Rolling in cash has been a thrilling pastime, but did you know that some rare dimes and Bicentennial quarters are worth millions of dollars? Some rare unique cash have sold fantastic amounts at auction, with their combined commission totaling over $75 million! If you happen to own such a to your set, chances are you may be sitting on a fortune. Let’s examine the ten rare dimes and Bicentennial quarters that could make you rich.
How to Check If You Have a Rare Coin
Think you have one of these rare dimes or quarters? Here’s what to do:
- Check the Mint Mark: Dates to look for are 1894-S, 1873-CC, and 1975 No-S.
- Check for Errors: Double dies, mint mark omissions, or off-metal strikes can be worth thousands.
- Check the Weight: Some error coins were minted on the incorrect metal planchets.
- Get It Appraised: Get it graded by PCGS or NGC to verify authenticity and value.
1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is the “holy grail” of dimes. Only 24 were made, and only a handful survive today.
Key facts:
- Mint: San Francisco
- Surviving examples known: About 9
- Estimated value: $2 million+
Legendary anecdote: One was allegedly spent on ice cream by a mint director’s daughter. If you do have one in your collection, you’re holding a life-changing fortune.
1916-D Mercury Dime
1916-D Mercury Dime – A highly rare first-year-of-issue coin that only sees 264,000 coins struck at the Denver Mint.
Key facts:
- Mint: Denver
- Rarity: The lowest in the entire run of Mercury dimes
- Price: Can run higher than $100,000 in mint state
- Estimated value: $100,000+
1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate
A World War II mint error created the 1942/1 Mercury Dime, as a weak “1” appears underneath the “2.”
Key facts:
- Mint: Philadelphia and Denver
- Cause: The 1941 die was reused and modified in error
- Value: High-grade specimens sell for tens of thousands
- Estimated value: $10,000+
1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
This very rare modern dime was accidentally struck without the “S” mint mark.
Key facts:
- Mint: San Francisco
- Known specimens: Only 2
- Record auction price: One sold for $456,000 in 2019
- Estimated value: $456,000
1968 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Similar to the 1975 one, this 1968 proof dime was inadvertently produced without the “S” mint mark.
Key facts:
- Mint: San Francisco
- Value: Prices can hit tens of thousands for a mint condition one
- Estimated value: $20,000+
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The majority of 1976 bicentennial quarters are normal, but some rare varieties and errors are worth a small fortune.
Key facts:
- Special design: Has a colonial drummer to commemorate America’s 200th birthday
- Mint locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco
- Estimated value: Varies (up to millions)
1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter
A special 40% silver proof bicentennial quarter was struck by the San Francisco Mint.
Key facts:
- Composition: 40% silver
- Collector demand: Brilliant finish and low mintage
- Estimated value: $500+
- Although not the most rare, high-quality examples sell for hundreds of dollars.
1976-D Doubled Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter
Error of doubled die happens when a coin’s design is accidentally struck twice, resulting in doubling of letters or numbers that can be easily seen.
Key facts:
- Visible doubling: On the date and lettering
- Value: Thousand values in top grades
- Estimated price: $1,000+
1976 Bicentennial Quarter on Dime Planchet
This error mint occurs when a quarter design is stamped by mistake on a dime planchet.
Key facts:
- Rarity: Extremely rare error mint
- Value: May fetch thousands of dollars at auction
- Estimated value: $10,000+
1976 Aluminum Bicentennial Quarter
Aluminum quarters were also attempted by the U.S. Mint in the 1970s in an effort to save money, but they never went into circulation.
Key facts:
- Composition: Aluminum
- Legal status: None known to exist for collectors
- Speculated value: If one did exist and was legal to possess, it would be worth millions
- Estimated value: Millions (if legal ownership)
Final Thought
These unique coins and medals are a testament to the fact that at times, loose change can amount to a small fortune. From a mint error to an overdate, or simply a bit of history, these coins have caught the eye of coin enthusiasts from all corners of the earth. Keep your loose change handy—you never know what treasure lies in wait!
FAQ’s
What is the most valuable precious dime?
The 1894-S Barber Dime, of which only 24 had been produced, is the most valuable.
Why is the 1975 No S Dime so valuable?
There are only two, so it is one of the most valuable U.S. coins of the modern era.