These are the $679 Million worth 6 Rare Dimes and a Bicentennial Quarter coins, Check your Treasure Now - IPTC
6 Rare Dimes

These are the $679 Million worth 6 Rare Dimes and a Bicentennial Quarter coins, Check your Treasure Now

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6 Rare Dimes : Did you know that pocket change could be worth millions? While many of us think of loose coins as mere spending money, some extremely rare dimes and quarters have fetched astonishing prices at auction.

This article explores six incredibly valuable dimes and a special bicentennial quarter that together could be worth up to $679 million to coin collectors.

Before you cash in that jar of change, take a closer look at what might be hiding in plain sight!

6 Rare Dimes The Crown Jewel: 1894-S Barber Dime

The most coveted dime in American numismatic history is undoubtedly the 1894-S Barber Dime. This legendary coin’s story begins with a curious accounting discrepancy at the San Francisco Mint.

The Fascinating Origin Story

According to numismatic lore, in 1894, the San Francisco Mint had an accounting shortfall of $2.40. To balance the books, the mint superintendent ordered the production of exactly 24 proof dimes bearing the 1894 date and “S” mintmark.

He then distributed many of these coins to close friends and banking associates, including three to his own daughter.

Astronomical Value

Of the original 24 dimes minted, only nine are known to exist today, making this one of the rarest coins in American history.

Each of these coins regularly commands prices exceeding $1 million when they appear at auction. In 2016, one specimen sold for a staggering $1,997,500.

Another example changed hands in 2019 for $1,320,000 when it was purchased by Dell Loy Hansen, then owner of the Major League Soccer team Real Salt Lake.

The Ice Cream Story

One of the most charming tales in numismatic folklore involves the mint superintendent’s daughter.

According to the story, she spent one of her three 1894-S dimes on ice cream, unaware of its future value.

The other two were reportedly sold in the 1950s. While this story adds romance to the coin’s mystique, numismatic historians continue to debate its accuracy.

The Rare 1916-D Mercury Dime

When the new Mercury Dime (officially called the Winged Liberty Head dime) debuted in 1916, the Denver Mint produced just 264,000 specimens—a tiny number compared to the millions struck at other facilities.

Why It’s Valuable

The 1916-D Mercury Dime is the key date in the entire Mercury series, with even heavily worn examples commanding substantial premiums.

In good condition, these dimes typically sell for around $1,217, while specimens in extremely fine condition can fetch $7,174.

Uncirculated examples are truly exceptional, with MS-65 examples worth approximately $31,939.

6 Rare Dimes How to Identify It

Check the reverse of any 1916 Mercury Dime for a small “D” mintmark located at the base of the design near the rim. This single letter makes all the difference between a common coin and a five-figure rarity.

Even heavily worn examples with the D mintmark are worth substantial sums.

The Exceptional 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime

Among the most valuable modern rarities is the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime. This coin resulted from a mint error where proof dimes were struck at the San Francisco Mint without the expected “S” mintmark.

Story Behind the Error

Proof coins are specially made presentation pieces intended for collectors. All proof coins struck at the San Francisco Mint should carry an “S” mintmark. However, in 1975, a small number were mistakenly produced with dies lacking this crucial identifier.

Current Value

The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is one of the most valuable modern coin errors, with one example selling for approximately $450,000 at auction.

Only a handful are known to exist, making this an incredibly rare find for anyone examining their change.

The Scarce 1968-S No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime

Similar to its 1975 counterpart, the 1968-S No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime is another valuable mint error where proof dimes were mistakenly struck without the San Francisco mintmark.

Identifying Features

These coins were produced as part of proof sets meant for collectors. They have the mirror-like fields and frosted devices characteristic of proof coins but lack the “S” mintmark that should appear above the date on the obverse.

Market Value

The 1968-S No-S Roosevelt Dime typically sells for around $7,500, making it a significant find for anyone lucky enough to own one.

While not as valuable as some other coins on this list, it’s still an important modern rarity.

The Historic 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime

From the Carson City Mint comes one of the most sought-after 19th-century dimes—the 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime.

Carson City coins are widely collected, and this date represents a significant rarity in the series.

Carson City Mintage

The Carson City Mint operated between 1870 and 1893, primarily producing silver and gold coins from locally mined metals.

Their products are distinguished by the “CC” mintmark and are highly sought by collectors specializing in western American coinage.

Current Value

Even in well-worn condition, the 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime is worth approximately $5,000, making it a significant find for anyone examining old coin collections.

The Valuable 1921 and 1921-D Mercury Dimes

The economic downturn following World War I led to reduced coin production in 1921, making the Mercury Dimes from this year particularly scarce and valuable to collectors.

