What Dimes and Nickels Are Worth Money?

Dimes and nickels can hold value beyond their face value. While most coins in circulation are worth only their face value, certain issues are sought by collectors. Rarity, historical importance, and condition are key factors in a coin’s worth.

Key Factors Influencing Coin Value

A coin’s worth is determined by several factors. Low mintage numbers, especially from “key dates” or with limited surviving examples, often command higher prices due to scarcity.

A coin’s physical state, or grade, also impacts its value. Wear, scratches, and environmental damage can diminish a coin’s worth. Higher grades generally correspond to higher values.

Mint errors and varieties also increase coin value. These unique pieces result from manufacturing anomalies, such as doubled dies or off-center strikes. Their uniqueness makes them desirable to collectors.

Older coins, particularly those minted before 1965, can have substantial intrinsic value from their precious metal content. Dimes from this era contain significant silver, meaning their melt value often exceeds their face value. Some coins also gain value due to their historical significance or collector demand.

Dimes That Are Worth Money

Many dimes have value beyond their face worth, especially older issues and those with errors. Mercury Dimes, minted from 1916 to 1945, are 90% silver, giving them intrinsic value based on metal price. Some Mercury Dimes are key dates or varieties, such as the 1916-D, which had a low mintage. Collectors also seek the 1942/1 and 1942/1-D overdate varieties.

Roosevelt Dimes, produced from 1946, also include valuable specimens. Dimes minted between 1946 and 1964 are 90% silver and carry a melt value. More modern Roosevelt Dimes can be valuable if they exhibit specific errors or rare varieties. One example is the 1965 no-S proof dime, mistakenly struck without a mint mark.

The 1982 no-P dime is another error, where the “P” mint mark is missing. This occurred due to a clogged die at the Philadelphia Mint, creating a limited number of these coins.

Barber Dimes, produced from 1892 to 1916, are valuable due to their age and lower mintage figures. These 90% silver coins are prized by collectors, with value increasing based on condition and rarity.

Nickels That Are Worth Money

Nickels can also hold value, especially older series or those with unique characteristics. Shield Nickels, produced from 1866 to 1883, are among the earliest nickel five-cent pieces and are valuable due to their age and historical significance.

Liberty Head, or “V” Nickels, minted from 1883 to 1913, are collectible. Key dates like the 1885 and 1912-S are sought due to low mintages. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is rare, with only five known examples.

Buffalo Nickels, produced from 1913 to 1938, are recognizable by their Native American and bison designs. Several key dates and varieties are valuable, including the 1913-S Type 2. The 1937-D “3-Legged” Buffalo Nickel is another error, resulting from a die polishing mistake.

The 1916 Doubled Die Buffalo Nickel is an error where the date and other design elements appear doubled. Jefferson Nickels, introduced in 1938, also include valuable specimens.

“Wartime” Nickels, minted from 1942 to 1945, contain 35% silver, indicated by a large mint mark (P, D, or S) above Monticello on the reverse. Valuable modern Jefferson Nickels include errors and low-mintage issues. The 1939-D and 1950-D nickels are key dates due to low production. Recent examples like the 2004-D “Peace Medal” nickel with an extra leaf are also sought by collectors.

How to Identify and Verify Potentially Valuable Coins

Identifying a valuable coin begins with examining its date and any mint marks. Mint mark locations vary by coin series. Using a magnifying glass can help reveal fine details and subtle errors.

Once you note the date and features, research your findings. Use reputable online coin databases, price guides, and numismatic books to compare your coin with known valuable issues. These resources provide estimated values based on type, date, mint mark, and condition.

An amateur assessment of a coin’s condition can provide a rough idea of its potential value. Observe the wear on the coin’s high points and how much original detail remains. Even a heavily worn rare coin can hold value, though coins in better condition are worth more.

Never attempt to clean a coin, as this can damage its surface and reduce its numismatic value. Cleaning can remove a coin’s natural patina and leave abrasive marks.

Appraising and Caring for Your Coins

After identifying a potentially valuable coin, seeking a professional appraisal is often the next step, especially for high-value pieces. An appraiser can assess the coin’s authenticity, grade, and market value. Reputable appraisers can be found through local coin shops or numismatic associations.

Proper storage preserves a coin’s condition and maintains its value. Coins should be stored in inert holders, such as Mylar flips or certified slabs, to protect them from environmental damage. Avoid directly handling the coin’s surfaces, as skin oils can cause damage.

Store coins in a stable environment, away from extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight. When ready to sell, reputable coin dealers, auction houses, and online numismatic marketplaces are common platforms.