Are you ready to uncover the hidden treasures that might lurk in your pocket change?
What if we told you that some of those regular dimes could be worth a small fortune?
Yes, you heard it right! While most dimes are only worth their face value, rare American dimes can fetch a handsome sum.
What are the most valuable dimes jingling around in your coin jar? Keep reading; you might be sitting on a goldmine!
1878 CC Liberty Seated Dime
The Carson City Mint struck dimes for just 10 years, from 1871 to 1878. With a modest mintage of 97,000 pieces, the 1878-CC dime is widely sought. It represented the lowest mintage of all Carson City dimes.
Finding a nice example today is no small feat. In heavily circulated G-04 grade, this key date CC-Mint dime still brings $425. For lustrous uncirculated MS-63 coins, plan on paying $12,500, or more. The 1878-CC always garners attention as the rarest Carson City Seated dime.
1891-O Barber Dime
As the last dime issued at the New Orleans Mint before it closed, the 1891-O Barber dime has special status. Only 840,000 were struck, making it a lower mintage late-date in the series. Most entered circulation and saw heavy use, making well-preserved examples scarce.
For collectors, the 1891-O is popular as the final New Orleans dime. In lightly circulated VF-20 condition, values reach $325.
For gems in MS-63 condition, expect to pay $4,250 and up based on the limited supply. Any 1891-O dime with sharper details and luster merits close inspection.
1894-S. Barber Dime
Minted in 1894 at the San Francisco Mint, the 1894-S dime had a very low mintage of only 24,000 United States coins. Of those, only 9 exist, making the 1894-S a scarce find.
These handsome little Barber dimes feature Lady Liberty wearing a cap on the obverse. On the reverse, the wreath encircling the words "ONE DIME" stands out in crisp detail (in well-preserved specimens).
With only a handful made, the 1894-S commands staggering prices at auction. In 2016, an 1894-S sold for $2 million in an auction organized by Stack's Bowers Galleries.
According to the Professional Coin Grading Service, a Mint State 65 grade 1894-S dime could fetch between $1 million and $1.5 million. Even in a lower Mint State 60 grade, this rare coin brings in $400,000 to $500,000.
1968-S No-S Roosevelt Proof Dime
Minting errors can snowball a coin's value to collectors.
Such is the case with the 1968-S No-S dime. The San Francisco Mint struck these proof coins but lacked the "S" mintmark.
The San Francisco Mint did not produce any 1968-proof dimes. So these no-S proof dimes are sought-after rarities today.
Prices for the 1968 No-S proof Roosevelt dime vary based on condition. In pristine Proof 70 condition, this unique mint error coin sells for around $75,000. In Proof 67 condition, it trades for around $25,000.
Even in Proof 63 condition, this elusive dime fetches between $4,000 and $5,000. It's a good payout for an odd in-your-pocket change!
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Roosevelt Dime
This fascinating variety shows a strong doubling of the date, mintmark, and other elements on the obverse. It resulted from the hub being stamped twice off-center into the die. Someone caught the error after striking around 300,000 of these 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse dimes.
For collectors, the dramatic doubling makes this a prime rarity. In well-struck MS-65 condition, the 1969-S Doubled Die dime brings $1,250 to $1,500 at auction. Even lower MS-63 examples trade for $150 to $200, showcasing the strong demand.
1970-S Roosevelt Dime, No Mint Mark
Another scarcity because of a minting mishap, the 1970-S Roosevelt dime without a mintmark, stands out as valuable.
The San Francisco Mint struck around 2.5 million dimes in 1970. However, a few slipped out without the "S" mintmark, creating a prime rarity.
For a brilliant, uncirculated 1970-S No S dime, collectors will pay in the ballpark of $20,000. A Mint State 65 commands between $10,000 and $12,000.
In lower MS-63 conditions, expect to get around $4,000 for this mint error dime. Check those 1970 coins; you might find this fortune in your change!
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
By 1975, the mint started minting all dimes with mintmarks. So it caused quite a stir when the 1975 No-S dimes missed the "S" for San Francisco.
Out of the 4.3 million dimes struck in San Francisco that year, a few escaped without a mintmark, creating an instant collectible.
Today, a 1975 No-S dime in superb MS-67 condition can bring up to $15,000 at auction. In MS-65 condition, expect to fetch between $3,500 and $5,000.
Even lower-graded specimens in MS-63 condition garner $700 and up. Check any 1975-dated dimes, as you may have a valuable minting error on your hands.
1982 and 1983 Roosevelt Dimes Without Mint Marks
During 1982 and 1983, all three US mints-Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver ("D" mintmark), and San Francisco ("S" mintmark) - struck dimes.
However, a few dimes missed receiving a mintmark. Collectors treasure these mint errors for their scarcity and backstory.
While not as rare as earlier minting mishaps, these undated dimes attract solid premiums today.
For an MS-67 grade 1982 or 1983 No Mint Mark dime, collectors will shell out around $3,000 to $5,000. In the MS-65 condition, they trade for $1,250 to $1,500. And an MS-63 example could fetch $500 or more.
1992-S Silver Close AM Roosevelt Dime
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt dime, the US Mint struck special proof dimes dated 1992 with a "W" mintmark for West Point. However, a few error coins received the "S" mintmark for San Francisco. Researchers have only confirmed four examples of the 1992-S dime, making them very rare.
Today, collectors value these proof 1992-S dimes at around $20,000 in PR-69 condition. The lowest-graded specimen sold for $14,100 in a Heritage auction back in 2018. As modern rarities, these few slip-up dimes hold significant intrigue for error coin collectors.
1996-W Roosevelt Dime
Congress authorized a new series of silver-proof dimes in 1996 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt dime. Struck in 90% fine silver at West Point, these limited-edition coins featured a "W" mintmark for the first time.
The 1.457 million 1996-W proof dimes sport gorgeous mirrored finishes and sculpted details. With special packaging and certificates of authenticity, they make treasured keepsakes.
Today, these 90% silver-proof Roosevelt dimes trade for around $20 in the aftermarket. With silver values and special status, the 1996-W dime offers more intrigue for collectors.
How to Tell if a Dime Is Valuable
A few general things can tip you off to a potential high-value dime. The letter beneath Franklin D. Roosevelt's head on every dime represents the mint where it was struck.
For example, "D" is for Denver, "S" is for San Francisco, and so on. If you find a dime without a letter under FDR's chin, you may have a dime mentioned above with either an omitted or obscured mintmark.
You can also examine your dime's date and mintmark. If you spot anomalies or discrepancies, such as a wrong date for the mint it was struck in, you could have a rare gem on your hands.
Any dime's value depends on its condition, rarity, and demand. So, even if you find a dime that falls within the correct date range for the above rarities, it may not hold value even if it's worn or damaged.
What Are the Most Valuable Dimes?
So, what are the most valuable dimes? While most dimes only hold their face value, you may stumble upon a rarity worth a lot!
The amount of money a coin can fetch changes over time. That's why you should always use a coin price guide to investigate dates and mintmarks.
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