In the world of numismatics, dimes often get overlooked due to their small size — but for savvy collectors, they represent some of the most valuable coins ever minted in the U.S. From early silver issues to 20th-century key dates and minting errors, certain rare dimes can fetch thousands — even hundreds of thousands — of dollars.
A well-preserved 1894-S Barber Dime, for instance, has sold for over $2 million, making it one of the most expensive coins of its size. Here’s a deep dive into the rarest and most valuable dimes in U.S. history — and how to tell if you’ve got one.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime – The Million Dollar Dime
The undisputed king of rare dimes, the 1894-S Barber Dime was minted in San Francisco, with only 24 coins ever struck. Today, just 9 known examples are believed to exist.
One specimen sold at auction in 2016 for $1.997 million, and another changed hands privately in 2023 for over $2 million. If you find a dime dated 1894 with an “S” mintmark, get it authenticated immediately.
2. 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime – A Western Rarity
This dime, struck at the short-lived Carson City Mint, had a low mintage of just 10,817 coins. Most were circulated into oblivion during the 19th century, making uncirculated examples nearly impossible to find.
Auction results show that a well-preserved AU55 example of the 1874-CC dime recently sold for $72,000, with higher grades fetching over $100,000.
3. 1916-D Mercury Dime – The Iconic Key Date
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is the most famous 20th-century dime, with just 264,000 minted. It’s highly sought after in all conditions and essential for completing a Mercury Dime collection.
In MS65 Full Bands, a 1916-D dime can bring in over $25,000 to $35,000. In MS67 FB, prices soar over $100,000, depending on eye appeal and strike quality.
4. Roosevelt Dime Errors – Big Mistakes on Small Coins
Modern Roosevelt dimes can also be rare if they have unique minting errors:
- 1965 Silver Planchet Error: Some 1965 dimes were mistakenly struck on 90% silver planchets intended for 1964 coins. These errors have sold for $5,000+.
- No-S Proof Errors (1970s–1980s): Proof dimes without the “S” mintmark from San Francisco can sell for $20,000–$50,000 or more depending on the year and grade.
Always weigh suspicious coins and look for anomalies — mint errors often hide in plain sight.
Rare Dime Value Chart
Here’s a snapshot of the most valuable dimes and their estimated auction values:
| Coin Type | Mintmark | Grade | Value Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | S | PR66 | $2,000,000+ |
| 1874-CC Seated Dime | CC | AU55 | $70,000 – $100,000 |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | D | MS65 FB | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| 1965 Silver Planchet | N/A | MS65 | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| 1975 No-S Roosevelt Proof | S | PR68 DCAM | $350,000 – $450,000 |
How to Tell if You Have a Valuable Dime
To assess if your dime might be rare, check the following:
- Date and Mintmark: Use a magnifier to check below the torch (Roosevelt) or wreath (Mercury).
- Metal Composition: Silver dimes from 1964 and earlier are 90% silver. Use a scale — silver dimes weigh 2.5g.
- Strike Quality: On Mercury dimes, look for Full Bands (FB) on the reverse fasces.
- Errors and Anomalies: Look for off-center strikes, doubling, missing mintmarks, or odd coloring.
Why Dimes Are a Collector’s Favorite
Dimes are one of the most diverse and accessible U.S. coin types. Their low face value and rich history make them appealing to beginners and experts alike. Whether it’s an affordable Roosevelt silver set or a Barber Dime challenge, collectors enjoy the thrill of the hunt — and the potential to uncover something rare.
Conclusion
Tiny in size, but massive in potential value, rare dimes are treasures waiting to be found. Whether you inherited a jar of coins, visit estate sales, or simply check your change, don’t ignore the smallest coin in your pocket — it could be worth thousands. And if you ever come across a 1916-D, 1894-S, or a suspicious-looking 1975 Roosevelt, don’t spend it — authenticate it.
FAQs
What is the most valuable U.S. dime?
The 1894-S Barber Dime, with fewer than 10 known survivors, is considered the most valuable — selling for over $2 million.
Are dimes from before 1965 worth keeping?
Yes! Dimes dated 1964 or earlier are 90% silver and worth more than face value — typically around $2 to $3 each, or more.
How do I get a rare dime authenticated?
Submit your coin to a top grading service like PCGS or NGC. They provide authentication, grading, and protective encapsulation.