What Are the 25 Most Valuable Dimes?

Certain dimes can possess extraordinary value. Coin collecting offers the potential to uncover rare pieces from change or inherited collections. Understanding factors that elevate a dime from common currency to a valuable collectible provides insight into potential hidden treasures. This pursuit combines historical interest with discovery, making the study of valuable dimes a captivating endeavor.

Understanding Dime Valuation

The value of a dime is not solely determined by its face value; several factors contribute to its worth. Rarity, linked to original mintage numbers, plays a significant role. Coins produced in smaller quantities command higher prices. A dime from a year with a low mintage figure becomes more valuable due to its scarcity.

The condition, or grade, of a coin also impacts its market value. An uncirculated dime, showing no signs of wear and retaining its original mint luster, is more valuable than a heavily circulated one. Professional grading services assign precise grades. A coin’s preservation, including detail sharpness and absence of damage, dictates its desirability. Minor imperfections can reduce a coin’s worth.

Mint marks, small letters indicating where a coin was produced, are another determinant of value. A “D” signifies Denver, an “S” San Francisco, and a “P” or no mark indicates Philadelphia. Certain mint marks for specific years can denote lower production runs, increasing a dime’s value. Identifying the correct mint mark is a fundamental step in assessing worth.

Key dates refer to specific years or year-and-mint-mark combinations that are scarce or historically significant. These dates often correspond to low mintage numbers, production errors, or periods that limited coin production. Collectors pursue these key dates, driving up their market prices regardless of physical condition.

Minting errors and varieties, deviations from the standard production process, can increase a dime’s value. Examples include double dies, where the design appears doubled due to misalignment, or off-center strikes. Re-punched mint marks, struck multiple times or in different positions, also fall into this category. These imperfections are prized for their rarity and distinctiveness.

Top 25 Most Valuable Dimes

1894-S Barber Dime

The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the most valuable coins, with only 24 originally minted and nine known today. Its extreme rarity drives its value into the millions, exceeding $1.5 million.

1796 Draped Bust Dime

The 1796 Draped Bust Dime, the first year dimes were minted, is sought after due to its age and low mintage of 22,135 pieces. Values range from $15,000 for circulated examples to over $100,000 for higher grades.

1797 Draped Bust Dime

The 1797 Draped Bust Dime, particularly those with 16 stars on the reverse, had a mintage of 25,261. This variety is less common than its 13-star counterpart and commands higher prices. Values can exceed $75,000.

1804 Draped Bust Dime

The 1804 Draped Bust Dime, known as the “Starred Reverse” variety, is rare with few specimens known. Its distinct design and scarcity mean values can surpass $100,000.

1822 Capped Bust Dime

The 1822 Capped Bust Dime is a rarity, with a mintage of only 10,000 pieces, one of the lowest in U.S. history. Its scarcity drives its value upward, with uncirculated examples fetching hundreds of thousands.

1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime without arrows

The 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime without arrows is prized due to its low mintage from the Carson City Mint. Values range from $10,000 to over $50,000 depending on grade.

1874-CC Seated Liberty Dime

The 1874-CC Seated Liberty Dime, from the Carson City Mint, is a scarce issue with low mintage. Its limited production and “CC” mint mark make it valuable. Higher grades can reach $20,000 or more.

1871-CC Seated Liberty Dime

The 1871-CC Seated Liberty Dime is a low mintage issue from the Carson City Mint. Its scarcity contributes to its value, ranging from $1,000 to over $10,000 depending on condition.

1872-CC Seated Liberty Dime

The 1872-CC Seated Liberty Dime is sought after due to its Carson City mint mark and limited production. Values start around $1,500 for lower grades and can go up to $15,000 or more for finer examples.

1870-S Seated Liberty Dime

The 1870-S Seated Liberty Dime is a rare coin from the San Francisco Mint, with a mintage of only 10,000 pieces. Its extreme scarcity makes it one of the most valuable Seated Liberty Dimes. Values range from $5,000 to over $50,000.

1860-S Seated Liberty Dime

The 1860-S Seated Liberty Dime is a low-mintage issue from the San Francisco Mint. Its limited availability contributes to its premium value, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on condition.

1916-D Mercury Dime

The 1916-D Mercury Dime is one of the most valuable coins in the Mercury Dime series, due to its low mintage of 264,000 pieces. Its “D” mint mark is a key identifier. Even in good condition, this dime can fetch over $1,000, while higher grades can exceed $10,000.

1942/1-D Mercury Dime

The 1942/1-D Mercury Dime is an overdate variety, where the “2” was struck over a “1” in the date. This error is visible upon close inspection, with values ranging from $500 for circulated examples to several thousand for uncirculated ones.

