Dimes, while often seen as relatively low-value coins, have the potential to be worth far more than their face value. Some rare dimes can fetch hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars at auction due to their scarcity, historical significance, and unique features.
If you’re a coin collector or simply have a keen eye for valuable finds, here are five American dimes that could be worth a small fortune.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is perhaps the most famous and valuable dime in U.S. history. Only 24 of these dimes were minted at the San Francisco Mint, and most were never released to the public. It’s estimated that fewer than 30 examples of the 1894-S still exist, making it one of the rarest coins in American numismatics.
The reason for its rarity? There was a very low mintage due to an apparent error in the minting process, with most of the dimes being destroyed or melted down. In recent years, the 1894-S Barber Dime has sold for record-breaking prices, with one coin fetching nearly $500,000 at auction. If you happen to find one in your collection, you could be holding a piece of numismatic history worth a small fortune.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime
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The 1916-D Mercury Dime is another rare and highly sought-after coin. This dime features the image of Liberty wearing a winged cap, often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury, which is how it earned its nickname. The 1916-D version of this dime is particularly valuable due to its low mintage of just 264,000 coins.
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is one of the key dates in the Mercury Dime series, and it is highly prized by collectors. A coin in excellent condition can sell for several thousand dollars, with some specimens reaching prices upwards of $100,000 in auctions. Its rarity and iconic design have made it a must-have for serious coin collectors.
3. 1942/1 Mercury Dime (Overdate)
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is a unique overdate error coin that occurred when the U.S. Mint accidentally used leftover 1941 dies to strike dimes in 1942. As a result, the 1942/1 Mercury Dime features a subtle “1” under the “2” in the date, making it a highly coveted error coin among collectors.
While not as rare as some other dimes, the 1942/1 Mercury Dime in good condition can still command prices in the thousands of dollars. Coins in pristine condition or with high grading ratings from organizations like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) can fetch even higher prices. A well-preserved 1942/1 dime could easily be worth $10,000 or more, depending on its condition.
4. 1968-S Proof Roosevelt Dime (No Mint Mark)
The 1968-S Proof Roosevelt Dime without a mint mark is a rare error coin that was minted in 1968. During the production of proof coins at the San Francisco Mint, some dimes were mistakenly struck without the “S” mint mark, which is normally present on coins struck at that mint. The absence of the mint mark makes these dimes highly desirable to collectors.
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Although the coin is not as rare as some other entries on this list, the 1968-S Proof Roosevelt Dime without the mint mark can still be worth a significant amount of money, with prices ranging from $500 to $1,000 for coins in excellent condition. Its scarcity and status as a proof error coin make it an interesting piece for any collector.
5. 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime
In 1982, the U.S. Mint made a notable error when a small number of Roosevelt Dimes were produced without the “P” mint mark, which signifies they were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. This error was discovered later, and it is believed that only a few dozen of these “No P” dimes were produced, making them extremely rare.
The 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime can fetch anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on its condition and rarity. Due to its high demand among collectors and its error status, it has become one of the most prized dimes in modern coinage. Finding one in your pocket change would certainly be a pleasant surprise!
Conclusion
While most dimes may seem like small change, there are several rare and valuable examples that could be worth a small fortune. Whether it’s the ultra-rare 1894-S Barber Dime or the intriguing 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime, these coins can be highly lucrative for collectors.
If you’re someone who collects coins or simply likes to examine the ones you receive, it’s worth keeping an eye out for these valuable dimes. You never know when you might come across one of these hidden treasures that could turn your spare change into a substantial windfall.
Remember, the value of a coin is determined by its rarity, condition, and demand among collectors. So, if you happen to find one of these rare dimes, it could very well be worth far more than its face value—and may even fetch a hefty sum at auction!