The rare-coin arena is not free of surprises; some little pieces of metal carry values that can soar to heights many would never expect. While many coins in circulation are worth only their value in “money,” there are certain specimens coveted by collectors for their rarity and for the history and special features associated with them.
So, in this article, we will take a look at four rare dimes and a Bicentennial quarter that have made a splash in the world of numismatics. Some are worth a fortune, while some have pure myth surrounding them. Let’s take a look.
Rarity
A coin was precious primarily due to its rarity; thus, before laying down specific coins, it is necessary to understand how coins became valuable.
Mintage numbers significantly influence a coin’s value. However, it must be considered among other issues that concur in engraving a coin’s value. Such a coin may become highly collectible on that basis if historical significance is attached to a particular event or design change.
The most significant is condition; a mint or uncirculated price will usually be maintained quite a bit higher than coins showing grades of wear.
Although even mint errors may be substantial when coins come from production mistakes, such types often have confined numbers of examples available. And finally, that value of a coin depends primarily on collectorship for that coin; if it creates such a bitter taste among collectors, its price will inevitably rise.
1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest and among the most valuable dimes in existence.
History
Minted in San Francisco in 1894, production was limited to 24 pieces, probably as gifts to bankers or to balance the Mint’s financial books. Today, it is said that only nine are known to exist.
Value in 2025
In perfect condition, this dime could sell for over $2 million at auction. In any case, however, its poor grade still fetches many hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Identification
This dime is marked 1894 S for the San Francisco mint. It is the classic Barber dime design with Liberty’s head.
1916-D Mercury Dime
With a low mintage, the 1916-D Mercury Dime became a collector’s item.
History
The exchanging of the old Barber dime design with the new Mercury design was done in 1916. But the Denver Mint was able to mint just 264,000 dimes before it went back to the Barber design. The limited production makes this coin highly desirable.
Value in 2025
In uncirculated condition, the dime can fetch a price between 10,000-20,000 dollars. It is still worth thousands, even in circulated condition.
Identifying Features
This dime has the date of 1916 with a D mint mark for Denver. The coin shows Winged Liberty Head, often mistaken by many for the Roman god Mercury.
1942/1 Mercury Dime
This mint error creates much love among the collectors for the 1942/1 Mercury Dime.
History
Misuse of a 1941-dated hub in making dies for 1942 caused an overdate error. Scads of error dimes went on the market before the mint realized its blunder.
Value in 2025
An uncirculated specimen will run between $5,000-$10,000, and a circulated version usually goes for over $1,000.
Identifying Features
The gospel among experts holds that this dime is engraved with the date 1942, with a faint impression of a 1 seen below the 2 as a result of the overdate error. It has no mint mark, which indicates it has been minted in Philadelphia. The design is what Western Hemisphere users would recognize as a regular Mercury dime design.
Post not found.
1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Modern coins, too, can be rare, and the 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime exemplifies this.
History
Supposedly, in 1975, a proof dime should have been minted with an S mint mark for San Francisco; however, a very small number of approximately 20 coins were accidentally minted without it, making them very valuable.
Value in 2025
An example in perfect condition will command a selling price of $400,000 to $500,000.
Identifying Features
This coin bears the date of 1975 but has no mintmark, although it was intended to have the letter S. Furthermore, the coin was struck as proof; therefore, it has a mirror surface.
Bicentennial Quarter
We will discuss the Bicentennial quarter, for that matter, a coin that abounds with myths regarding its value.
History
Minted during the years 1975 and 1976, this quarter was intended to commemorate the bicentennial anniversary of the United States. The reverse features a colonial drummer and bears the dual date of 1776-1976 instead of a single-year date.
The Million Dollar Myth
Almost all online sources state that every Bicentennial quarter is worth a few million dollars, but this does not hold true for the standard versions.
Value in 2025-Near
Almost all Bicentennial quarters have accredited a face value (25 cents). Very few uncirculated pieces can also be traded for few dollars, but 40 percent silver version may be worth anywhere between 5 or 15 dollars depending upon its condition.
If a person discovers a Bicentennial quarter, it probably is just pocket change. Unless it has a very unusual error, or it is one of those rare silver proofs.
Rare coins tend to have a magical way of provoking interests; frankly speaking, while some dime coins qualify to be in millions, others are myths-only. Always, the best thing to do when you think you have a valuable coin is to have it appraised by a professional numismatist. Who knows, you may just stumble on another treasure within your collection.
FAQS:
How many 1894-S Barber Dimes exist?
Only nine specimens exist today.
What about a Bicentennial quarter being worth a million?
No, except for some rare silver proofs, most are worth just face value.
What is the reason for the value of a 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime?
It was minted in error without the S mint mark and is extremely rare.
How can I tell if I have a 1942/1 Mercury Dime?
Examine the area where you see the 2 in the date for a faint 1.
What is the rarest U.S. dime?
The 1894-S Barber Dime is considered the rarest coin.