Dimes have been a cornerstone of U.S. coinage since 1796, offering a rich tapestry of history and artistry. For numismatists, certain dimes stand out not only for their rarity but also for their significant value. Here’s a detailed look at ten of the most coveted dimes, including a remarkable find valued at $750,000.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime
- Mintage: 24
- Estimated Value: Up to $1.9 million
- Notable Sale: A specimen sold for $1,997,500 in 2007
- Details: Minted in San Francisco, the 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest U.S. coins. Only 24 were produced, primarily as gifts for dignitaries. Today, only nine are known to exist, making it a pinnacle for collectors.
2. 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
- Mintage: Unknown; extremely limited
- Estimated Value: Approximately $500,000
- Notable Sale: Sold for $456,000 in 2019
- Details: This proof dime lacks the “S” mint mark, an error that occurred during production at the San Francisco Mint. Only two such dimes are known, making it a modern rarity.
3. 1916-D Mercury Dime
- Mintage: 264,000
- Estimated Value: Up to $207,000 in mint state
- Notable Sale: A specimen graded MS67 sold for $207,000
- Details: The Denver-minted 1916-D Mercury Dime is highly sought after due to its low mintage and the introduction of the Mercury design that year.
4. 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime (No Arrows)
- Mintage: Unknown; extremely limited
- Estimated Value: Approximately $1.84 million
- Notable Sale: Sold for $1,840,000
- Details: This Carson City-minted dime without arrows is exceedingly rare, with very few specimens known.
5. 1804 Draped Bust Dime
- Mintage: 8,265
- Estimated Value: Up to $632,500
- Notable Sale: A 14 Stars variety graded AU58 sold for $632,500
- Details: The 1804 Draped Bust Dime, especially the 14 Stars variety, is a prized early U.S. coin with limited surviving examples.
6. 1822 Capped Bust Dime
- Mintage: 100,000
- Estimated Value: Up to $440,625 for proof versions
- Notable Sale: A proof specimen graded PR66 CAM sold for $440,625
- Details: The 1822 Capped Bust Dime is rare, particularly in proof condition, with very few known examples.
7. 1871-CC Seated Liberty Dime
- Mintage: 20,100
- Estimated Value: Up to $270,250
- Notable Sale: A specimen graded MS65 sold for $270,250
- Details: As one of the earliest dimes from the Carson City Mint, the 1871-CC is a key date for collectors.
8. 1796 Draped Bust Dime
- Mintage: 22,135
- Estimated Value: Up to $881,250
- Notable Sale: A specimen graded MS67 sold for $881,250
- Details: As the first year of U.S. dime production, the 1796 Draped Bust Dime is historically significant and highly valued.
9. 1919-D Mercury Dime (Full Bands)
- Mintage: 9,939,000
- Estimated Value: Up to $218,500
- Notable Sale: A specimen with Full Bands detail sold for $218,500
- Details: The Full Bands designation indicates a fully struck reverse, significantly increasing the coin’s value.
10. 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime
- Mintage: Unknown; extremely limited
- Estimated Value: Up to $48,875
- Notable Sale: Sold for $48,875 in 2006
- Details: This proof dime was mistakenly struck without the “S” mint mark, making it a rare modern error coin.
| Dime | Mintage | Estimated Value | Notable Sale | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 24 | Up to $1.9 million | $1,997,500 | One of the rarest U.S. coins, with only nine known specimens. |
| 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime | Unknown | Approximately $500,000 | $456,000 | A proof dime missing the “S” mint mark; only two known. |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 264,000 | Up to $207,000 | $207,000 | Low mintage and first year of the Mercury design. |
| 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime (No Arrows) | Unknown | Approximately $1.84 million | $1,840,000 | Extremely rare Carson City minting without arrows. |
| 1804 Draped Bust Dime | 8,265 | Up to $632,500 | $632,500 | Early U.S. coin with limited surviving examples. |
| 1822 Capped Bust Dime | 100,000 | Up to $440,625 | $440,625 | Rare, especially in proof condition. |
| 1871-CC Seated Liberty Dime | 20,100 | Up to |
Collecting dimes can be a rewarding experience, especially when you come across some of the rarest and most valuable ones in existence. From historical coins like the 1894-S Barber Dime to modern-day errors like the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime, these dimes not only hold significant monetary value but also provide a glimpse into America’s rich numismatic history. As a collector, being aware of what to look for in terms of rarity, mint marks, and special features such as “Full Bands” can make all the difference in spotting a hidden gem in your collection.
Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned numismatist, the thrill of uncovering a rare dime valued at up to $750,000 is an exciting journey. Keep an eye out, and who knows—you might just find a valuable treasure in your loose change!
What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime so valuable?
The 1894-S Barber Dime is valuable because only 24 specimens were minted, primarily as gifts for influential individuals. Today, only nine are known to exist, making it one of the rarest U.S. coins.
What does “Full Bands” mean on a Mercury Dime?
“Full Bands” refers to the fully defined horizontal lines on the reverse of the Mercury Dime’s fasces. This designation indicates a strong strike and significantly increases the coin’s value due to its rarity.
How can I identify if my Roosevelt Dime is a rare No-S variety?
To check if your Roosevelt Dime is a rare No-S proof, look for the absence of the “S” mint mark above the date on the coin’s front side. These error dimes are typically found in proof sets and are extremely rare.
