It’s crazy to think that one dime can be worth millions of dollars, but it’s true. Some rare dimes have sold for almost two million dollars. Many others have reached hundreds of thousands of dollars. Continue reading to learn more about dimes worth money.
The difference between dime coins worth their face value and other rare dimes worth millions is their condition, rarity, and mint errors. Dimes may be the thinnest and smallest circulating coin produced by the United States Mint, but the value of the dimes listed below are anything but small.
What Are the Rarest Dimes To Look For?
As you can imagine, many rare dimes to look for are from the earliest years of production. The first coin made by the U.S. Mint was the dime in 1792, making some of these valuable coins several hundred years old.
That being said, it’s pretty unlikely you’ll come across one of these valuable coins in your pocket change. Avid collectors usually rely on auctions, coin dealers, and online marketplaces to acquire them.
It’s important to be aware of counterfeit coins and always work with a reputable coin dealer or expert in coin collecting to ensure the authenticity of rare coins.
The 1792 MS 68 Disme (Bust Half Dime)
The 1792 MS 68 Disme, also known as the Bust Half Dime, is an extremely rare five-cent coin. It’s considered one of the rarest and most valuable half dimes in the United States.
This rare silver dime was minted as a prototype for the U.S. Mint’s first official coinage after the Mint Act was passed in 1792. There are only a few known examples of the 1792 MS 68 Disme in existence today, and each one is considered a national treasure.
According to PCGS auction prices, one of these valuable coins sold for an auction record of $1,145,625 in January 2013.
1796 MS 67 Type 1 Small Eagle Draped Bust Dime
The 1796 MS 67 Type 1 Draped Bust Dime is the first dime ever minted by the United States Mint. It’s considered to be one of the most historically significant coins in American history.
The Philadelphia Mint produced 22,135 Draped Bust Dimes with a small eagle on the coin’s reverse in 1796. Robert Scot created the design: The metal composition was 89.2% silver and 10.8% copper.
Numismatic experts estimate that less than 1,000 of these valuable coins exist today. A 1796 Draped Bust Dime (PCGS MS67) sold for an auction record of $881,250.00 in 2014.
1797 13 Stars MS 65 Type 1 Small Eagle Draped Bust Dime
Another early dime on our list of valuable U.S. coins is the 1797 13 Stars Draped Bust Dime. There were two die marriages for this dime in 1797, the 13-star variety being slightly more scarce.
Mint engraver Robert Scot initially designed the coin with 13 stars to represent the 13 states in the United States at the time. Later that year, he added three more stars to the coin’s obverse design. The Mint produced a total of 25,261 dimes in 1797, but we’re not sure how many of them had 13 stars and how many had 16 stars.
A 1797 13 Stars Draped Bust Dime (NGC MS65) sold for an auction record of $402,500.00 at Heritage Auctions in 2008, according to PCGS Auction Prices.
1800 MS 66 Type 2 Heraldic Eagle Dime
After a two-year gap in production, the mintage of U.S. half dimes resumed in 1800. The coin’s obverse portrait of Liberty was slightly altered. The reverse design was updated to the Heraldic Eagle style, adopted from the Great Seal of the United States.
Relatively low numbers of half dimes were produced in the early 1800s. The mintage of this series never exceeded 40,000 pieces. Very few have survived, either lost in the normal conduct of business or melted as silver bullion in subsequent times.
Most surviving examples are seen in lower ranges of condition. An 1800 MS 66 Type 2 Heraldic Eagle Dime is very rare in Mint State condition, which makes it worth big money. One of these old coins sold for an auction record of $352,500 in 2014.
1803 MS 64 Type 2 Heraldic Eagle Dime
The 1803 Heraldic Eagle Dime is similar to other dimes minted between 1800 and 1802 in terms of the total number of surviving pieces. However, this date is nearly impossible to find in Mint State condition. It’s quite remarkable for a coin that is over 200 years old to be preserved so well.
During this period of time, coin collecting was not a popular hobby. Someone had the wherewithal to remove this coin before it saw circulation so they could preserve it for future generations.
According to PCGS, an 1803 Heraldic Eagle Dime (NGC MS 64) sold at Heritage Auctions for a whopping $322,000 in 2008.
1820 Small 0 MS 67 Type 1 Large Dentils Capped Bust Dime
Dimes minted in 1820 offer two different sizes of the zero in the date: Small and Large. This variety of the 1820 Capped Bust Dime features a small zero in the date on the coin’s obverse.
You can tell the difference between the two varieties because the Large 0 lines up with the other numbers in the date, whereas the Small 0 sits up a little higher than the other numbers in “1820.”
