While dimes may seem like small change nowadays, some of these coins have the potential to be worth much more, with some specimens reaching up to $3,600,00! From rare editions to minting errors, these diminutive coins can carry a significant historical and monetary worth.
This article will delve into the fascinating realm of rare dimes worth money. We will teach you how to identify the designs released throughout American history and share a list of the most valuable dimes according to auction records.
Key Takeaways
- All common date dimes minted in silver before 1965 is considered “Junk Silver” and will be worth around the equivalent of their precious metal content;
- Some of the most expensive dimes include the 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime No Arrows, which sold for $3,600,000 in 2023, and the 1894-S Barber Dime, with an auction record of $1,997,500.
- The 1796 Draped Bust Dime is another notable example, with a value reaching up to $1,250,000 in Superb Gem Condition.
How to Know Which Dimes Worth Money
Determining the value of dimes can be an exciting pursuit for collectors. Key factors to consider include mint marks and dates, which can indicate lower mintages or unique characteristics that increase a coin's face value.
- The condition of the dime, assessed using grading scales from services like PCGS or NGC, is also crucial, as coins in better condition with sharp details and minimal wear are generally more valuable.
- Researching the rarity and scarcity of specific dime varieties or years is essential, as coins with lower mintages or known errors tend to command higher prices. Consider getting the dime professionally appraised by a reputable coin dealer or certified grading service for accurate valuation.
- Remember that determining the value of dimes can be complex, and it's crucial to rely on trusted sources, expert opinions, and professional grading services to ensure accurate evaluations. The world of coin collecting is ever-evolving, and continued research and learning will enhance your understanding of valuable dimes and the fascinating world of numismatics.
There are a few dimes worth millions of dollars out there. The most valuable dimes will be the ones that have survived over a century in mint condition.
Below is a list of the most sought-after dimes in U.S. history, updated to 2024.
You can also check our article on What Quarters are worth Money?
A comprehensive list of The Most Valuable Dimes
Remember that auction record prices don’t always align with PCGS's assigned values. Auction prices can fluctuate due to the dynamics of the bidding process.
14. 1965 Roosevelt Dime Struck on a 90% Silver Planchet
Source // PCGS
In 1965, the United States Mint transitioned from silver to clad compositions for regular dimes and coins. However, several silver planchets were inadvertently used to mint Roosevelt dimes that year.
This error coin, more valuable than the melt value of silver itself, significantly enhances the numismatic worth of these coins, making them worth over a thousand dollars. (Notice that every dime produced at the Philadelphia facility has no mint mark. )
A 1965 Silver Roosevelt Dime graded AU58 was sold at Heritage Auctions for $12,600 in March 2024.
Do you know Who is on the Dime? Check the answer in our article.
13. 1999-D Roosevelt Dimes
Source // PCGS
Roosevelt dimes were first introduced in 1946. Therefore, most variations of this coin are still relatively affordable and can be part of one's collection.
Coins in Gem uncirculated condition, however, are valued at around $650.00
Nevertheless, the 1999-D Roosevelt Dime was sold at an auction in 2009 for $14,375, making it one of the most valuable Roosevelt dimes.
12. 1916-D Mercury Dime
Source // PCGS
Notably, one of the most counterfeited U.S. rare coins, the 1916 d mercury dime, is rare in all grades, especially in uncirculated examples. With a mintage number of 264,000 from the Denver facility, very few specimens exist and can be worth tens of thousands.
The auction record for this rare dime is $29,900 for a coin graded MS65 at Stack's in 2007.
11. 1900 Proof Barber Dime
Source // PCGS
The Philadelphia Facility only released 912 of this coin, and according to PCGS records, there are only two specimens in superb gem condition (MS68, MS68+), valued at 40,000 and 75,000, respectively.
An example was sold in 2020 for $66,000, which is still impressive.
10. 1820 Small 0 Capped Bust Dime
Source // PCGS
In 1809, a new design depicting Lady Liberty. She is shown in profile facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap (often associated with freedom and the pursuit of liberty) secured with a ribbon inscribed "LIBERTY." The reverse featured an eagle perched on a branch and holding arrows, "E PLURIBUS UNUM" on a scroll above and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the face value of 10C below.
This series is, in general, rarer as the grade increases.
An uncirculated piece, particularly a finer example, is a rare and extremely valuable coin, with just two known specimens graded above 65+ by PCGS. In this specific variety, some of the lettering on the reverse is repunched.
The last dime to reach a record within the variety was an MS67 exemplar, sold for $152,750 in 2014.
9. 1931-S Full Bands Mercury Dime
Source // PCGS
The second most valuable of the Mercury dimes. "Full Band" is a designation attributed to Mercury Dimes that clearly shows the horizontal lines on the bands surrounding the fasces on the reverse design.
An MS67 specimen sold at an auction in 2019 for $270,250.
8. 1938-S Mercury Dime
Source // PCGS
With only one specimen graded by pcgs in superb gem condition by PCGS, this is the most expensive Mercury dime in American currency.
The record price at a 1938-S Mercury Dime auction was $364,250 in 2019, Legend Rare Coin Auctions.
