It might sound too good to be true, but your spare dime could indeed be worth more than $1 million! Certain rare and valuable dimes, especially those with minting errors or significant historical features, have sold for impressive sums at auctions. Here’s what you need to know about these ultra-valuable dimes:
1. 1894-S Barber Dime
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest and most valuable dimes in existence. Only 24 were ever minted, and fewer than 10 are known to exist today in private collections.
- Value: Depending on its condition, an 1894-S Barber Dime can be worth $1 million or more. In fact, one sold for over $1.9 million at auction in 2016.
- How to Identify It: The coin features the Barber design, created by Charles E. Barber, showing Liberty on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse. The mintmark “S” (for the San Francisco Mint) is located on the reverse side, just below the wreath. The date “1894” is also clearly visible.
2. 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime (Proof Coin Error)
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime is an error coin that was struck at the San Francisco Mint but was missing the mintmark “S” that should have appeared on the reverse side. Only a small number of these were released to the public, and they are highly sought after by collectors.
- Value: A 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime can be worth around $20,000 to $50,000 in high-grade condition. In rare cases, such as with mint-state specimens, the price could approach $1 million.
- How to Identify It: This dime will look like a normal 1975 Roosevelt Dime, but when you examine the reverse side, you will find no mintmark where the “S” should be. It’s crucial to look for this subtle error, as most 1975 dimes are correctly stamped with the “S” mintmark.
3. 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime is another rare coin due to an error in the minting process. Some dimes from 1982 were mistakenly struck without a mintmark, despite being produced at the Philadelphia Mint, which typically leaves coins without a mintmark.
- Value: While not as valuable as the 1894-S or the 1975 “No S,” a 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime can still be worth several thousand dollars, especially in pristine condition. The most valuable examples, especially those with an MS-66 or higher grade, can fetch much higher prices.
- How to Identify It: Check the reverse of the 1982 Roosevelt Dime for the absence of a mintmark. The mintmark should be located below the date. If it’s missing, you have a potential rare error coin.
4. 1942/1 Mercury Dime (Overdate)
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is an overdate coin where the “1” from the year 1941 is still visible under the “2” of 1942. This overdate error occurred because the mint used the wrong die during production.
- Value: A well-preserved 1942/1 Mercury Dime can be worth $15,000 to $40,000 depending on its grade. High-quality examples could go for significantly more.
- How to Identify It: If you closely examine the date on a 1942 Mercury Dime, you will see the “1” peeking under the “2” in the year. This overdate error is noticeable when magnified.
5. 1941-D Mercury Dime with Over Mintmark
- Why It’s Valuable: A few 1941-D Mercury Dimes were minted with an over mintmark error. The coin originally was struck with a “D” mintmark, but a second mintmark was mistakenly stamped over it.
- Value: A 1941-D Mercury Dime with an over mintmark can be worth anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on the quality and rarity of the overmintmark.
- How to Identify It: Look for the “D” mintmark on the reverse. If you see an overlapping second mintmark (sometimes a “D” over “S” or a “D” that looks smudged), you could be holding a valuable error coin.
Also See: Top 5 Most Rare Valuable Pennies You Could Find in Your Spare Change
| Coin | Key Features | Value | How to Identify |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | Only 24 minted, one of the rarest U.S. coins | $1 million or more | Look for “S” mintmark on reverse and the Barber design |
| 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime | Missing mintmark “S” for San Francisco Mint | $20,000 to $50,000 (up to $1 million in high grade) | No “S” mintmark on the reverse |
| 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime | Mintmark error on Philadelphia Mint dimes | Several thousand dollars | Missing mintmark on reverse side |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime | Overdate error (1941 under the “2” of 1942) | $15,000 to $40,000 | Look for “1” under “2” in the year |
| 1941-D Mercury Dime with Over Mintmark | Mintmark error with overlapping mintmark | $5,000 to $30,000 | Look for overlapping mintmarks on the reverse |
How to Spot Valuable Dimes:
- Look for Errors: Minting mistakes, such as double dies, missing mintmarks, or overdates, are common indicators of valuable dimes.
- Check the Mintmark: Dimes from certain years or mints (like San Francisco or Denver) are rarer and more valuable. Always check for mintmarks on the reverse side.
- Examine the Condition: The value of any coin greatly depends on its condition (grade). The higher the grade (e.g., MS-65 or better), the more valuable the coin will be.
- Research Key Dates: Some years, like 1894 or 1975, have produced dimes with significant value due to low mintage or errors. Always check for rare dates.
How to Maximize the Value of Your Dime:
- Get It Graded: If you suspect you have a rare dime, consider having it graded by professional services such as PCGS or NGC. A high-grade coin will fetch a much higher price at auction or resale.
- Consult a Coin Dealer: Bring your dimes to a reputable coin dealer for evaluation. Be sure to research prices beforehand to ensure you’re getting a fair offer.
- Sell at Auction: Coins like rare dimes are often best sold through specialized coin auctions where collectors will bid on valuable pieces.