Most dimes and quarters in circulation are only worth their face value, but a few rare varieties have sold for thousands—or even millions—of dollars. Some of these hidden treasures could be lying in plain sight, waiting for a lucky collector to discover them.
Here are eight extraordinary coins that could turn pocket change into a small fortune.
Table of Contents
1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is the rarest and most valuable dime in U.S. history. Only 24 of these dimes were ever minted, and today, fewer than 10 are known to exist.
- Value: Over $1 million
- Mint Mark: “S” (San Francisco)
- Why It’s Rare: Extremely limited mintage
If you ever find one of these dimes, you’ve hit the jackpot—this coin is one of America’s most prized numismatic treasures.
1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is another highly sought-after rarity. Only 264,000 were minted at the Denver Mint—an incredibly small number for that era.
- Value: Over $100,000 in mint condition
- Mint Mark: “D” (Denver)
- Why It’s Rare: Low mintage
Check your Mercury Dimes carefully! The “D” mint mark on the reverse near the bottom of the torch identifies this valuable version.
1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime
Minted in Carson City, Nevada, the 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime is a true Old West treasure. Many of these coins were melted down, making surviving examples exceptionally rare.
- Value: Up to $50,000 or more
- Mint Mark: “CC” (Carson City)
- Why It’s Rare: Limited survival rate
If you spot a dime with a “CC” mint mark, it could be worth far more than 10 cents!
1968 & 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dimes
Two of the most valuable error coins are the 1968 and 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dimes. These dimes were mistakenly struck without the “S” mint mark, which should have been present for San Francisco-proof coins.
- Value: Up to $20,000 each
- Mint Mark: None (missing “S”)
- Why It’s Rare: Minting error
Error coins like these prove that even modern dimes can hold tremendous value!
1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime
The 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime was the first U.S. coin to be accidentally minted without its mint mark. Normally, Philadelphia-minted dimes have a “P,” but some from 1982 were struck without it.
- Value: Up to $5,000
- Mint Mark: None (missing “P”)
- Why It’s Rare: First regular issue U.S. coin missing a mint mark
This small error makes a big difference in value for collectors.
1955 Roosevelt Dime
The 1955 Roosevelt Dime with a double die error shows noticeable doubling in its design—especially in the date. This happened due to a misalignment during the minting process.
- Value: Up to $2,000
- Mint Mark: Varies
- Why It’s Rare: Double die mistake
A sharp eye can spot this error, which significantly boosts the coin’s worth.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was made to celebrate America’s 200th birthday. Most of these quarters are worth just 25 cents, but special silver-clad and proof versions are worth much more.
- Value: Up to $1,000+ for silver or proof versions
- Mint Mark: Varies
- Why It’s Rare: Limited silver-clad mintage
If you find a Bicentennial Quarter with a silver composition, it could be worth hundreds or even thousands!
| Coin | Year | Value | Notable Feature | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | $1 million+ | Only 24 minted | Extremely rare |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | $100,000+ | Low mintage (264,000) | Highly sought-after |
| 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime | 1873 | $50,000+ | Carson City minting, very scarce | Rare Old West coin |
| 1968 & 1975 No-S Dimes | 1968, 1975 | $20,000+ | Minting error—no “S” mark | Rare proof errors |
| 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime | 1982 | $5,000+ | First U.S. coin missing “P” | Modern error coin |
| 1955 Roosevelt Dime | 1955 | $2,000+ | Double die error | Collectible mistake |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | $1,000+ | Silver-clad or proof version | Special edition coin |
Could You Have One of These Rare Coins?
These coins aren’t just valuable—they tell fascinating stories about American history, minting mistakes, and changing designs. Some are hidden treasures, sitting unnoticed in collections, coin jars, or even everyday change.
If you think you’ve found one, get it authenticated by a professional before selling. Numismatic grading services like NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) or PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) can confirm authenticity and determine market value.
Your spare change might be worth more than you think!
FAQs
How can I tell if I have a rare dime or quarter?
Check for unique dates, mint marks, and known errors. Use a coin guide or professional grader.
What is the rarest dime ever made?
The 1894-S Barber Dime, with only 24 minted, valued at over $1 million.
Are Bicentennial Quarters worth anything?
Most are worth 25 cents, but silver-clad or proof versions can be worth $1,000+.
Where can I sell a rare coin?
Auction houses, coin dealers, and online marketplaces like eBay or Heritage Auctions.
Should I clean my rare coin before selling?
No! Cleaning can damage the coin and lower its value significantly.
