If you think your dime collection is just a bunch of small change, think again! Some dimes are worth thousands, even up to half a million dollars, and they might be still circulating out there today. These prized dimes are incredibly rare, but knowing what to look for could mean finding a hidden treasure in your pocket or coin jar. From minting errors to rare versions of certain years, here’s a look at 9 dimes you could find that might be worth a fortune.
1. The 1894-S Barber Dime: The Ultimate Treasure
The 1894-S Barber Dime is the holy grail of dimes. Only 24 of these coins were ever minted, and it’s believed that just a handful remain in circulation. Because of its extreme rarity, it can fetch up to $1.9 million in top condition.
Why It’s So Valuable:
- Extremely Rare: Only 24 were made, and even fewer are in good condition.
- Historical Significance: It’s a key piece in any serious coin collection.
2. 1942/1 Mercury Dime: The Overdate Error Coin
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is one of the most sought-after error coins. This dime was mistakenly minted using a 1941 die, causing the “1” from the previous year to show up under the “2.” This overdate error can be worth anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on its condition.
Why It’s So Valuable:
- Minting Error: The overdate feature makes it rare and collectible.
- High Demand: Error coins are always highly sought after by collectors.
3. 1916-D Mercury Dime: The Key Date
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is a key date coin in the Mercury Dime series, which makes it valuable to collectors. Only a limited number were minted, and high-grade versions can go for as much as $400,000 at auction.
Why It’s So Valuable:
- Low Mintage: Only 264,000 were minted.
- Highly Coveted by Collectors: Mercury Dimes are popular, and the 1916-D is especially rare.
4. 1949-D Roosevelt Dime: A Hidden Gem
The 1949-D Roosevelt Dime is often overlooked by collectors, but in excellent condition, it can be worth around $10,000. While it’s not as famous as some other dimes, its low mintage makes it a prized find.
Why It’s So Valuable:
- Low Mintage: Only about 6.7 million were minted.
- Rarity in High Condition: The value significantly increases when the coin is in pristine condition.
5. 1968-D Roosevelt Dime: The Double Die Reverse Error
The 1968-D Roosevelt Dime with a double die reverse error is another prized dime. This error causes the reverse (back) of the coin to have a doubling effect on certain letters and numbers. A well-preserved coin with this error can be worth $30,000 or more.
Why It’s So Valuable:
- Minting Error: The doubling error makes it rare and highly collectible.
- High Demand Among Collectors: Error coins like this are always in high demand.
6. 1937-D Mercury Dime: The High-Grade Survivor
The 1937-D Mercury Dime is a rarity in excellent condition. While not as rare as some of the other dimes on this list, it is still highly coveted by collectors, especially those looking for coins in top-grade condition. Depending on its condition, this coin can be worth up to $50,000.
Why It’s So Valuable:
- Low Mintage and High Demand: With only 3.4 million minted, collectors seek high-grade versions.
- Condition is Key: A dime in excellent condition can be worth a small fortune.
7. 1916-S Mercury Dime: Another Key Date
The 1916-S Mercury Dime is another key date in the Mercury Dime series, and it’s one of the most highly sought-after by collectors. In excellent condition, it can easily fetch $10,000 or more. Coins with the San Francisco mintmark tend to be rarer, which drives up the price.
Why It’s So Valuable:
- Rarity: Only 208,000 were minted, making it one of the scarcest in the series.
- High Collector Demand: Being part of the Mercury Dime series adds to its value.
8. 1964 Roosevelt Dime: The 1964 Special Mint Set
The 1964 Roosevelt Dime from the Special Mint Set is another prized find. While many people overlook it, this coin is part of a special set that was released in limited quantities. It can be worth $1,000 to $10,000 if found in excellent condition.
Why It’s So Valuable:
- Special Mint Set: The coin was released as part of a limited-edition set, making it more collectible.
- Condition Matters: Coins in excellent condition are especially valuable.
9. 1945 Micro S Roosevelt Dime: The Mintmark Error
The 1945 Micro S Roosevelt Dime is another rare dime with an interesting story. The “S” mintmark on this coin is much smaller than it should be, making it a mintmark error. Depending on the coin’s condition, it can be worth between $5,000 and $50,000.
Why It’s So Valuable:
- Mintmark Error: The tiny “S” mintmark is a rare feature.
- Collectible: Coins with mintmark errors are always valuable to collectors.
Conclusion
From minting errors to low mintage years, the dimes on this list are far from ordinary. These rare coins can be worth anywhere from a few thousand dollars to nearly half a million! While these dimes are difficult to find, they are still circulating, and you could have one in your collection or even in your pocket right now. Make sure to keep an eye out for these 9 prized dimes, and you could be sitting on a fortune without even realizing it!
FAQs
1. How do I know if I have a valuable dime?
Look for minting errors, unusual mintmarks, or key dates. If the coin is in excellent condition, its value will be much higher.
2. Why are minting errors valuable?
Minting errors are rare and often one-of-a-kind, which makes them highly sought after by collectors.
3. What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime so special?
The 1894-S is the rarest of all dimes, with only 24 known to exist. Its rarity and historical significance drive its high value.
4. How do I sell a valuable dime?
You should get it appraised by a certified numismatist or coin dealer. They can help you determine its value and guide you on how to sell it.
5. Are there other dimes worth money?
Yes, there are several other dimes worth significant amounts, including the 1942/1 Mercury Dime and the 1916-D Mercury Dime.