Most people don’t give dimes a second thought, but did you know that some of them are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars? Small mintages and error coins have made some dimes very valuable to collectors. Here are four rare dimes that can make you rich — and yes, one of them is worth over $900,000.
These treasures are hidden away, waiting to be discovered, in drawers, piggy banks, or even the cupholder of your car. Knowing what to look for can change your financial future in seconds.
Here in this article, we’ll reveal 4 valuable dimes you should look out for. We’ll tell you why they’re scarce, their approximate value, and how to identify them.
Why Some Dimes Are Worth a Fortune
The value of other dimes is skyrocketing based on mint faults, limited output, silver content, or simply their age. While most dimes are worth a paltry 10 cents, the special ones may fetch thousands and in one case, nearly a million dollars—on the markets and at auctions.
4 Dimes That Can Make You Wealthy
1894-S Barber Dime
If you’re lucky enough to locate this very rare coin, congratulations—you are sitting on a fortune. The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. Cash ever minted. Only 24 had been made in San Francisco, and it’s estimated that best 9–12 remain today.
- What to Look For: Look for a “S” mint mark under the wreath on the reverse.
- Condition is key: Mint condition pieces are valued higher than $900,000.
- Fun Fact: One was even famously given as a gift to a banker’s daughter who treated it to an ice cream.
1942/1 Mercury Dime
This coin is an error in minting, as a 1941 die was overpunched with the 1942 date, so both numbers had partially appeared. This also occurred in Denver and Philadelphia mints.
- Spotted: Inspect the date under magnification—you will have a faint “1” showing below the “2”.
- Price: Based on condition and mint, prices fluctuate between $1,000 and more than $10,000.
1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is the first-year-of-issue piece in the Mercury Dime series and is highly coveted by collectors. Only 264,000 were made in Denver, making it the lowest of all Mercury dimes.
- Key Features: “D” mint mark on the back near the bottom.
- High Demand: Even very worn examples can be sold for $15,000–$30,000.
- Mint State: Mint-state coins are valued at $150,000–$200,000.
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
Although it’s a modern coin, the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is very rare. It’s a proof coin that would have borne an “S” mint mark (for San Francisco), but due to a production error, some were made without it.
- Only two specimens exist today.
- Auction prices have gone as high as $350,000–$500,000.
- How to Identify: It must be a proof coin with mirror-like finish but no mint mark.
What Makes These Dimes Valuable?
Several factors make a coin worth money:
- Low Mintage: The less available coins, the rarer they are.
- Mint Errors: Error coins are one-of-a-kind.
- Collector Demand: Some coins complete elusive sets.
- Condition: Mint-state coins bring top price.
Where to Get Your Coins Appraised
If you believe you’ve discovered one of these scarce dimes, don’t spend it! Instead:
- Visit a certified coin dealer.
- Get the coin graded by NGC or PCGS.
- Go to local coin auctions or shows.
Don’t throw your trade spare into the merchandising device with out initially verifying your dimes. From the legendary 1894-S Barber Dime, which was sold for more than $900,000, to the rarely seen 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime, these cash would possibly turn a median day into an awesome payday. Keep your eyes open your next stroke of good fortune may be jingling in your pocket today.
Final Thought
You never know what treasures lie in wait for your spare change. With dimes like those circulating, a random coin examination might need to become a life-changing payday. Should you encounter this sort of unusual money, remember to have it graded by a professional such as PCGS or NGC to verify its legitimacy and price. So, move in advance — test your wallet, jars, and vintage piggy banks. One small dime would possibly just be your ticket to riches!
FAQ’s
Where is the mint mark on a dime?
For favored U.S. Dimes, the mint mark is on the reverse (returned) of the old ones and the front (obverse) of the brand new ones, next to the date.
How do I tell if my dime is actually worth somethin’?
Check the mint mark, date, and normal condition. Special dimes usually have normal characteristics including errors or very low mintage figures.