You might be surprised that some dimes in circulation are worth far more than their face value. While most dimes we come across are worth only ten cents, some rare and valuable dimes can sell for thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars. So, what dimes are worth money?
Knowing what to look for is essential if you’re searching through your coin jar or checking the dimes in your pocket change. From historic coins to error dimes, different factors can make a dime worth far more than its actual value.
Whether you’re a casual collector or interested in rare U.S. coins, understanding which dimes are worth money can turn a simple hobby into a profitable venture. So, in this article, we’ll explore how to identify valuable dimes and outline a list of the 15 most valuable dimes you should be looking for.
How to Identify Valuable Dimes
When you’re looking for valuable dimes, there are some key factors you need to consider. Knowing what to look for can help you quickly determine whether your dime is worth more than ten cents. Here are some standard features that make dimes valuable:
- Age and Rarity: The older a dime is, the more likely it is to be worth money. However, age alone isn’t enough; rarity is also significant. Dimes minted in small quantities or part of limited production runs can be especially valuable.
- Mint Mark: The value of a dime can be significantly impacted by mint markings, which are the small letters on a coin that tell you where it was made. The value of coins from particular mints, like San Francisco (marked with an “S”), may be worth more depending on the year and the rarity of that mint’s production.
- Condition: The condition of a coin, commonly referred to as its “grade,” can also significantly impact its value. Coins in perfect or uncirculated condition will always be worth more than the ones that are scratched, worn, or damaged. You can quickly and accurately determine your dime’s grade using coin grading services like PCGS or NGC.
- Errors: Some of the most valuable dimes are ones with minting errors. Examples are off-center strikes, double dies (where the image is printed twice), or missing mint marks. Error dimes are rare and highly sought after by collectors.
What Are the 15 Most Valuable Dimes?
Here’s a list of 15 of the most valuable dimes to look out for. These dimes are a priceless addition to your collection because they have all been sold at high prices at auction or in private sales.
1. 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime No Arrows
This dime was minted in Carson City in 1873 with small pointed arrows placed to the left and right of the date (as well as on the quarter and half-dollar). Dimes minted before the change in 1873 appeared without arrows.
In January of 2023, this dime was sold for a staggering $3,600,000 million, making it the most valuable in American currency.
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2. 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime with Arrows
Only 18,791 of this dime was minted in the Carson City Mint. The original business strike variant showed the mint date in between arrows.
Although this coin is not as famous as the 1873-CC No Arrows Dime, it is still a favorite due to its extreme rarity in higher grades. This coin sold for $552,000 at an auction in 2022.
3. 1894-S Proof Barber Dime
This is usually called one of “The Big Three” in American numismatics, together with the 1804 Dollar and the 1913 Liberty Nickel. Only 24 of these dimes were minted in San Francisco, and less than 10 are still known to exist today.
The record price of one of these coins sold for nearly $2 million at auction.
4. 1999-D Roosevelt Dimes
Roosevelt dimes were first introduced in 1946. Therefore, most of these coin varieties are still affordable and can be part of one’s collection.
In 2009, the 1999-D Roosevelt Dime was sold at an auction for $14,375, making it one of the most valuable Roosevelt dimes.
5. 1804 14 Stars Reverse Draped Bust Dime
This dime is one of the most valuable Draped Bust dimes produced and is highly sought-after by coin collectors.
The 14th star indicated Vermont joining the Union more than ten years prior. This particular coin sold at an auction in 2008 for $632,500.
6. 1822 Proof Capped Bust Dime
With only a few thousand coined in Philadelphia, this early dime is renowned for being extremely rare. Collectors are prepared to spend a lot of money on a piece of this dime because there are fewer of these coins available.
It was sold at an auction in 2014 for $440,625.
7. 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime
This error coin is one of the most valuable Roosevelt dimes. It was minted without the “S” mint mark from the San Francisco mint. They are highly desirable and can fetch over $20,000.
8. 1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury dime, known for its beautiful design, is notably one of the most counterfeited U.S. rare coins.
Only a few exist today, with a mintage of 264,000 from the Denver facility. High-grade versions of this dime can sell for up to $100,000.
9. 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
The 1975 No-S proof Roosevelt dime is one of the most valuable modern coins. Proof dimes without mint marks, known as “No-S” coins (or no mint mark dimes), were created due to how Proof dimes were handled.
According to PCGS, one of these coins was sold for $456,000 in 2019.
10. 1938-S Mercury Dime
This is the most costly Mercury dime in US currency, and PCGS has only graded one specimen in excellent gem condition. The record price at a 1938-S Mercury Dime auction was $364,250 in 2019.
11. 1931-S Full Bands Mercury Dime
This is considered the second most valuable of the Mercury dimes. “Full Band” is a designation attributed to Mercury Dimes that clearly shows the horizontal lines on the bands surrounding the fasces on the reverse design.
A specimen of this dime was sold at an auction in 2019 for $270,250.
12. 1900 Proof Barber Dime
The Philadelphia Facility only minted 912 of this coin, and according to PCGS records, there are only two specimens in excellent gem condition, valued at $40,000 and $75,000, respectively. In 2020, however, it was sold for $66,000, which is still remarkable.
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13. 1796 Draped Bust Dime
The 1796 Draped Bust dime is a highly sought-after coin because it was one of the first dimes ever minted in the United States. Only about 22,000 were minted, but they sold for $372,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2023.
14. 1955-S Roosevelt Dime
Although the 1955-S is not as rare as the other dimes on this list, it is one of the last dimes minted with 90% silver. It can be worth a few thousand dollars if in perfect condition.
15. 1820 Small 0 Capped Bust Dime
A new design from 1809 shows Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap and facing left in profile. On the reverse side is an eagle perched on a branch and holding arrows. Then, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is on a scroll above with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” the face value is 10C below.
This dime was sold for $152,750 in 2014.
If you ever discover that you have a valuable dime and you’re wondering where to sell it, you can try researching reputable coin dealers, high-end auctions, or market websites like eBay or specialized coin marketplaces.
Finding Valuable Dimes
So, what dimes are worth money?
As discussed, several factors can make some dimes highly valuable, from the year and mint mark to the condition and any possible errors. If you’re ever unsure about the value of a dime, it is always best to seek the professional opinion of a coin dealer.
For collectors and enthusiasts, the hunt for rare U.S. coins is part of the fun. So be sure to check your pocket change, go to coin shows, or even browse online coin auctions; you never know when you might find a hidden treasure.