Not every dime is created equal. While most dimes are worth their face value, some rare examples fetch seven-figure prices due to their historical significance, minting errors, or limited production. Whether you’re a novice coin collector or a seasoned numismatist, knowing the factors that make a dime valuable is key to recognizing treasure when you see it.
Here’s a deep cut into some of the most expensive dimes and what makes them so sought-after.
1796 Draped Bust Dime
- Why It’s Valuable:
- The first dime ever produced by the U.S. Mint, making it historically significant.
- Only 22,135 pieces were minted, and few survive today.
Even in the worn Good-4 grade, this coin is worth around $2,600, while higher grades fetch much more.
1797 Draped Bust Dime
- Why It’s Valuable:
- Produced in smaller quantities, it remains a rare collectible.
A 1797 Draped Bust Dime in average condition can fetch $2,500 or more, and pristine examples command premium prices.
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Carson City Seated Liberty Dimes
- Why They’re Valuable:
- Coins with the “CC” mintmark, produced at the Carson City Mint in Nevada, are prized for their rarity and historical connection to the Western expansion.
1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime
- Value: $1,840,000 (mint condition)
- Details:
- Only 12,400 coins were minted, and just one specimen is known to exist today.
Other Carson City Seated Liberty dimes from 1871 to 1874 are also worth four figures, even in lower grades.
1894-S Barber Dime
- Value: Up to $2 million
- Why It’s Valuable:
- Only 24 pieces were minted, reportedly to balance the San Francisco Mint’s books.
- Of these, only 9 are known to exist today.
Ice Cream Story
Legend has it that John Daggett, then superintendent of the San Francisco Mint, gave three of these dimes to his daughter Hallie, who spent one on ice cream. The remaining two are now collector’s items of immense value.
1916-D Mercury Dime
- Value: Up to $10,000 (Uncirculated Full Bands condition)
- Why It’s Valuable:
- With a mintage of only 484,000, it’s one of the rarest Mercury dimes.
- In lower grades, it still fetches around $1,000, while Extremely Fine examples sell for $5,500 or more.
1942/1 and 1942/1-D Overdate Mercury Dimes
- Value: $400–$2,500+
- Why They’re Valuable:
- These dimes were struck with a minting error where the number “1” from 1941 is visible beneath the “2” in 1942.
Uncirculated examples are rare and can sell for over $2,500.
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
- Value: Up to $456,000
- Why It’s Valuable:
- Only two examples of this proof coin without the “S” mintmark are known to exist.
- Found in 1975 proof sets, these coins are highly sought after by collectors.
While you won’t find this coin in circulation, its rarity makes it one of the most expensive modern dimes.
1982 No-Mintmark Roosevelt Dime
- Value: $100–$500+
- Why It’s Valuable:
- In 1982, a set of dies lacked the “P” mintmark, resulting in coins without a mintmark.
- Many were distributed in Ohio, potentially used as change at Cedar Point amusement park.
Uncirculated examples of this error are particularly valuable.
Other Collectible Dimes
While not all Barber and Mercury dimes are worth millions, they remain valuable due to their age and silver content. Even worn examples can fetch $2 or more, and higher grades command significantly more.
Pre-1965 Roosevelt Dimes
These dimes, composed of 90% silver, are worth more than their face value due to their silver content. At a silver price of $25 per ounce, a single dime is worth about $1.81, even if worn.
1996-W Roosevelt Dime
This coin, produced at the West Point Mint, was issued as part of a special uncirculated coin set. As the only non-gold coin minted at West Point, it holds unique value among collectors.
Why Are Some Dimes Worth Millions?
- Rarity: Limited production or surviving examples increase demand.
- Historical Significance: Coins tied to key events or milestones in U.S. history are highly sought after.
- Mint Errors: Overdates, missing mintmarks, and other errors make coins unique.
- Condition: Coins in higher grades fetch significantly higher prices.
If you come across an old dime, don’t overlook it—it might just be a hidden fortune.
FAQs
What makes dimes valuable?
Rarity, mint errors, and historical significance add value.
What is the rarest U.S. dime?
The 1894-S Barber Dime, with only 9 known examples.
Are silver dimes worth keeping?
Yes, pre-1965 dimes contain 90% silver and are valuable.
Why is the 1975 No-S dime valuable?
Only two examples of this proof coin are known to exist.
How can I identify a valuable dime?
Check for mintmarks, errors, and overall condition.
