Top 10 Dimes That Could Make You Rich: Dimes might be the tiniest coins we use in the U.S., but some of them are worth a whole lot more than 10 cents. For people who collect coins or want to make money from them, rare dimes can be like finding a big prize because they’re special, hard to find, and beautifully made. If you’re checking your coin jar or just starting to learn about coins, finding one of these rare dimes could turn a regular day into a super lucky one.
Here are the top 10 dimes that could make you rich.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. 1894-S Barber Dime
- 2 2. 1796 Draped Bust Dime
- 3 3. 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime (No Arrows)
- 4 4. 1829 Curl Base 2 Capped Bust Dime
- 5 5. 1856-O Seated Liberty Dime
- 6 6. 1844 Liberty Seated Dime
- 7 7. 1916-D Mercury Dime
- 8 8. 1805 Draped Bust Dime
- 9 9. 1871-CC Liberty Seated Dime
- 10 10. 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate
- 11 Why These Dimes Are Worth So Much
- 12 Could You Find a Rich Dime?
- 13 Final Thoughts
1. 1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is called the “Holy Grail” of dimes because it’s so rare. Only 24 were made at the San Francisco Mint, and today, less than 10 are known to be around. That makes it one of the most valuable coins ever! In 2016, one sold for $1.9 million at an auction. It’s super rare, pretty, and has a cool story, so collectors dream of owning it.
Also Read: 10 Rarest Quarters That Could Make You Rich
2. 1796 Draped Bust Dime
The 1796 Draped Bust Dime was the very first dime the U.S. made, so it’s really important in history. They only made 22,135 of them, and not many are left now. A really nice one sold for $550,000 in 2021. It’s old, in great shape, and started the dime story in America, making it a huge deal for collectors.
3. 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime (No Arrows)
The 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime came from the Carson City Mint and has a special “No Arrows” version. Usually, arrows were added by the date that year, but these were made before that change, so not many exist. A super good one, graded MS-66, sold for $352,500 in 2020. It’s rare and tied to the Wild West, which makes it exciting.
4. 1829 Curl Base 2 Capped Bust Dime
The 1829 Curl Base 2 Capped Bust Dime has a unique look because the bottom of the “2” in the year curls inward. That little difference makes it extra special to collectors. A top one sold for $216,000 in 2019. It’s not common and has this cool twist, so it’s worth a lot.
5. 1856-O Seated Liberty Dime
The 1856-O Seated Liberty Dime was made in New Orleans, and only 70,000 were created. Most got lost or melted, so finding a nice one is really hard. A perfect one, graded MS-66, sold for $192,000 in 2022. It’s from the South and super rare, which makes it a big prize.
6. 1844 Liberty Seated Dime
The 1844 Liberty Seated Dime had just 72,500 made, and lots were used so much that few are left in good shape. In 2020, a great one, graded MS-66, sold for $180,000. It’s hard to find and looks amazing, so it costs a lot.
7. 1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime was the first year of this design, showing Lady Liberty with a winged hat. It was made in Denver, and only 264,000 were produced, making it the rarest of its kind. A top one, graded MS-67, sold for $168,000 in 2021. Collectors love it, so its price keeps going up.
Also Read: 9 Most Expensive Nickels Ever Sold
8. 1805 Draped Bust Dime
The 1805 Draped Bust Dime is an old coin from early America. They made about 125,000, but finding one that’s still nice is super tough. An MS-65 one sold for $156,000 in 2022. It’s important in history and looks pretty, so serious collectors want it.
9. 1871-CC Liberty Seated Dime
The 1871-CC Liberty Seated Dime came from Carson City, and only 12,394 were made. Less than 100 are thought to be left today. A good one, graded MS-65, sold for $144,000 in 2021. It’s tied to the Old West and super rare, making it a treasure.
10. 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime has a cool mistake where the “2” in the year covers a “1” a bit. This happened when they switched years, and it’s a rare find. A great one, graded MS-67, sold for $120,000 in 2023. The error and its awesome shape make it valuable.
Why These Dimes Are Worth So Much
These dimes cost a lot because:
- Rarity: Not many were made, or they have mistakes, so they’re hard to get.
- Condition: Ones that look brand new are worth way more than worn-out ones.
- History: They’re from big moments in America, which makes them special.
- Design: Pretty looks like the Mercury or Draped Bust designs make people want them.
Could You Find a Rich Dime?
It’s not super likely to find one of these in your pocket today, but it could happen! Smart collectors look through coin rolls, old sales, or auctions for treasures. If you spot a dime that’s old, has weird marks, or looks perfect, take it to an expert—it might be worth tons!
Final Thoughts
These top 10 dimes show how amazing and valuable coins can be. From the famous 1894-S Barber Dime to the quirky 1942/1 Mercury Dime, each one has its own tale and shows America’s coin past. Whether you’re searching for them or just like the idea, rare dimes turn tiny change into something huge. Next time you check your coins, look closely—you might find a dime that could make you rich!