Introduction:
A small insignificant coin, a dime, sometimes is worth many dollars more than its face value. Indeed, rare dimes exist in value that goes as high as $950,000.
Might you just happen to possess such an extremely valuable coin in your pocket change without even realizing it?
Let’s take a close look at some of these rare dimes that have sold for these astronomical prices at auction, and perhaps you might have one lying around somewhere in your coin collection.
Introduced in the United States in 1796, the dime was first made according to the Coinage Act of 1792. It had on its obverse side the portrait of Lady Liberty and an eagle on the reverse side.
The dime has been designed through time, with different designs that are remarkable. These designs include the Barber dime, the Mercury dime, and the Roosevelt dime.
One of the rarest dimes in the history of U.S. coins is the 1894-S Barber dime, struck at a few instances;
The History Behind Dimes:
only 24 were minted, thereby making it an extremely rare and valuable coin. In 2005, one of these dimes sold at auction for $1.3 million, making it one of the most valuable dimes in the world.
Some others dimes that are rare include 1916-D Mercury dime and the 1942/1 Mercury dime, as well as the Roosevelt dime from 1964-D. These dimes too can command a pretty penny at an auction depending on their condition and rarity.
Next time you get your change in your pocket take a closer look – you never know, you may have something rare and valuable hidden in there.
Exploring Different Types of Rare Dimes:
Another precious rare dime is the 1916-D Mercury Dime. There are approximately 1.9 million dollars worth that surely highlights the worthiness. There were about 264,000 coins which were made to market and now become one of the few rare dimes.
Other rare dimes worth mentioning are those such as the 1796 Draped Bust Dime, 1871-CC Seated Liberty Dime, and the 1913-S Barber Dime. All these dimes could be sold for thousands down to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Well, if you do have one of these rare dimes in pocket change, well, you can count yourself very lucky! First and foremost, any valuable coins should be professionally appraised so that their actual worth can be determined.
Mercury Dimes (1916-1945)
High in demand because of both low mintage and history. If it is a good grade, the coin can be sold at up to $950,000 more.
1942/1 Mercury Dime:
This is an error coin. This resulted from a situation where they could change the date of a coin at the mint as a mistake. Very rare and therefore worth a lot. Sold for high grades at approximately $950,000.
1895-O Barber Dime:
The dime is very rare because of the low mintage, and most of them were melted down. There are only nine known to exist, and this coin could sell for over $950,000.
If you think that you might have any of these rare dimes in your collection, it might be worth getting them professionally appraised.
Barber Dimes (1892-1916):
The Barber coinage included dimes, quarters, and half-dollars. These coins were designed by chief engraver of the United States Mint, Charles Barber, and the dimes were minted from 1892 to 1916.
Barber dimes have a composition of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper.
There were growing demands throughout the late 1880s for the Seated Liberty design to be replaced. Mint director Edward Leech called for a contest to produce a new design for the coinage.
The artists he invited, though, refused to join the competition since only the winner would receive a cash prize.
Other submissions from the general public did not fit either. Leech then resorted to Barber, his chief engraver, to come up with the new designs.
Once Barber had secured the approval of the designs by Leech, they were submitted to President Benjamin Harrison who approved the design in November 1891.
The coin’s design has garnered mixed reactions from artists and the general public.
Roosevelt Dimes Future Value
Considering that it is impossible to foresee the value of Roosevelt Dimes long into the future, it is evident based on historical precedents that coins of this nature only appreciate in cost as time passes.
With the Roosevelt Dime not produced since the 1960s, there is simply going to be fewer and fewer coins in the market with the passage of each year.
That is the reason why there never could be a better time than now for you to get your hands on a well preserved Roosevelt Dime.
But if you are sitting here ten years from now wanting to buy this coin, you would not be surprised to see that the price of this coin had gone up dramatically.
Aside from there just not being a many of these Roosevelt Dimes remaining out there with every passing year, there will also be fewer of the coins remaining in high grade, so really now is the time to act.
Current Market Trends for Investing in Rare Coins Like Pre-1965 Dimes
What makes US pre-1965 dimes and quarters so unique to coin connoisseurs is the combination of history, beauty, and intrinsic value. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a novice investor, these coins present you with that concrete, reliable asset.
When imbued with an appreciation for their history and value, when properly cared for, you can create a valuable collection that’s fun.
Then, there is the pre-1965 US dime and quarter investment. Purchasing these coins is more than acquiring pieces of silver; one invests in a slice of American history and even secures the future financially.
If that’s not enough, consider their durability and timeless value-a great addition to any collection or investment portfolio.
Identifying Valuable Coins Among Your Pocket Change: Tips & Tricks!
Here are some tips on how to determine precious coins in your pocket change:
- Consider the coin’s condition, mintage, and collector demand. Look for silver coins
- Coin rolls: Many people have coin rolls in their banks, where they collect error coins, silver coins, or old coins.
- Use coin apps: Many coin collectors recommend PCGS, which has coin-collecting apps for iOS and Android.
- Use coin valuation platforms: Some websites for which you may search to identify and value coins include
Rare coin tips: tips on selling rare coins
Research
Know the history, origin, and unique characteristics of your coin. You can refer to textbooks and internet publications from various independent organizations such as the Professional Numismatists Guild.
Know about the grading scale for assessing your coins’ condition. You can hire a professional appraiser to give your coins a grade.
Clean your coins nicely, and then store or display them in coin holders or capsules.
List well. Provide enough descriptions, like coin type, date, mint mark, and peculiar qualities. Photograph well from each view
Conclusion:
Generally speaking then, the rare coin world is more exciting than most people think – that pocket change may contain a hidden treasure.
A few fine dimes such as these examples selling for $950,000 are simply fantastic examples of the way an ordinary-looking coin becomes extraordinary in value.
The more you know of basic features of rare dimes and look for mint marks, dates, and conditions, the more likely you are to strike it big with a treasure in your pocket change or collection.
While finding a dime worth hundreds of thousands of dollars is rare, the possibility still exists, and with the right knowledge, you might just have a rare treasure in your hands.
Be it seasoned collectors or starting out, there is always value in really getting to know your coins. That little dime sitting in your pocket change might just be worth a lot more than you ever imagined!.