Coin collecting is a fascinating hobby that combines history, art, and the thrill of the hunt. Among the most sought-after coins are dimes, which have been minted in the United States since 1796. While most dimes are common and worth only their face value, certain rare issues can fetch thousands—or even millions—of dollars at auction. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a beginner, this guide will introduce you to the top 11 most valuable dimes that every collector should know about.
Table of Contents
- 0.1 1894-S Barber Dime
- 0.2 1916-D Mercury Dime
- 0.3 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime
- 0.4 1796 Draped Bust Dime
- 0.5 1822 Capped Bust Dime
- 0.6 1942/1 Mercury Dime
- 0.7 1804 Draped Bust Dime
- 0.8 1856-S Liberty Seated Dime
- 0.9 1871-CC Liberty Seated Dime
- 0.10 1838-O Capped Bust Dime
- 0.11 1968 No-S Roosevelt Proof Dime
- 1 Table – Top 11 Most Valuable Dimes
1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is the holy grail of dime collecting. With only 24 minted and just nine known to exist today, this coin is incredibly rare. Legend has it that the San Francisco Mint produced these dimes for bankers to balance their books at the end of the year. One example sold for nearly $2 million in 2016. If you ever come across this dime, you’ve hit the jackpot!
1916-D Mercury Dime
The Mercury Dime series is beloved for its beautiful design, but the 1916-D is the key date. With a mintage of just 264,000, it’s one of the rarest dimes of the 20th century. In well-preserved condition, this coin can easily sell for tens of thousands of dollars. Look for the small “D” mintmark on the reverse to identify this treasure.
Also Read: Top 15 High-Value Wheat Pennies That Could Make You Rich
1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime
The Carson City Mint produced some of the most coveted coins in U.S. history, and the 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime is no exception. With a mintage of just 10,817, this coin is a rarity. Its value can exceed $50,000 in higher grades, making it a prized possession for any collector.
1796 Draped Bust Dime
As the first dime ever minted by the United States, the 1796 Draped Bust Dime holds immense historical significance. Only about 22,000 were produced, and surviving examples are highly sought after. In top condition, this coin can sell for over $100,000. Its small size and simple design make it a fascinating piece of early American history.
1822 Capped Bust Dime
The 1822 Capped Bust Dime is another early American rarity. With a mintage of just 10,000, it’s a tough find for collectors. High-grade examples can command prices in the six-figure range. The coin’s elegant design and historical importance make it a must-have for serious collectors.
1942/1 Mercury Dime
Overdate coins occur when a die from one year is repurposed for the next, creating a unique error. The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is one of the most famous overdates in U.S. coinage. While not as rare as some other dimes on this list, it’s still highly collectible and can sell for thousands of dollars in mint condition.
1804 Draped Bust Dime
The 1804 Draped Bust Dime is a classic rarity with a mintage of just 8,265. Its low survival rate and historical significance make it a favorite among collectors. Prices for this coin can easily reach $50,000 or more, depending on its condition.
1856-S Liberty Seated Dime
The San Francisco Mint produced only 70,000 of the 1856-S Liberty Seated Dime, making it a key date in the series. This coin is particularly challenging to find in high grades, and examples in excellent condition can sell for $20,000 or more.
Also Read: Top 9 Rare Pennies of the Twentieth Century That Every Collector Dreams
1871-CC Liberty Seated Dime
Another Carson City rarity, the 1871-CC Liberty Seated Dime, has a mintage of just 20,100. Its low production and survival rate make it a valuable addition to any collection. Prices for this coin can exceed $30,000 in higher grades.
1838-O Capped Bust Dime
The 1838-O Capped Bust Dime is the first dime minted in New Orleans, and it’s a rare find. With a mintage of just 406,000, it’s a key date in the series. High-grade examples can sell for $20,000 or more, making it a prized piece for collectors.
1968 No-S Roosevelt Proof Dime
Modern coins can also be valuable, as demonstrated by the 1968 No-S Roosevelt Proof Dime. This error coin was struck without the “S” mintmark, which should have been present on all proof dimes that year. Only a handful are known to exist, and they can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
Table – Top 11 Most Valuable Dimes
| Coin | Mint/Origin | Unique Feature | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | San Francisco Mint | Only 24 minted; 9 known to exist. | Up to $2 million |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | Denver Mint | Key date with low mintage (264,000). | Tens of thousands of dollars |
| 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime | Carson City Mint | Rare with a mintage of only 10,817. | $50,000+ |
| 1796 Draped Bust Dime | Philadelphia Mint | First U.S. dime; historic significance. | $100,000+ |
| 1822 Capped Bust Dime | Philadelphia Mint | Extremely low mintage (10,000); six-figure rarity. | Six-figure range |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime | Philadelphia & Denver Mints | Overdate error (“1” visible under “2”). | Thousands of dollars |
| 1804 Draped Bust Dime | Philadelphia Mint | Classic rarity; only 8,265 minted. | $50,000+ |
| 1856-S Liberty Seated Dime | San Francisco Mint | Key date with a mintage of just 70,000. | $20,000+ |
| 1871-CC Liberty Seated Dime | Carson City Mint | Scarce with only 20,100 minted. | $30,000+ |
| 1838-O Capped Bust Dime | New Orleans Mint | First dime minted in New Orleans; low mintage (406,000). | $20,000+ |
| 1968 No-S Roosevelt Proof Dime | San Francisco Mint Error | Proof coin missing “S” mintmark; very rare. | Tens of thousands of dollars |
Final Thoughts
Collecting dimes is a rewarding pursuit that offers a glimpse into America’s rich numismatic history. While the dimes listed above are among the most valuable, there are countless other issues worth exploring. Whether you’re drawn to the rarity, historical significance, or beauty of these coins, the hunt for the perfect dime is a journey that never gets old. Happy collecting!
FAQs:
What is the rarest dime in U.S. history?
The 1894-S Barber Dime is the rarest, with only 24 minted and nine known to exist today.
What makes the 1916-D Mercury Dime valuable?
Its low mintage of 264,000 and high demand among collectors make it one of the most valuable 20th-century dimes.
Are modern dimes valuable?
Yes, modern errors like the 1968 No-S Roosevelt Proof Dime can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
How can I tell if my dime is valuable?
Check for key dates, mintmarks, and errors, and consider having it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
Where can I buy rare dimes?
Reputable coin dealers, auctions, and online marketplaces are good sources, but always verify authenticity.
