Dime coins might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of valuable coins. After all, the humble ten-cent piece is often associated with phrases like “not much money.” However, some dimes are worth a fortune, fetching hundreds of thousands—or even millions—at auction.
What makes collectors so willing to spend big on these seemingly simple coins? Let’s find out by investigation the most expensive dimes ever sold.
Table of Contents
- 1 1860-O Seated Liberty Dime, MS67
- 2 1843-O Seated Liberty Dime, MS66
- 3 1916-D Mercury Dime Full Band, MS67
- 4 1797 Draped Bust Dime (16 Stars), MS66
- 5 1797 Draped Bust Dime (13 Stars), MS65
- 6 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime, Proof, PR68
- 7 1822 Capped Bust Dime, Proof, PR66+ Cameo
- 8 1796 Draped Bust Dime, MS66+
- 9 1820 Capped Bust Dime, Proof, PR66
- 10 1796 Draped Bust Dime, MS66+
- 11 FAQs
1860-O Seated Liberty Dime, MS67
The 1860-O Seated Liberty dime holds a special place in numismatics due to its low mintage of just 40,000 coins—the fewest of any New Orleans-minted dime. Today, only around 400 examples are believed to exist.
Even a heavily worn specimen (graded 2) is valued at $700, while a grade 50 coin in “about uncirculated” condition can reach five figures. But true treasures lie in mint-state coins.
The highest known grade is MS67, which last sold in 2022 for an impressive $192,000. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) now estimates its value at $225,000.
1843-O Seated Liberty Dime, MS66
Between 1837 and 1891, Seated Liberty dimes featured Lady Liberty seated on the obverse. The New Orleans Mint produced far fewer dimes in 1843 compared to previous years—just 150,000 coins.
Today, only about 200 of these dimes remain, most in poor condition. While a grade 2 specimen might cost $200, mint-state examples are incredibly rare.
The finest known 1843-O dime is graded MS66. When it was last sold in 1996, it fetched $29,700. PCGS now estimates its value at over $250,000.
1916-D Mercury Dime Full Band, MS67
The 1916-D Mercury dime is one of the most sought-after U.S. coins. Only 264,000 were minted in Denver, compared to over 22 million in Philadelphia and 10 million in San Francisco. Fewer than 600 are thought to have survived.
Collectors prize the Full Band designation, which refers to the strong strike showing the full detail of the bands on the reverse fasces.
An MS67 Full Band example sold for $205,000. If you’re lucky enough to own one in pristine condition, it could be worth even more today.
1797 Draped Bust Dime (16 Stars), MS66
The 1797 Draped Bust dime features Lady Liberty with 16 stars around her image—one for each state at the time. Later that year, the number of stars was reduced to 13 to avoid overcrowding as more states joined the union.
This coin is extremely rare, especially in mint condition. The finest known example, graded MS66, sold for $199,750 in 2015. PCGS now values it at $275,000.
1797 Draped Bust Dime (13 Stars), MS65
The second variety of the 1797 Draped Bust dime has 13 stars on the obverse. Only around 50 examples of this variety are known to exist, with just five in mint condition.
A coin graded MS65 sold for $402,500 in 2006, setting a high benchmark for this rare dime.
1975 No S Roosevelt Dime, Proof, PR68
The 1975 No S Roosevelt dime is a modern rarity. Proof dimes from the San Francisco Mint should carry an “S” mint mark, but in 1975, a few coins were mistakenly struck without it.
Only two examples are known to exist. One sold for $456,000 at auction in 2019, making it the most valuable Roosevelt dime ever sold.
1822 Capped Bust Dime, Proof, PR66+ Cameo
The 1822 Capped Bust dime is an exceptional coin. Although proof coins were rarely made in the early 19th century, a few proof dimes were struck in 1822.
The finest known example, graded PR66+ Cameo, sold for $440,625 in 2014. PCGS now estimates its value at $600,000.
1796 Draped Bust Dime, MS66+
The 1796 Draped Bust dime is the first dime ever produced by the U.S. Mint. Just 22,000 were struck, and about 850 are believed to survive.
The auction record for an MS66+ specimen was set in 2023 at $372,000. The finest known example, graded MS68, is valued by PCGS at $1.25 million.
1820 Capped Bust Dime, Proof, PR66
The existence of the 1820 Capped Bust proof dime is controversial, as no official records mention proof production that year. However, the NGC has certified one coin as PR66.
In 2019, that coin sold for $156,000, making it one of the most affordable coins on this list—despite its rarity.
1796 Draped Bust Dime, MS66+
Another 1796 Draped Bust dime rounds out the list. This MS66+ example sold for $372,000 in 2023.
The highest-graded coin of this variety, an MS68, is valued at $1.25 million, though it has never appeared at auction.
Some dimes may seem ordinary at first glance, but their rarity and condition can make them worth a fortune. Whether you’re a serious collector or just curious, it’s fascinating to see how much these small coins can be worth. Keep your eyes open—you never know what might be hiding in your pocket change!
FAQs
What makes dimes so valuable?
Rarity, mint errors, and high-grade condition increase their value.
What is the most expensive dime?
A 1796 Draped Bust dime graded MS68 is valued at $1.25 million.
How rare is the 1975 No S Roosevelt dime?
Only two examples are known, making it extremely rare.
What is a Full Band Mercury dime?
It refers to a strong strike showing full detail on the reverse bands.
How many 1916-D Mercury dimes exist?
Around 600 survive in various conditions today.
