Certain dimes and Bicentennial coins possess a tremendous historical bearing and monetary might in the coin-collecting milieu. These rare coins serve the dual purpose of collector’s item and lucrative investment, with some fetching millions at auctions. Let us investigate the top 10 rare dimes and Bicentennial coins that are high in demand by 2025.
Barber Dime, 1894-S
The “Holy Grail” of all dimes is or quite correctly the nickname given to the 1894-S Barber Dime, owing to its extreme rarity.
- Minting history: Only 24 were minted at the Mint in San Francisco. Of these, today, only nine are known to exist.
- Current Value: Many specimens fetched over $2 million in sales.
- Identifying Features: It bears an “S” mint mark and the typical Barber design.
Allegedly, these came into the possession of John Daggett, superintendent of the Mint in San Francisco, who gave some to his daughter. Not knowing it was from the collection, she spent one using it to buy ice cream, thus contributing to the legend.
1916-D Mercury Dime
The rarest of the Mercury dimes and one dime that is in high demand from collectors.
- Mintage: Just 264,000 were produced at the Denver mint.
- Value: Circulated pieces start around $10,000, and high-grade examples exceed $100,000.
- Key Identifier: Look for the “D” mint mark below the torch on the reverse side.
A MS-67 Full Bands example sold for $207,000 in 2022, showing just how valuable this little coin can be.
1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate
A famous minting error that happened in WWII.
- Error Details: Underneath the “2” of the date sits a faint “1.”
- Value: Worn pieces go for $500-$10,000 or more for high-grade coins.
- Collecting Tip: This overdate error is one that any Mercury dime collector will want in their collection.
1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
This rare proof coin was made without an “S” mint mark by accident.
- Rarity: Only two specimens are known to exist.
- Recent Sale: One sold for $450,000 in 2019.
- Authentication: Proof coins are generally minted in San Francisco, so missing the “S” mint mark denotes an error.
1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Another rare mint error almost identical to the 1975 one.
- Estimated Survivors: Not more than 20 are reported in existence.
- Value: High-end examples sell for over $30,000 each.
- Authentication: Best verified upon careful scrutiny under magnification where a missing “S” mint mark is anticipated.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
Minted to celebrate the U.S.A.’s 200th birthday, this quarter depicts the colonial drummer.
Standard Circulation Strikes:
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Uncirculated Copper-Nickel Clad | $1 – $5 |
| Proof Copper-Nickel Clad | $5 – $15 |
Silver Varieties:
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Uncirculated 40% Silver | $15 – $50 |
| Proof 40% Silver | $20 – $100 |
Key Feature: The S Mint. On Silver versions you will find an “S” mintmark. The 1976 Double Die Reverse Bicentennial quarter is a famous error type that has doubling occurring on the design elements.
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Doubling appears on the drummers’ hands, drumsticks, and letterings.
Selling Price: Circulated specimens: $45 and above; extremely nice pieces: over $1,000.
1976-P Bicentennial Quarter Struck on Dime Planchet
A rare minting error where a quarter design was struck on a dime-sized planchet.
A circulating coin is one that would make at least $50,000 today.
- Identification: Noticeably small, possibly with visible design elements missing.
- Doubled Die Obverse 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter
- Double die error, showing double on each of the coin’s lettering.
Features: Look for doubling in script and date using some of the finest imaging possible.
Price Range: Depending on clarity of details, might value from less than $100 through several grand.
1976-S Silver Proof “No S” Bicentennial Quarter
One of the rarest Bicentennial quarter varieties on record.
Rareness: Fewer than 29 examples are recorded:
- Very Recent Sales: A PR-68 Deep Cameo specimen brought $32,500 in 2023.
- Top Feature: The proof quarter lacks an “S” mintmark—or so said the coins from San Francisco.
Many of these coins are, amongst the greatest rarities of the United States mintage. If you possess any old dimes or Bicentennial quarters, you should examine them closely; for what you might already hold in them could be a modest fortune!
FAQS:
What is the rarest dime in the U.S.?
Just nine known specimens of the 1894-S Barber Dime are considered rare.
What is the value of the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime?
The coin traded for a price of over $450,000 because of its rarity.
Is the Bicentennial quarter valuable?
It depends—most are common, but rare ones can be worth thousands.
What is a 1976 Bicentennial quarter on a dime planchet?
A mint error in which a quarter design was struck on a planchet designed for a dime.
How would I know that my dime is worth something?
You would need to look at the date, the mint mark, and any possible errors like overdates or missing mint marks.