Collecting rare U.S. dimes can be an exciting hobby with the potential for significant financial rewards. Certain dimes, due to their age, rarity, mint errors, or historical significance, have gained substantial value, with some fetching prices up to $50,000.
For both novice and seasoned collectors, these rare dimes represent opportunities to own valuable pieces of American numismatic history. Here are six dimes you should keep an eye out for if you’re interested in adding value to your collection.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the most coveted and valuable dimes in U.S. history. Only 24 were originally minted, with fewer than ten known to exist today. These dimes can fetch over $1 million in excellent condition, making them the pinnacle of rare U.S. dimes.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime
This coin is a collector’s favorite due to its low mintage, with only 264,000 pieces produced. As the first Mercury dime issued by the Denver Mint, it’s highly sought after, with prices reaching tens of thousands for coins in mint condition.
3. 1942/41 Mercury Dime
The 1942/41 Mercury Dime is famous for its unique overdate error, where remnants of “1941” appear beneath the “1942” date. This error has made the coin highly valuable, especially in high grades, with some fetching thousands of dollars.
4. 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime
This dime is notable for its missing “S” mint mark, indicating it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Proof dimes from this year should have an “S” mark, so this error significantly increases the coin’s value. High-grade specimens can sell for thousands of dollars.
5. 1982 No-Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
The 1982 No-Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime is another highly prized error coin. These dimes, produced at the Philadelphia Mint, mistakenly lack the “P” mint mark, making them rare. Collectors value this error coin, especially in uncirculated condition, where it can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
6. 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
Another rare dime, the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime, lacks the “S” mint mark on proof dimes from San Francisco. Known examples are few, and due to its rarity and error, this coin can command exceptionally high prices among collectors.
| Coin | Year | Mint Mark | Error Type | Approx. Value ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | S | Low Mintage | 500,000 – 1,500,000 |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | D | Low Mintage | 5,000 – 50,000 |
| 1942/41 Mercury Dime | 1942 | None | Overdate Error | 1,000 – 25,000 |
| 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime | 1968 | No Mint | Missing Mint Mark | 10,000 – 20,000 |
| 1982 No-Mint Mark Roosevelt | 1982 | None | Missing Mint Mark | 100 – 500 |
| 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime | 1975 | No Mint | Missing Mint Mark | 300,000 – 450,000 |
Each of these rare dimes represents a unique piece of history, offering a glimpse into the intricate world of U.S. coin production. Whether due to a mint error or low mintage, these dimes have captivated collectors, adding immense value and intrigue to collections.
FAQs
Why are some dimes missing mint marks valuable?
Some dimes missing mint marks, like the 1968 No-S and 1975 No-S Roosevelt dimes, are valuable because they were mistakenly produced without the mint mark, which is highly unusual and sought after by collectors.
What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime so valuable?
The 1894-S Barber Dime is valuable due to its extremely low mintage of only 24 coins, with fewer than ten known to exist today. This rarity makes it one of the most valuable dimes.
How can I identify an overdate error on a dime?
An overdate error, like the one on the 1942/41 Mercury Dime, shows traces of a previous date beneath the current date. Magnification can help in spotting this detail.
Are all 1982 Roosevelt dimes valuable?
No, only the 1982 Roosevelt dimes missing the “P” mint mark are valuable. Regular 1982 dimes with the mint mark are generally worth face value unless in uncirculated condition.
Should I clean my rare dimes to improve their value?
No, cleaning can reduce a coin’s value, as it can damage the surface. Collectors prefer coins in their natural, uncleaned state for optimal value.
