942” was mistakenly stamped over “1941” when it was made. These “overdate” mistakes were made at both the Philadelphia and Denver mints, which makes them very rare and valuable.
Some very nice 1942/41 Mercury Dime coins have sold for as much as $30,000. Even coins that are only slightly damaged can be worth a lot of money.
4. 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof)
Proof coins are made with extra care for fans, and coins made in San Francisco usually have a unique “S” mint mark. Some proof is that Roosevelt dimes were made in 1968 without the “S” mark by mistake.
This created a rare version called the 1968 No-S Proof Dime. It could be worth $20,000 or more if you find one in great shape. Collectors want these no-mint-mark dimes because they are so hard to find.
Quick Reference Table of Valuable Dimes
Here’s a quick overview of these prized dimes, including their years, mint marks, unique characteristics, and potential value:
| Coin Type | Year | Mint Mark | Unique Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber Dime | 1894 | S | Extremely limited mintage | Up to $1.3 million |
| Mercury Dime | 1916 | D | First-year issue, low mintage | Up to $40,000 |
| 1942/41 Mercury Dime (Overdate) | 1942/41 | None/Denver | Overdate error | Up to $30,000 |
| No-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof) | 1968 | None | Missing mint mark, proof finish | Up to $20,000 |
Why These Dimes Are So Valuable
These dimes are some of the most-wanted coins in the U.S. for several reasons:
- Limited Mintage: Very few dimes, like the 1894-S Barber Dime and the 1916-D Mercury Dime, were made, which made them rare and raised their value.
- Minting mistakes: Coins like the 1942/41 Mercury Dime and the 1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime, which have mistakes, are exciting to fans. These mistakes in the minting process make the coins special and make them more valuable.
- History: Each of these coins has its own tale to tell, from the Barber Dime’s supposed start as a collector’s item to the 1916 launch of the famous Mercury dime series. These stories make things more exciting and valuable.
- State: The coin’s “grade,” or state, dramatically affects its value. Coins that have been in great shape for a long time are worth much more than those used.
These unique dimes are more than just coins; they’re historical artifacts that mark critical times in U.S. coinage. No matter how serious a coin collector you are or how interested you are in coins on a whim, carefully looking through your dimes could show a hidden gem.
FAQs
1. How can I tell if my dime is worth anything?
Check the dime’s date, mint mark, and general state. Some significant numbers to look for are the 1894-S Barber Dime, the 1916-D Mercury Dime, the 1942/41 Mercury Dime Overdate, and the 1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime.
2. What should I do if I find a dime that might be worth something?
Be careful not to damage the coin as you handle it. Put it in a coin holder or case to keep it safe, and think about getting it inspected by a reliable service like PCGS or NGC to make sure it’s real and find out how much it’s worth.
3. Do all old dimes have a lot of value?
Not all the time. A coin’s value can be affected by its age, but rarity and quality are generally more critical. Not all old dimes are worth their face value, though. Some very rare ones are worth thousands of dollars.
4. Why don’t all dimes have mint marks?
Some proof coins, like the 1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime, were made without the mint mark that was supposed to be there. This makes them very rare and valuable. Collectors like these mistakes in the minting process because they can make coins worth a lot more.
5. What is the best way to sell a rare dime?
A recognized coin dealer, an auction house, or a coin show are all excellent places to sell a rare dime. Getting a respected service to grade the coin can make it more appealing to buyers and help you get a fair price.
When you go through your extra change again, don’t forget that small dimes can sometimes lead to big finds. Whether you’re looking for a rare Barber Dime or a Mercury Dime minted wrong, you could find a valuable piece of history or even a large fortune.
READ MORE: The Great Dime Conundrum: Is Your Change Worth Up to $199,999?