7. 1796 Draped Bust Dime
Source // PCGS
Examples of the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle type are often seen in grades from About Good until Fine. As you can expect, while the quality increases, the availability decreases.
The auction record for an exemplar was in 2023, when an MS66 coin was sold for $372,000 at Heritage Auctions.
However, according to the PCGS price guide, a coin in Superb Gem Uncirculated condition (MS68) can be worth around $1,250,000.
6. 1822 Proof Capped Bust Dime
Source // PCGS
Only five proof versions of the 1822 Capped Bust dime were minted in Philadelphia. Since fewer of these coins are available, collectors demand them highly, driving up their value.
This coin, still showing traces of cameo effect, sold at an auction in 2014 for $440,625.
However, according to the PCGS price guide, a specimen in the same grade is valued at around $600,000.
5. 1975-S No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Source // PGCS
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime The 1975 No-S proof Roosevelt dime is one of the most valuable modern coins.
Proof dimes without mint marks, known as "No-S" coins (or no mint mark dimes), were created due to how Proof dies were handled.
In 1968, the San Francisco Mint started producing Proof coins, but the dies were prepared at the Philadelphia Mint. The process involved adding a mintmark to regular Philadelphia dies. However, some dies escaped this process “unmarked”, resulting in the "No-S" coins.
PCGS has only two graded coins from this variety.
According to PCGS, one of these coins was sold for $456,000 in 2019. The PCGS price guide values this coin at more than half a million dollars, 525,000.
4. 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime with Arrows
Source // PCGS
1873 saw the Carson City Mint producing only 18,791 dimes. The original business strike variety showed the mint date in between arrows. Even though it is not as famous as the 1873-CC No Arrows Dime, it is still a favorite due to its great rarity in higher grades.
This coin sold at an auction in 2022 for $552,000, slightly less than the next one on this list.
3. 1804 14 Stars Reverse Draped Bust Dime
Source // PCGS
One of the most valuable Draped Bust dimes produced, the 1804 14 Stars Reverse Draped Bust is highly sought-after by coin collectors.
This minting error dime is usually attributed to an engraver's mistake because most dimes from 1804 had only 13 starts on the reverse, indicating the original colonies. The 14th star indicated Vermont joining the Union over a decade ago.
This particular coin sold at an auction in 2008 for $632,500.
2. 1894-S Proof Barber Dime
Source // PCGS
The 1894-S Barber Dime is usually called one of "The Big Three" in American numismatics, along with the 1804 Dollar and the 1913 Liberty Nickel. This proof coin was one of only 24 examples minted in the San Francisco Mint in 1894. The San Francisco facility did not strike business strikes that year.
Professional Coin Grading Service states that an exemplar graded MS66 is worth around $2,450,000. However, the record price for this coin is the astounding sum of $1,997,500!
1. 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime No Arrows
Source // PCGS
In 1873, small pointed arrows were placed to the left and right of the date on the dime (as well as the quarter and half a dollar). Dimes struck in 1873 before the change appeared without arrows.
An MS65 example of the Carson City dimes was sold for an impressive $3,600,000 million in January of 2023, making it the most valuable dime in American currency.
However, nowadays, it can be worth significantly more. PCGS price guide values this specimen at $4,500,000.
Final Thoughts
From the legendary 1894-S Barber dime, with its mysterious origins and extraordinary rarity, to the intriguing "No-S" proof coins and the accidental silver dimes of 1965, these exceptional coins have become symbols of rarity, beauty, and historical significance.
While the chances of stumbling upon these valuable dimes in everyday circulation or your pocket change are slim, their stories serve as a testament to the allure of coin collecting and the enduring legacy of these small yet extraordinary pieces of American history.
FAQs
Is a 1965 dime worth money?
According to PCGS, a 1965 Roosevelt Dime made of clad composition (copper and nickel) is worth around $900 in uncirculated conditions as of August 2024.
However, in The Coinage Act of 1965, the US Mint replaced the silver composition of dimes and other coins with clad. A few silver planchets were mistakenly used to produce Roosevelt dimes that year. A 1965 Silver Roosevelt Dime graded AU58 was sold at Heritage Auctions for $12,600.00 in March 2024.
What dime is worth $1,000,000?
The 1894-S Barber Dime, in mint state condition (uncirculated), can be worth more than $1 million. According to PCGS, a PR66 piece was sold in an auction for $1,997,500 in June 2016. Another valuable dime, Liberty Seated Dime, 1873-CC No Arrows, was sold in 2023 for $3,600,000.00!
What makes a 1965 dime rare?
Before 1965, all dimes were made with 90% silver, so some of 1965 have been struck in a silver planchet by accident. A 1965 Silver Roosevelt Dime was sold at Heritage Auctions for $12,600.00 in March 2024. Other rare dimes worth mentioning are the Broadstruck 1965 Dime, the cladding error dimes, and the die break.
What year of dimes are worth money?
All the dimes struck on silver before 1965 will be worth at least their respective silver content as "Junk Silver." Among the most valuable coins are 1873-CC, 1894-S, and 1938-S.
