What Are the 10 Most Valuable Dimes?

Coin collecting reveals that some small coins hold immense value beyond their face worth. While most dimes circulating today are common, a select group stands out as coveted by collectors. These rare pieces possess unique traits. This article explores factors contributing to a dime’s high value and showcases some of the most valuable examples. Understanding these elements can help identify valuable coins.

Key Elements Influencing a Dime’s Worth

A coin’s numismatic value is determined by several factors, with its physical condition being primary. The grade of a coin, which assesses its wear, scratches, and preservation, directly influences its market price. Professional grading services assign numerical grades, such as uncirculated or extremely fine. Higher grades correlate to increased value.

Rarity is another key driver of a coin’s worth, stemming from low mintage figures or limited survival rates. Coins produced in small quantities or those that were heavily circulated and subsequently lost tend to be scarcer. Specific historical events or economic conditions can also contribute to a coin’s limited availability, enhancing its appeal to collectors.

Mint marks indicate the facility where a coin was produced, such as ‘D’ for Denver or ‘S’ for San Francisco. Certain mint marks for particular years can increase a dime’s value due to lower production numbers or higher collector demand. The absence of a mint mark denotes production at the Philadelphia Mint.

Mint errors and varieties represent imperfections that occur during the coin production process. Errors, like double dies or off-center strikes, are accidental anomalies, while varieties are consistent deviations in the die itself. These traits, such as an overdate where one year is struck over another, can make a coin sought after by collectors. Collector demand, influenced by historical significance or narratives, also plays a role in its market value.

The Top 10 Most Valuable Dimes

The 1894-S Barber Dime is legendary, with only 24 pieces originally minted at the San Francisco facility. Its rarity drives its value, as only nine specimens are known to exist today. This dime is identifiable by the “S” mint mark on its reverse, below the wreath. Examples have sold for over $1.5 million, with a Proof 66 specimen reaching nearly $2 million in 2016.

The 1916-D Mercury Dime is a key date in the Mercury dime series due to its low mintage of 264,000 pieces at the Denver Mint. Its scarcity makes it desirable, especially in higher grades. A well-preserved example can be worth thousands of dollars, with uncirculated specimens fetching between $15,086 and $32,299 or more.

The 1942/1 Mercury Dime from the Philadelphia Mint is a notable overdate error where the “2” in the date was struck over a “1.” This error is noticeable, with the underlying “1” often visible to the left of the “2.” Values for this variety can range from $300 in circulated condition up to $26,000 for pristine, uncirculated examples.

The 1942/1-D Mercury Dime is the Denver Mint’s version of the 42/1 overdate error, with the “2” struck over a “1” in the date. While similar to the Philadelphia issue, the underlying “1” on the Denver coin may appear as blobs near the top and bottom of the “2.” Circulated examples can command $325 to $2,350, with uncirculated specimens selling for as much as $16,000.

The 1921 Mercury Dime from the Philadelphia Mint is considered a semi-key date due to its low mintage of 1,230,000. While not as rare as the 1916-D, its age and limited production make it a valuable coin, particularly in better conditions. Values range from $40 in circulated condition to $4,750 for uncirculated pieces.

The 1921-D Mercury Dime also features a low mintage, with only 1,080,000 pieces struck at the Denver Mint. This coin is sought after, especially in higher grades, as many were heavily circulated. Circulated examples are valued between $60 and $1,350, while uncirculated pieces can reach $8,000.

The 1965 Silver Dime Error is a transitional error where some dimes dated 1965 were mistakenly struck on 90% silver planchets intended for 1964 coinage. These error coins weigh 2.50 grams, unlike the standard 2.27 grams of clad dimes, and lack the copper-colored edge. Such rare errors can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars, with one example fetching $12,600 in 2024.

The 1968 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime is notable because it was the first proof coin accidentally struck without an “S” mint mark, which designates San Francisco proof coinage. Only a few dozen examples of this error are known to exist, making it a modern rarity. This dime has sold for high amounts, with one example realizing $45,600 at auction.

The 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime is a rare modern proof error, as only two examples are known to exist. Like the 1968 error, it lacks the “S” mint mark. This scarcity and the circumstances of its creation contribute to its high value, with one selling for over $500,000 at auction.

The 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime is an error where the Philadelphia Mint inadvertently omitted the “P” mint mark on some dimes. By 1980, Philadelphia-minted dimes were supposed to carry a “P” mint mark, making its absence on 1982 coins an error. These dimes can be worth between $100 and $130 in circulated condition, and up to $725 for pristine uncirculated examples.

Next Steps for Your Dimes

If you believe you have identified a potentially valuable dime, professional authentication and grading are important next steps. Reputable third-party services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) can verify a coin’s authenticity and assign a numerical grade based on its condition.

This process involves submitting the coin, which incurs fees ranging from $22 to $40 for standard submissions, varying with the coin’s value. Turnaround times for grading can vary, from 15 business days for express services to 40-45 business days or more for economy options. A handling fee of $10 per submission and return shipping costs are also involved.

Once a coin is professionally graded, its market value can be more accurately assessed by consulting up-to-date coin price guides and online databases. These resources provide pricing information based on various grades, helping to determine a realistic valuation. Connecting with established and trustworthy coin dealers can also offer further assessment, sales opportunities, or acquisition advice.

Proper care and storage are important for preserving a coin’s condition and value over time. Always handle coins by their edges to avoid transferring oils and dirt from your skin, which can cause damage or discoloration. Storing coins in archival-safe holders, such as hard plastic capsules or PVC-free flips, protects them from environmental contaminants and physical damage.