Imagine observing a small coin in your collection that’s worth a fortune. That’s exactly the case with some of the rarest U.S. dimes, which have stunned collectors by selling for hundreds of thousands—or even millions—at auction.
While these coins may look ordinary, their rarity, historical significance, and unique features make them extraordinary treasures. In this guide, we’ll look into three of the most valuable dimes ever minted:
- The 1894-S Barber Dime – A legendary rarity worth up to $1.99 million
- The 1916-D Mercury Dime – A sought-after coin valued at over $100,000
- The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime – A rare minting error fetching up to $456,000
Let’s look in and see if one of these valuable dimes could be hiding in your collection.
| Dime | Year | What Makes It Special | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | Only 24 minted, fewer than 10 exist today | Up to $1.99 million |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | Low mintage (264,000), rare Denver “D” mark | Up to $100,000+ |
| 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime | 1975 | Minting error, missing “S” mintmark on proof coins | Up to $456,000 |
Table of Contents
1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the most famous and mysterious coins in U.S. history. Only 24 were minted, and today, fewer than 10 are known to exist. This extreme rarity has made it one of the most coveted coins among collectors.
Why Is It So Valuable?
The origins of the 1894-S Barber Dime remain unclear, but some theories suggest:
- It was struck for influential individuals as a special gift.
- It was created to balance the San Francisco Mint’s accounting records.
Regardless of its purpose, this dime has become a holy grail for collectors.
Auction Records
- In 2016, a well-preserved 1894-S Barber Dime sold for $1.99 million at auction.
- Other examples in slightly lower grades have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
How to Identify It
- Look for the year “1894” on the front.
- Check the reverse side for an “S” mintmark, indicating it was struck in San Francisco.
If you come across this coin, you could be holding a multi-million-dollar treasure.
1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is another highly valuable coin. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, this dime features Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. Many collectors consider it one of the most beautiful coin designs ever produced.
Why Is It So Valuable?
- Low mintage – Only 264,000 were produced at the Denver Mint.
- Many were heavily circulated, making high-quality examples extremely rare.
Auction Records
- Circulated examples sell for thousands of dollars.
- Uncirculated versions have fetched over $100,000 at auctions.
How to Identify It
- Look for the year “1916” on the front.
- Flip it over and check for a small “D” mintmark just below the olive branch on the reverse.
If you have a 1916-D Mercury Dime, get it professionally appraised—it could be worth a fortune.
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is a modern rarity, created due to a minting error. Proof coins minted in San Francisco typically have an “S” mintmark, but a small number of these dimes were struck without it.
Why Is It So Valuable?
- Only two examples are confirmed to exist.
- Since these were proof coins, they were never meant for circulation, making them even rarer.
Auction Records
- In 2019, one of these dimes sold for $456,000.
- If more are observed, their value could be even higher.
How to Identify It
- Check 1975 proof sets for a Roosevelt Dime missing the “S” mintmark.
- Proof dimes typically have a deep, mirror-like finish—if yours lacks an “S” mintmark, it could be one of the rarest U.S. coins.
Could You Have One of These Valuable Dimes?
If you collect coins, inherited a coin collection, or have old change lying around, it’s worth checking for these rare dimes. Here’s what to do:
Examine Your Coin Collection
- Look for 1894-S Barber Dimes, 1916-D Mercury Dimes, and 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dimes.
- Use a magnifying glass to check mintmarks and details.
Check Proof Sets
- If you own a 1975 proof set, carefully inspect the Roosevelt Dime for a missing “S” mintmark.
Get a Professional Appraisal
- If you think you have a valuable dime, take it to a professional coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
Sell at a Reputable Auction House
- If your dime is genuinely rare, consider selling it at a major auction house like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.
Final Thoughts
These three valuable dimes prove that even small change can be worth a fortune. Whether you’re an experienced collector or just starting, it pays to check your coins carefully.
If you’re lucky enough to own one of these rare dimes, you could be holding a hidden treasure worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars.
FAQs
How much is the 1894-S Barber Dime worth?
The 1894-S Barber Dime can be worth up to $1.99 million, depending on its condition.
Why is the 1916-D Mercury Dime so valuable?
It has a low mintage of only 264,000, making it one of the rarest Mercury Dimes.
How rare is the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime?
Only two examples are known to exist, with one selling for $456,000 in 2019.
How do I check if my dime is valuable?
Look for key dates and mintmarks, and get it professionally appraised by a coin grading service.
Where can I sell a rare dime?
You can sell it through reputable auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.
