Most of us consider loose change rather insignificant; but what if that dime or quarter jingles in your pocket and turns out to be worth a fortune? Believe it or not, rare coins still circulate and they can really be or worth millions because of their rarity, minting mistakes, or historical significance. This guide will take you through 7 rare dimes and one extraordinary Bicentennial quarter that could throw you into the accidental millionaires’ club.
So, without delaying things, let’s explore these numismatic treasures, and how to identify them.
1894-S Barber Dime: The Million-Dollar Coin
Without a doubt, the rarest and most valuable coin in the list is the 1894-S Barber Dime. Of the only 24 minted, it has come to be one of the rarest U.S.-made coins. Experts estimate that fewer than 10 of these exist in the world today, thus making this dime a true legend in numismatics. If you come across one, it could be worth more than $1 million.
- How to Identify: look for the “S” mint mark beneath the wreath on the reverse side.
1916-D Mercury Dime: A Rare Denver Mint Treasure
The 1916-D Mercury Dime, minted in Denver, is another important coin in the hearts of collectors. This piece of coinage, along with only 264,000 other pieces produced, will ensure that this piece becomes very expensive and in high demand. In perfect condition, this dime is worth over $100,000.
- How to Identify: Look for the “D” mint mark near the base of the torch on the reverse side.
1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime: A Western Icon
Struck in Carson City, Nevada, the 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime is an interesting slice of western history. It has the “CC” mint mark, which makes it highly unique and collectible. Depending on condition, this coin is worth $50,000 or more.
How to Identify: Note: Invert for the most distinct “CC” mint mark on the reverse.
The No-S Roosevelt Dimes: A Mint Error Worth Thousands
The 1968 and 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dimes are perhaps the most widely known coins for mint errors that occurred due to omission of the “S” mint mark. These coins were minted in San Francisco and incredibly scarce. In mint condition, it’s a pretty big price tag of up to $20,000.
- Identification: Examine the Coin Carefullly- If there’s no “S” mint mark beneath Roosevelt’s neck, you might just have found yourself a winner.
1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime: First in U.S. Coinage History
The 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime is the first regular-issue U.S. coin struck with no mint mark; its value is less than any of the others on this list, but it tells a great story in numismatic circles, and in uncirculated condition, it can be worth up to $5,000.
- How to Identify: Look for the absence of a “P” mint mark (Philadelphia) on the front of the coin.
1955 Roosevelt Dime Double Die Error: A Collector’s Favorite
The minting error known as double die is found on the 1955 Roosevelt Dime, generating very noticeable doubling of the coin’s design, especially in the date. Such odd minting errors are valued by collectors, and an example in well-worn condition may fetch as high as $2,000.
Identification: Look for doubled aspects, particularly in the date and lettering.
Bicentennial Quarter: A Special Coin for one Anniversary
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was minted as a celebration of America’s 200th birthday. Most of these quarters would not be worth more than their face value, but some can be either silver-clad or proof versions that are worth thousands, with $1,000 or more as an example.
- Identification: It has a dual date on the front, “1776–1976,” and a different drummer design on the reverse side.
How Rare Coins Achieve Their Value
The value of rare coins comes from many factors:
- Limited Mintage: An extremely limited mintage characterizes coins like the 1894-S Barber Dime.
- Minting Mistakes: Qualifying as “errors,” such as missing mint marks or double dies, turn these coins into one-of-a-kinds and collectibles.
- Historic: Limited-time coins become culturally or historically valuable if tied with a specific event or period, like the Bicentennial Quarter.
How to Identify Rare Coins in Your Change
It may seem impossible to find one of these treasures, but it’s not entirely impossible. Here are some tips:
- Check Every Coin: Closely monitor the appearance features, mint marks, and dates for oddities.
- Learn: Inform oneself on all valuable coins and what makes them different from others.
- Magnifying glass: More subtle features which may be difficult to spot without magnification, like double dies or even missing mint marks, can be seen with a magnifying glass.
- Keep Coins of Suspicious Value: Think you might own a rare coin? Have it verified by a numismatics expert.
FAQs Regarding Rare Dimes
- How rare is the 1894-S Barber Dime?
Only 24 were minted, and fewer than 10 are known to exist today, making it one of the rarest U.S. coins. - Why is the 1916-D Mercury Dime valuable?
Rarely does any coin produced only in 264,000 specimens at Denver have high demand among collectors. - Why is the 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime important?
It makes historical sense because the “CC” mint mark ties it to Carson City, Nevada, a mint with historical significance. - What is the meaning of “no-S” Roosevelt dimes?
These dimes, minted in San Francisco, were struck without the “S” mint mark because of a minting mistake in the process. - What price does a 1955 Roosevelt Dime “double die” command?
It could be worth $2,000 based on its condition.
So, you can conclude that you’ll have to keep your eyes on your change. The next time you dump your pockets or sift through your piggy bank, look closely at the coins. You might find one of these rare dimes, or a Bicentennial quarter, hiding in plain sight. Even if you don’t find a treasure, the thrill of the hunt makes this an exciting and rewarding hobby.
Happy hunting!