Collecting cash has long been a exciting hobby, however did that some uncommon dimes and Bicentennial quarters are worth millions of bucks? Some unique rare cash have delivered superb sums at auctions, with their total fee exceeding $75 million! If you take place to have such a to your series, probabilities are you might be sitting on a fortune. Let’s explore the ten rare dimes and Bicentennial quarters that might make you wealthy.
1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is the “holy grail” of dimes. Only 24 were produced, and only a few remain today.
Key facts:
- Mint: San Francisco
- Surviving examples known: Approximately 9
- Estimated value: $2 million+
Legendary anecdote: One was supposedly spent on ice cream by a mint director’s daughter
If you do have one in your collection, you’re holding a life-altering fortune.
1916-D Mercury Dime
1916-D Mercury Dime – An extremely scarce first-year-of-issue coin that has only 264,000 coins struck in 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 minting mistake produced the 1942/1 Mercury Dime, with a weak “1” visible beneath 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 extremely rare modern dime was inadvertently 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
Like the 1975 one, this 1968 proof dime was accidentally made 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
Most 1976 bicentennial quarters are ordinary, but a few rare varieties and mistakes 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
The San Francisco Mint struck a unique 40% silver proof bicentennial quarter.
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
Doubled die error occurs when a design on a coin is mistakenly hit twice, with noticeable doubling appearing on letters or numbers.
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 takes place when a quarter design is accidentally stamped 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 tried by the U.S. Mint in the 1970s as cost-saving measures, but they did not enter 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)
How to Check If You Have a Rare Coin
Think you might have one of these valuable dimes or quarters? Here’s what to do:
- Examine the Mint Mark: Key dates include 1894-S, 1873-CC, and 1975 No-S.
- Look for Errors: Double dies, missing mint marks, or off-metal strikes can be worth thousands.
- Check the Weight: Some error coins were struck on the wrong metal planchets.
- Get It Appraised: Have it graded by PCGS or NGC to confirm authenticity and value.
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
Why is the 1975 No S Dime so treasured?
There are only two, so it is one of the most valuable modern U.S. coins.
What is the maximum precious dime?
The 1894-S Barber Dime, of which only 24 had been made, is the most treasured.
Are all 1976 Bicentennial Quarters worth something?
Most are not, but some rare errors and silver proofs are worth money.