Top 9 Most Valuable Dimes in Circulation: Dimes are among the smallest coins in U.S. currency, but some of them hold significant value far beyond their 10-cent face value. While many rare dimes are tucked away in collections, some highly valuable dimes are still in circulation today. If you’re lucky, you might find one in your pocket change, worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 9 most valuable dimes that could still be in circulation and explain why they are worth so much money.
Table of Contents
- 1 1969 No-S Roosevelt Dime – $30,000+
- 2 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime – $15,000+
- 3 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime – $500,000+
- 4 1942/1 Mercury Dime – $20,000+
- 5 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Dime – $5,000+
- 6 1996-W Roosevelt Dime with Missing Mintmark – $3,000+
- 7 1970-S Proof Roosevelt Dime with Doubled Die Obverse – $2,500+
- 8 1999 Broadstruck Roosevelt Dime – $1,000+
- 9 2000-P Dime with Missing Clad Layer – $750+
- 10 How to Spot a Valuable Dime in Circulation
- 11 Table – Top 9 Most Valuable Dimes in Circulation
1969 No-S Roosevelt Dime – $30,000+
One of the most valuable modern dimes, the 1969 No-S Roosevelt Dime, was mistakenly struck without the “S” mintmark on proof coins meant for collectors. Since proof dimes should always have a mintmark, this error coin is extremely rare.
- Why It’s Valuable: Only a few exist, making it a prized collector’s item.
- Value: Up to $30,000 in top condition.
1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime – $15,000+
The 1982 No-P Dime is unique because it was the first time the Philadelphia Mint accidentally left off the “P” mintmark on a circulating coin. This error occurred for a short period before being corrected, making the coin highly valuable.
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- Why It’s Valuable: It’s a major modern minting error.
- Value: $500 – $15,000, depending on condition.
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime – $500,000+
The 1975 No-S Proof Dime is one of the rarest modern U.S. coins. Only two confirmed examples are known, making it a true numismatic mystery.
- Why It’s Valuable: Extremely low known population.
- Value: Over $500,000, with the last auction price exceeding this amount.
1942/1 Mercury Dime – $20,000+
This classic overdate error was created when a 1941 die was mistakenly re-used to strike 1942 Mercury Dimes. If you look closely, you can see the underlying “1” beneath the “2” on the date.
- Why It’s Valuable: A major and well-documented overdate error.
- Value: $2,500 – $20,000+, depending on condition.
1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Dime – $5,000+
The 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) Dime features noticeable doubling on the torch and lettering due to a misaligned die strike. Since 1964 was the last year dimes were made of 90% silver, this error coin is highly desirable.
- Why It’s Valuable: A prominent doubled die error in a key year.
- Value: $1,500 – $5,000, based on condition.
1996-W Roosevelt Dime with Missing Mintmark – $3,000+
The 1996-W Roosevelt Dime was a special issue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt Dime and was only available in collector sets. However, some were struck without the “W” mintmark, making them extremely rare.
- Why It’s Valuable: A rare minting error on a special commemorative issue.
- Value: $3,000+ in top condition.
1970-S Proof Roosevelt Dime with Doubled Die Obverse – $2,500+
A doubled die error happens when a coin’s design is struck twice in slightly different positions, creating a doubling effect. The 1970-S Proof Dime has one of the most sought-after doubled die varieties, showing doubling on the date and lettering.
Also Read: Top 9 Most Valuable Dime Coin Errors in Circulation
- Why It’s Valuable: A rare doubled die error on a proof coin.
- Value: $1,500 – $2,500 in high grades.
1999 Broadstruck Roosevelt Dime – $1,000+
A broadstrike error occurs when a coin is struck without the collar that normally shapes the edges, resulting in a flattened and slightly larger coin. The 1999 Broadstruck Roosevelt Dime is one of the most well-known examples.
- Why It’s Valuable: The error is visually dramatic and highly collectible.
- Value: $300 – $1,000+, depending on condition.
2000-P Dime with Missing Clad Layer – $750+
Dimes are made of a copper-nickel clad layer, but sometimes the outer layer is missing, exposing the reddish copper core underneath. This makes the coin look very different from a normal dime.
- Why It’s Valuable: A rare striking defect that stands out.
- Value: $250 – $750+, depending on how much of the clad layer is missing.
How to Spot a Valuable Dime in Circulation
If you think you’ve found a rare dime, look for these key signs:
- Missing Mintmarks: Check for missing “P,” “D,” or “S” mintmarks, especially on certain years.
- Doubled Die Errors: Look for overlapping letters or numbers, indicating a doubled die strike.
- Off-Center Strikes: If the design is noticeably off-center, it could be valuable.
- Broadstrike Errors: A coin missing its edge ridges or shape can be worth more.
- Clad Layer Issues: If your dime has a coppery or missing clad appearance, it may be a rare error.
Table – Top 9 Most Valuable Dimes in Circulation
| Coin | Mint | Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 No-S Roosevelt Dime | No-S | Up to $30,000 | Proof coin struck without the “S” mintmark |
| 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime | No-P | $500 – $15,000 | First circulating dime missing the “P” mintmark |
| 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime | No-S | $500,000+ | Only two known examples of this missing mintmark proof dime |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime | P/D | $2,500 – $20,000+ | Overdate error with visible “1” under “2” in the date |
| 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Dime | D | $1,500 – $5,000 | Noticeable doubling on torch and lettering |
| 1996-W Roosevelt Dime (Missing Mintmark) | W | $3,000+ | Commemorative issue missing the “W” mintmark |
| 1970-S Proof Roosevelt Dime (Doubled Die Obverse) | S | $1,500 – $2,500 | Doubling on date and lettering on proof coin |
| 1999 Broadstruck Roosevelt Dime | P/D | $300 – $1,000+ | Coin struck without collar, causing a flattened appearance |
| 2000-P Dime (Missing Clad Layer) | P | $250 – $750+ | Outer clad layer missing, revealing copper core |
Finding a valuable dime in circulation is like striking hidden treasure. With some dimes worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, it’s always worth checking your pocket change.
Whether it’s a 1975 No-S Proof Dime, a 1982 No-P Dime, or a 1942/1 Mercury Dime, these valuable coins continue to capture the attention of collectors worldwide.
FAQs
What is the most valuable dime still in circulation?
The 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime is one of the most valuable circulating dimes, worth up to $15,000.
How can I tell if my dime is rare?
Check for missing mintmarks, doubled dies, overdate errors, off-center strikes, and missing clad layers. Using a coin microscope or professional grading service like PCGS or NGC can help.
Are valuable dimes still found in pocket change?
Yes! Coins like the 1999 Broadstruck Roosevelt Dime and 2000-P Missing Clad Layer Dime have been discovered in circulation.
Where can I sell a valuable dime?
Through auction houses (Heritage, Stack’s Bowers), coin dealers, online platforms (eBay, GreatCollections), and coin shows.
What is the rarest mint error on a dime?
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is the rarest, with only two known examples, valued at $500,000+.
