While it might sound like a tale of treasure hunting, certain rare coins—such as specific dimes and a Bicentennial quarter—are worth far more than their face value. Some of these coins are valued at an astonishing $19 million each, though they are still in circulation today.
1. 1942/1 Mercury Dime (Overdate Error)
- Value: $19 million (if in excellent condition)
- Description: The 1942/1 Mercury dime is a rare example of an overdate error. The coin was struck with a die that had the number “1” from the year 1941, which was accidentally used for 1942 dimes. This mistake created a distinctive mark visible on the coin’s date.
- Why It’s Valuable: Only a few examples of this rare overdate error remain in circulation, and it is extremely valuable due to its historical significance and scarcity.
2. 1968-S SMS (Special Mint Set) Dime
- Value: $19 million (for perfect condition, especially in high-grade coins)
- Description: The 1968-S dime is known for a special mint set issue. These dimes were part of a set created for collectors rather than for circulation. However, a few dimes from this set were accidentally released into general circulation.
- Why It’s Valuable: The dimes from this set were intended for collectors, making them extremely rare in circulation. The value increases for high-quality, well-preserved examples.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Incredible Minting Error)
- Value: $19 million (in perfect, error-free condition)
- Description: While the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is widely available, certain versions that were mistakenly minted with flaws (such as misstrikes or die errors) can fetch extraordinary sums. These errors are often slight but can make the coin extremely valuable.
- Why It’s Valuable: The rarity of these specific error coins—often misaligned strikes or unusual minting defects—creates high demand among collectors.
Also See: Top 5 Most Valuable Barber Dimes Worth Five Figures and Beyond
| Coin | Year | Error Type | Estimated Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime | 1942 | Overdate (1 over 2) | $19 million (in perfect condition) | Rare due to overdate error, only a few examples are known. |
| 1968-S SMS Dime | 1968 | Special Mint Set (SMS) error | $19 million (if uncirculated) | Issued for collectors, rare if found in circulation. |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Minting Errors (misaligned, die cracks, etc.) | $19 million (depending on rarity and quality) | Commonly found in circulation but rare error versions are highly valuable. |
1. Why are these coins worth so much?
- The extraordinary value of these coins is due to their rarity. Whether due to minting errors or rare production practices, very few examples are left in circulation. Coins with errors are sought after by collectors who understand their rarity and historical significance.
2. How can I identify these rare coins?
- 1942/1 Mercury Dime: Look for the “1” in the date that is over the “2” from the 1942 die. It can be seen in the upper left corner of the digit “4”.
- 1968-S SMS Dime: Check for the telltale signs of the Special Mint Set dimes—these should have a higher quality finish and can often be identified by their smoother, more polished appearance.
- 1976 Bicentennial Quarter: Minting errors such as die cracks, double strikes, or misalignments are key. Examine the edge and surface closely for any abnormalities.