Most people overlook the dimes in their wallets, assuming they are only worth ten cents. However, some rare dimes are worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars! These valuable coins often go unnoticed because they look similar to regular dimes, but certain errors, mint marks, and years make them highly sought after by collectors. In this article, we’ll reveal three rare dimes that could be hiding in plain sight and how you can identify them.
1. 1965 Silver Roosevelt Dime
In 1965, the U.S. Mint switched from 90% silver dimes to copper-nickel clad dimes. However, a small number of 1965 dimes were mistakenly struck on silver planchets meant for 1964 coins. These rare dimes can be identified by their weight—silver dimes weigh 2.5 grams, while clad dimes weigh 2.27 grams. If you find a 1965 dime without a copper edge and it weighs more, you might have a rare silver variety worth thousands of dollars!
2. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
Most U.S. coins have a mint mark that indicates where they were produced, such as “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco. However, in 1982, a small batch of Roosevelt dimes was accidentally minted without a mint mark. These error dimes were struck at the Philadelphia Mint but lack the “P” marking. If you come across a 1982 dime without a mint mark, it could be worth anywhere from $50 to over $1,000, depending on its condition.
3. 1970 Dime with No S Mint Mark (Proof Coin)
Proof dimes are specially made for collectors and typically have a high-quality finish. The San Francisco Mint (marked with an “S”) struck proof dimes in 1970, but a small number of them were mistakenly made without the “S” mint mark. These error-proof dimes are extremely rare and can sell for thousands of dollars at auctions. If you have a 1970 proof set, check your dime carefully—you might be holding a valuable error coin!
Rare dimes can easily go unnoticed in your wallet, pocket change, or old coin collections. The 1965 silver dime, 1982 no mint mark dime, and 1970 no-S proof dime are just a few examples of hidden treasures that could be worth far more than their face value. If you think you have one of these rare dimes, consider having it authenticated and graded by a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC. You never know—you might be holding onto a small fortune!
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if my 1965 dime is silver?
Silver dimes weigh 2.5 grams, while regular copper-nickel dimes weigh 2.27 grams. You can also check the edge of the coin—if it lacks a copper stripe and has a solid silver appearance, it may be silver.
2. What is the most valuable Roosevelt dime ever sold?
One of the highest-priced Roosevelt dimes was a 1975 No-S Proof dime, which sold for over $450,000 at auction!
3. Are all 1982 dimes without a mint mark valuable?
No, only the 1982 dimes that were mistakenly struck without a mint mark are valuable. Most 1982 dimes will have a “P,” “D,” or “S” mint mark.
4. Where can I sell a rare dime?
You can sell rare dimes through coin dealers, auction houses, or online platforms like eBay. For higher-value coins, professional grading by PCGS or NGC can increase their market value.
5. Should I clean my rare dime before selling it?
No! Cleaning a coin can damage its surface and lower its value. Collectors prefer coins in their original condition.
