Most of us overlook the coins jingling in our pockets, but some dimes and quarters are worth far more than their face value. Rare minting errors, limited production runs, and historical significance can turn everyday change into priceless collectibles. Among these, the Bicentennial Quarter stands out, with some rare versions reportedly valued as high as $90 million. Let’s explore seven rare dimes and the iconic Bicentennial Quarter that might still be in circulation.
Rare Coins Overview Table Coin Name Unique Features Estimated Value 1894-S Barber Dime Only 24 minted; fewer than 10 remain Over $1 million 1916-D Mercury Dime Rare Denver Mint issue; only 264,000 produced Over $100,000 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime Carson City Mint; marked with “CC” $50,000+ 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime Missing San Francisco “S” mint mark Up to $20,000 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime First U.S. coin without a mint mark Up to $5,000 1955 Double Die Roosevelt Dime Doubled design details Up to $2,000 Bicentennial Quarter Commemorates U.S. independence; rare silver-clad or proof versions $1,000+
- 1894-S Barber Dime The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest U.S. coins, with only 24 pieces ever minted. Created possibly as gifts or to balance mint records, fewer than 10 of these dimes exist today. Pristine examples have sold for over $1 million, making it the crown jewel for collectors.
- 1916-D Mercury Dime Struck at the Denver Mint, the 1916-D Mercury Dime had a limited mintage of 264,000 coins. Its small “D” mint mark near the torch on the reverse side makes it identifiable. In excellent condition, this dime can fetch over $100,000.
- 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime Minted in Carson City, Nevada, the 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime carries the distinctive “CC” mint mark. Its historical ties to the American West and extreme rarity make it highly desirable. Top-condition coins can exceed $50,000 in value.
- 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime In 1968, some proof Roosevelt Dimes were mistakenly released without the San Francisco “S” mint mark. These minting errors turned ordinary dimes into collectibles worth up to $20,000.
- 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime The 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime was the first U.S. coin missing a mint mark from the Philadelphia Mint due to a production error. High-grade examples can be worth up to $5,000.
- 1955 Double Die Roosevelt Dime This dime features a double die error, where the date and lettering appear doubled. Collectors prize this flaw, and mint-condition coins can command up to $2,000.
- Bicentennial Quarter Minted in 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary, the Bicentennial Quarter features a colonial drummer on the reverse and the dual date “1776–1976.” While most are common, rare silver-clad or proof versions can sell for over $1,000. Notably, versions with minting errors have reportedly sold for millions, making them a collector’s dream.
Why These Coins Are Valuable
- Limited Production: Extremely low mintage numbers make some coins exceedingly rare.
- Minting Errors: Mistakes like missing mint marks dramatically increase a coin’s worth.
- Historical Significance: Coins commemorating historical events or periods attract high collector interest.
How to Identify Rare Coins