Historical Context

Economic conditions in 1921 resulted in limited dime production at both the Philadelphia and Denver mints. These low-mintage issues have become key dates within the series.

Market Values

In good condition, 1921 Mercury Dimes typically sell for about $65, while the 1921-D commands approximately $80.

In fine condition, these values jump to $130 and $210 respectively. Uncirculated specimens are truly exceptional, with values of $925 for the 1921 and $1,250 for the 1921-D.

The $19,200 Bicentennial Quarter

To celebrate America’s 200th birthday in 1976, the U.S. Mint produced special commemorative quarters featuring a colonial drummer boy design on the reverse.

While most are worth just face value, certain rare varieties can be extremely valuable.

The Most Valuable Variety

The most valuable Bicentennial Quarter is the 1976-S Silver version that received a high grade from professional grading services. One such specimen sold for an impressive $19,200 at auction.

6 Rare Dimes How to Identify Valuable Varieties

The key to identifying potentially valuable Bicentennial Quarters is understanding the different compositions used:

  • Clad Quarters: Made of copper-nickel layers (common)
  • Silver Quarters: Composed of 40% silver, produced exclusively at the San Francisco Mint

The valuable 40% silver quarters have a slightly golden tint and weigh 5.75 grams compared to the standard 5.67 grams for clad quarters.

Other Valuable Bicentennial Quarter Varieties

Several other Bicentennial Quarter varieties have also achieved remarkable prices:

  • 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter: sold for $13,500
  • Double Denomination 1976 Quarter struck on a dime: sold for $9,200
  • 1976-D Clad DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) Bicentennial Quarter: sold for $8,400
  • 1976-S Clad Proof Bicentennial Quarter: sold for $6,038

The Ultra-Rare “No S” Bicentennial Quarter Proof

Perhaps the holy grail of Bicentennial Quarter collecting is the “No S” proof variety. These coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint but are missing the crucial “S” mintmark due to a die preparation error.

Extreme Rarity

Fewer than 20 authenticated examples of this error have been documented, making it among the rarest modern U.S. coin errors.

What makes this error particularly fascinating is that it occurred during the high-profile Bicentennial celebration when mint quality control should have been at its strictest.

Market Value

When these elusive quarters appear at auction, they typically command prices between $7,000 and $20,000, depending on condition and certification.

The last public sale occurred in 2019, when a specimen graded PR-68 sold for $13,950.

6 Rare Dimes How to Check Your Coins

Before rushing to sell any coins you suspect might be valuable, follow these steps:

1. Examine Carefully

Use a magnifying glass to inspect the date, mintmark, and overall condition. For Bicentennial Quarters, check the edge to see if it has the copper-nickel sandwich layer (common) or the solid metal appearance of silver composition (potentially valuable).

2. Know What to Look For

  • 1894-S Barber Dime: Look for the “S” mintmark under the wreath on the reverse
  • 1916-D Mercury Dime: Check for the “D” mintmark on the reverse
  • 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime: A proof dime dated 1975 without an “S” mintmark
  • Bicentennial Quarter: Look for the dual dates “1776-1976” and check the weight and edge

3. Consult Experts

Before getting too excited about a potential find, consider having your coin authenticated by a reputable dealer or professional grading service such as PCGS or NGC. This is especially important for high-value coins where counterfeits exist.

6 Rare Dimes Why These Coins Are So Valuable

The extraordinary values attached to these coins stem from several factors:

Extreme Rarity

In many cases, these coins exist in extremely limited numbers. The 1894-S Barber Dime, with only nine known examples, represents true numismatic rarity.

Historical Significance

Coins like the Bicentennial Quarter connect to important historical events and national celebrations, adding to their appeal beyond just rarity.

Condition Scarcity

Even for coins that had decent mintages, finding examples in pristine condition can be nearly impossible, driving up values for well-preserved specimens.

Collector Demand

These coins are needed by collectors attempting to complete sets, creating sustained demand regardless of economic conditions.

6 Rare Dimes Conclusion: The Thrill of the Hunt

While finding a million-dollar coin in your pocket change is admittedly unlikely, discoveries do happen.

In 1957, one of the famed 1894-S Barber Dimes was found in a junk coin box at a department store and purchased for just $2.40—an investment that would be worth over $1.5 million today.

The appeal of these rare coins goes beyond their monetary value. They represent pieces of American history, technological achievements, and in some cases, fascinating human stories.

Whether you’re a serious collector or simply curious about what might be hiding in your change jar, these six rare dimes and the special Bicentennial Quarter offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of numismatics.

Next time you receive change or sort through an old coin collection, take a moment to examine those dimes and quarters more carefully. You never know—you might be holding a fortune in the palm of your hand.

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