While most dimes are worth just ten cents, certain rare specimens have become highly sought after by collectors, fetching prices exceeding $1 million at auctions.
These dimes, often still found in circulation, owe their value to unique minting errors, limited production runs, or historical significance. Below is a detailed exploration of these exceptional coins.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime
Minted in San Francisco, the 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest U.S. coins. Only 24 were produced, and just nine are known to exist today.
One of these dimes sold for $1.9 million in 2007. The coin features Lady Liberty on the obverse and a wreath encircling “One Dime” on the reverse. Its rarity and historical significance make it a prized possession among collectors.
2. 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
In 1975, the San Francisco Mint produced over 2.8 million proof sets, but two dimes were mistakenly struck without the “S” mint mark.
One of these 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dimes sold for $506,250 in 2024. This coin’s value stems from its extreme rarity and the minting error.
3. 1804 Draped Bust Dime
The 1804 Draped Bust Dime had a limited mintage of 6,738 coins. A specimen with a pale golden-brown toning and widely spaced “Liberty” lettering sold for $632,000 at auction. Its age, rarity, and distinctive design contribute to its high value.
4. 1873-CC No Arrows Seated Liberty Dime
The 1873-CC No Arrows Seated Liberty Dime is another rarity, with very few known to exist. One example fetched $1.84 million at auction.
The coin’s value is attributed to its limited mintage and the historical significance of the Carson City Mint.
5. 1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime, minted in Denver, had a mintage of 264,000. High-grade specimens are highly sought after, with some fetching over $1 million. The coin features the Winged Liberty Head design and is prized for its rarity and historical context.
6. 1796 Draped Bust Dime
The 1796 Draped Bust Dime was the first dime issued by the U.S. Mint, with a mintage of 22,135. High-grade examples have sold for over $1 million due to their historical significance and rarity.
7. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
While not a dime, the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is worth mentioning due to its value. This overdate error coin has fetched over $1 million at auction.
8. 1797 Draped Bust Dime
The 1797 Draped Bust Dime had a mintage of 25,261. High-grade specimens are rare and have sold for over $1 million.
9. 1871-CC Seated Liberty Dime
The 1871-CC Seated Liberty Dime, minted in Carson City, had a mintage of 20,100. High-grade examples are rare and have sold for over $1 million.
10. 1805 Draped Bust Dime
The 1805 Draped Bust Dime had a mintage of 120,780. High-grade specimens are rare and have sold for over $1 million.
Below is a summary table of these rare dimes:
| Coin | Year | Mintage | Auction Price | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | 24 | $1.9 million | Limited mintage |
| 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime | 1975 | 2 | $506,250 | Missing “S” mint mark |
| 1804 Draped Bust Dime | 1804 | 6,738 | $632,000 | Limited mintage |
| 1873-CC No Arrows Seated Liberty Dime | 1873 | Few | $1.84 million | Limited mintage |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | 264,000 | Over $1 million | High-grade specimens |
| 1796 Draped Bust Dime | 1796 | 22,135 | Over $1 million | First U.S. dime |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | 1918 | N/A | Over $1 million | Overdate error |
| 1797 Draped Bust Dime | 1797 | 25,261 | Over $1 million | High-grade specimens |
| 1871-CC Seated Liberty Dime | 1871 | 20,100 | Over $1 million | Carson City Mint |
| 1805 Draped Bust Dime | 1805 | 120,780 | Over $1 million | High-grade specimens |
FAQs
What makes these dimes so valuable?
The value of these dimes is primarily due to their rarity, historical significance, unique minting errors, and high-grade preservation.
Can these rare dimes still be found in circulation?
While it’s highly unlikely, there’s a remote possibility that some of these rare dimes could still be found in circulation, especially if they were mistakenly spent.
How can I determine if I have a valuable dime?
Consulting a professional numismatist or a reputable coin grading service is the best way to determine if your dime is valuable. Checking for mint marks, date errors, and overall condition (grading) can also help assess its worth.