The world of coin collecting is filled with surprises, and rare dimes have recently been making headlines by setting record-breaking auction prices. Collectors and investors are paying hundreds of thousands—even millions—of dollars for these tiny treasures. If you have an old dime in your collection or pocket change, it might be worth checking! Here are four rare dimes that have shattered records at recent auctions.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest and most valuable dimes in history. Only 24 were minted, and fewer than 10 are known to exist today. This coin has consistently set auction records, with one selling for an astounding $2 million in a private sale. Its rarity and mystery—why so few were minted—continue to intrigue collectors. If you come across an old Barber Dime, take a close look—it could be a hidden fortune.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime
A key date in the Mercury Dime series, the 1916-D Mercury Dime was minted in Denver, with only 264,000 coins produced—the lowest of any Mercury Dime. In high-grade condition, this coin has sold for over $200,000 at auction. A collector in Colorado once found this dime in pocket change, proving that rare finds are still possible. Even lower-graded versions can be worth thousands.
3. 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is a proof coin that accidentally left the mint without its “S” mint mark. Only two examples are known, making it one of the rarest modern dimes. In a recent auction, one of these dimes sold for $456,000, breaking previous records. This coin was discovered in a proof set, meaning there could still be more out there waiting to be found. If you own any proof sets from 1975, it’s worth checking for this rare error.
4. 1822 Capped Bust Dime
The 1822 Capped Bust Dime is one of the rarest early U.S. dimes, with only a handful surviving today. This coin’s scarcity has driven collectors to bid over $100,000 for well-preserved examples. One of these dimes, in near-perfect condition, recently set an auction record by selling for $140,000. If you come across an early 19th-century dime, be sure to check the date and mint details, as it could be worth a fortune.
These four rare dimes have proven that small coins can carry enormous value. Whether they were minted over a century ago or contain a minting error, these coins have set new records and continue to attract attention from collectors worldwide. If you have old coins, take a second look—you might be holding a record-breaking treasure in your hands!
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if my dime is valuable?
Check the date, mint mark, condition, and rarity. If a coin has a low mintage or an error, it could be worth a lot of money.
2. Where can I sell a rare dime?
You can sell rare dimes through coin dealers, online auctions (eBay, Heritage Auctions), or coin shows. Having the coin graded by PCGS or NGC will help maximize its value.
3. What is the rarest U.S. dime?
The 1894-S Barber Dime is the rarest, with only 24 ever minted. It has sold for up to $2 million at auction.
4. Are there still rare dimes in circulation?
Yes! Rare dimes like the 1916-D Mercury Dime and error coins sometimes appear in pocket change, estate sales, and old collections.
5. What should I do if I think I have a rare dime?
First, avoid cleaning it, as that can reduce its value. Then, have it authenticated and graded by professionals like PCGS or NGC to determine its true worth.