1942/1 Mercury Dime (Philadelphia Mint)

The 1942/1 Mercury Dime (Philadelphia Mint) is another overdate variety, similar to its Denver counterpart. While not as rare as the 1942/1-D, it is an error coin. Values start around $300 for lower grades and can go up to $2,000 or more.

1931-S Mercury Dime

The 1931-S Mercury Dime had a low mintage for the series, making it a scarcer issue from the San Francisco Mint. Its value can range from $50 for circulated examples to several hundred dollars for uncirculated ones.

1921 Mercury Dime

The 1921 Mercury Dime, from the Philadelphia Mint, is a key date due to its low mintage of 1,230,000 pieces. This makes it challenging to acquire, with values reaching several hundred dollars for better examples.

1921-D Mercury Dime

The 1921-D Mercury Dime from the Denver Mint is scarcer than its Philadelphia counterpart, with a mintage of only 1,080,000. This makes it a significant key date. Values start at $75 for circulated coins and can exceed $500.

1968-S No S Proof Roosevelt Dime

The 1968-S No S Proof Roosevelt Dime is an error coin where the “S” mint mark, typically present on San Francisco proof coins, is missing. Only a small number were produced, making them rare. Values can range from $5,000 to over $20,000.

1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime

The 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime is another valuable error coin, similar to the 1968-S No S, where the San Francisco “S” mint mark is absent. This error occurred on a limited number of proof dimes, making it rare. Its value can exceed $30,000.

1982 No P Roosevelt Dime

The 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime is an error where the “P” mint mark, usually present on Philadelphia-minted coins, is missing. This error occurred on business strike coins, making it a unique find in circulation. Values can range from $50 to over $300.

1950-D Roosevelt Dime

The 1950-D Roosevelt Dime has a lower mintage compared to other Roosevelt Dimes of that era, contributing to its higher value. It is sought after by collectors completing a full set. Uncirculated ones can reach $20 or more.

1949-S Roosevelt Dime

The 1949-S Roosevelt Dime has a lower mintage from the San Francisco Mint, making it a scarcer issue in the early Roosevelt series. Values range from a few dollars for circulated pieces to $15 or more for uncirculated examples.

1946-S Roosevelt Dime

The 1946-S Roosevelt Dime, while having a substantial mintage, is often found in lower grades, making higher-grade examples more valuable. Its initial release year for the Roosevelt series from San Francisco makes it historically significant. Uncirculated coins can fetch $10-$20.

1955-D Roosevelt Dime

The 1955-D Roosevelt Dime from the Denver Mint is a semi-key date due to its low mintage. This makes it harder to find in circulation. Values range from a few dollars for circulated coins to $15 or more for uncirculated specimens.

1955-S Roosevelt Dime

The 1955-S Roosevelt Dime from the San Francisco Mint also represents a lower mintage year, similar to the 1955-D. Its value is comparable to the 1955-D, with uncirculated ones reaching $15 or more.

Tips for Finding and Caring for Rare Dimes

Identifying valuable dimes begins with careful examination. Look at the date and mint mark, as these indicate rarity. A jeweler’s loupe (5x-10x magnification) assists in discerning fine details. Pay attention to the overall design for unusual characteristics.

After identifying the date and mint mark, scrutinize the coin for signs of error or variety, such as doubled lettering or off-center strikes. These imperfections can increase a coin’s value. Comparing your coin to images of known error coins online or in coin guides can help confirm finds.

Proper handling and storage preserve a coin’s condition and value. Always hold dimes by their edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin, which can cause damage. Never clean a coin, as this can reduce its numismatic value by creating scratches or altering its original patina. Natural toning and wear are often preferred.

For storage, use archival-safe materials like Mylar flips, non-PVC coin holders, or coin albums. These materials protect coins from environmental degradation. Storing coins individually prevents rubbing, which can cause nicks and scratches. Proper storage maintains a coin’s condition.

If you suspect you have found a valuable dime, thorough research is the next step to confirm its worth. Utilize reputable online numismatic databases, coin pricing guides, and historical auction results to compare your coin’s characteristics and estimated value. Websites of professional grading services provide information for identification and preliminary valuation. Cross-referencing multiple sources provides a more accurate assessment.

For definitive authentication and valuation, especially for highly valuable coins, seek a professional appraisal from a certified numismatist or reputable coin dealer. These experts identify rare coins, detect counterfeits, and assign precise grades. They offer insights into current market demand and provide an unbiased assessment. When choosing an appraiser, look for credentials from recognized numismatic organizations and positive client reviews.