Nearly a million 10-cent coins were produced that year with several different designs, but finding this particular variety in Mint State is rare. According to the PCGS Price Guide, an 1820 Small 0 MS67 sold for $125,000 in 2022.
1931 S MS 67+ FB Mercury Dime
The 1931 S Mercury Dime is highly sought after by coin collectors due to its scarcity, with only a small number of coins surviving in this high grade. The (FB) Full Bands designation refers to the sharpness of the bands on the reverse side of the coin, which are often weakly struck.
The designer, Adolph Alexander Weinman, did an excellent job creating the design of this silver coin. Today, only one 1931 MS 67+ FB Mercury dime still exists. It’s the finest piece of 1,800,000 produced at the San Francisco Mint.
How Can You Tell if Your Pocket Change Is Rare?
There are several characteristics to look for if you want to tell if your pocket change is rare. Start by checking the basics such as denomination, date of mintage, mint mark, and whether there are errors or variations in the coin’s design.
Consult a Rare Coin Appraiser
If you think you might have a rare coin, it’s always best to have it appraised by a professional coin dealer or appraiser. They can provide an estimate of the coin’s value and help you determine the best way to sell it.
Research Valuable Coins Online
You can find plenty of information about valuable coins online. Use a coin guide or catalog to determine the rarity and value of the coin. Look for information on mintage numbers, the condition, and the rarity of the coin.
Know the Signs of a Fake Coin
While researching online, look for the signs of a fake coin in that particular piece. First, check the weight and size, as counterfeit coins tend to be slightly larger or smaller than genuine coins.
You can also use a magnet to see if the coin is magnetic or not, which can help you determine the metal composition. Lastly, always double-check the surface quality and details in the design.
Look for a Certificate of Authenticity
An authentic genuine coin worth a lot of money typically has a certificate of authenticity. Verify the issuer is reputable and well-known in the industry and look for holograms, watermarks, or other identifiers to prevent forgery. If you have any doubts, contact the issuer and ask for clarification.
Start Collecting Rare Dimes Today
Whether you’re looking for valuable Roosevelt Dimes or Proof Sets, you need a coin dealer you can rely on. As an NGC Authorized Dealer and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, you can trust your coin collection will be of the finest quality.
At Bullion Shark, we have an extensive inventory of rare coins, key dates, and error coins that are perfect for any collection.
FAQ
- What dimes worth money?Key examples include the 1916-D Mercury Dime, the 1949-S Roosevelt Dime, and the 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime. The value of these dimes can range significantly based on their condition and rarity.
- How much is a 1916-D Mercury Dime worth?The 1916-D Mercury Dime is one of the most valuable dimes due to its low mintage. In good condition, it can be worth several thousand dollars, with prices increasing sharply for coins in finer condition.
- Are any Roosevelt dimes valuable?Most Roosevelt dimes are made of a copper-nickel clad and are worth only face value. However, those minted in 1964 or earlier are 90% silver and worth more based on the current silver price. Error coins and those with special mint marks can also be valuable.
- What makes the 1945 Mercury Dime valuable?While most 1945 Mercury Dimes have modest value, those with the Full Bands designation, indicating strong, complete horizontal bands on the fasces, can fetch higher prices. The S Micro variety from this year is also particularly collectible.
- Can modern dimes be worth money?Yes, modern dimes can be valuable if they have errors, such as off-center strikes, doubled dies, or are missing a clad layer. These errors make them rare and desirable to collectors.
- What is a 1975 no-S proof Roosevelt dime worth?The 1975 no-S proof Roosevelt Dime is one of the rarest error coins in modern U.S. minting history, as it lacks the 'S' mint mark. When they come up for sale, which is rare, they can fetch tens of thousands of dollars.
- How do I identify a valuable dime?To identify a valuable dime, check the date, mint mark, and condition. Look for older dimes, especially those minted before 1965, as they contain silver. Also, inspect for any unusual features such as errors or uncommon markings.
- What year dimes are silver?Dimes minted in 1964 or earlier are made of 90% silver. These include the Roosevelt dimes up to 1964 and all Mercury dimes, among others from earlier series.
- Are there any rare silver dimes?Yes, many silver dimes are rare and valuable, especially those from low mintage years or with mint errors. For example, the 1894-S Barber Dime, of which only 24 were made, is one of the most famous and valuable.
- How can I find out the value of my dimes?To find out the value of your dimes, you can consult a coin value guidebook, look up recent auction sales for similar coins, or take them to a reputable coin dealer for appraisal. For accurate valuation, condition is critically important and having the coin professionally graded might be beneficial.
Sources:
Auction Prices Realized | PCGS
Early Half Dimes (1792-1837) | Coin Explorer | NGC
Half Dimes - Draped Bust Half Dime, Heraldic Eagle, 1800-1805 | CoinWeek
