Collecting rare dimes has captivated numismatists for decades, and the possibility of finding a dime worth over $1 million in circulation makes it even more thrilling.
Several U.S. dimes are highly valuable, either due to minting errors, historical significance, or limited production runs. Below, we dive into ten rare dimes still in circulation that are worth significant sums today, including detailed facts and figures.
10 Rare Dimes Still in Circulation Worth Over $1 Million
1. 1894-S Barber Dime
- Value: $1.5–$2 million
- Why It’s Valuable: The San Francisco Mint only produced 24 of these dimes in 1894, making them one of the rarest coins in the world.
- The reason for this limited production is debated, but it is believed that they were gifts for influential figures in the financial sector. Only nine are known to exist today, with two still thought to be in circulation.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime
- Value: $20,000–$200,000
- Why It’s Valuable: This dime is popular among collectors due to its low mintage of around 264,000 coins. It was the first year of the Mercury dime series, and the “D” mint mark, indicating the Denver Mint, increases its value. Well-preserved examples in high grade can fetch over $200,000 at auction.
3. 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime (No Arrows)
- Value: $3.6 million
- Why It’s Valuable: One of the most valuable dimes, this coin was minted at the Carson City Mint. Only a few were produced, and most were melted down. Only one is known to exist today, making it an extremely coveted piece.
4. 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof)
- Value: $500,000
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is a rare error coin, missing the “S” mint mark from the San Francisco Mint. Only two of these coins are known to exist, making them incredibly valuable.
5. 1796 Draped Bust Dime
- Value: $850,000
- Why It’s Valuable: This was the first year dimes were produced by the U.S. Mint, and only around 22,000 were made. The rarity of this coin, combined with its historical significance, makes it highly sought after by collectors.
6. 1942/1 Mercury Dime
- Value: $25,000–$100,000
- Why It’s Valuable: This rare overdate error shows a “1” underneath the “2” in the date. Both the Philadelphia and Denver mints produced this error, and high-grade examples are extremely valuable.
7. 1871-CC Liberty Seated Dime
- Value: $1.2 million
- Why It’s Valuable: Minted at the Carson City Mint, this dime has a low mintage of just over 20,000, and only a few have survived in collectible condition. Its rarity and connection to the historic Carson City Mint add to its allure.
8. 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof)
- Value: $20,000–$50,000
- Why It’s Valuable: Similar to the 1975 No-S error, the 1968 No-S proof Roosevelt dime lacks the mint mark, a mistake only found in proof sets. Its rarity has driven its value into the tens of thousands.
9. 1919-D Mercury Dime
- Value: $1,000–$100,000
- Why It’s Valuable: This is another rare Mercury dime with low mintage. Coins in high-grade mint state condition can fetch six-figure sums at auction due to their rarity and desirability.
10. 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime
- Value: $500–$20,000
- Why It’s Valuable: This is the only regular-issue U.S. coin to have been struck without a mint mark in modern times. Its scarcity makes it a valuable collector’s item, especially in higher grades.
| Year | Dime | Estimated Value | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1894 | Barber Dime | $1.5–$2 million | Extremely rare, only 24 minted |
| 1916 | Mercury Dime (Denver Mint) | $20,000–$200,000 | Low mintage, first year of series |
| 1873 | Liberty Seated Dime (No Arrows) | $3.6 million | Rare Carson City Mint issue, only one known to exist |
| 1975 | No-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof) | $500,000 | Missing “S” mint mark, only two known |
| 1796 | Draped Bust Dime | $850,000 | First year of U.S. dime production |
| 1942 | Mercury Dime (Overdate) | $25,000–$100,000 | Rare overdate error, both Philadelphia and Denver issues |
| 1871 | Liberty Seated Dime (Carson City) | $1.2 million | Low mintage, few surviving examples |
| 1968 | No-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof) | $20,000–$50,000 | Error coin, missing “S” mint mark in proof sets |
| 1919 | Mercury Dime (Denver Mint) | $1,000–$100,000 | Rare with high collector demand |
| 1982 | No-P Roosevelt Dime | $500–$20,000 | Missing mint mark in regular-issue coins |
Conclusion
Rare dimes like the 1894-S Barber and 1916-D Mercury continue to fascinate collectors due to their rarity, history, and potential value. With the possibility of finding these treasures in everyday circulation, coin collecting remains an exciting and potentially lucrative hobby.
Whether it’s a minting error, limited production, or historical significance, these dimes are worth far more than their face value, with some reaching prices over $1 million.
FAQs
1. Why are some dimes worth over $1 million?
Rare dimes can be worth over $1 million due to their historical significance, limited production, or minting errors.
2. How many 1894-S Barber dimes are still in circulation?
Only two of the original 24 minted are believed to still be in circulation today.
3. What is the most valuable U.S. dime?
The 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime (No Arrows) is the most valuable, with an estimated value of $3.6 million.
4. Are there any modern dimes worth a lot of money?
Yes, error dimes like the 1968 No-S and 1975 No-S Roosevelt dimes can fetch high prices, ranging from $20,000 to $500,000.
5. How can I find rare dimes?
You can search through pocket change, coin rolls, and proof sets, or visit coin dealers to find rare dimes.
References
- U.S. Coins Guide – Rare Dimes by Year(U.S. Coins Guide)
- My Modern Met – Two Rare Dimes Worth $2 Million(My Modern Met)
- Bullion Shark – What Dimes Are Worth Money(Bullion Shark)
- Fun Times Guide – Rare U.S. Dimes(U.S. Coins Guide)
