Finding a tiny coin buried in your pocket worth thousands or even millions of dollars that seems like a dream comes true for lucky collectors. Discoveries like these happen with some rare dimes and Bicentennial coins that are still found circulating today. There are indeed some sharp-eyed individuals who know that they really should keep an eye out for these coins.
Although most coins tend to be worth nothing more than their face values, some of them indeed can be worth huge amounts because of minting errors, association with important historical events in the past, or limited number produced. Knowing how to spot these rare coins is what this guide goes further into, such as their distinct features and dollars value.
Million Rare Dimes
| Coin | Key Features | Rarity | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | Winged Liberty Head, “D” mintmark on reverse | 264,000 minted | Up to $100,000 |
| 1968 No-S Proof Dime | No “S” mintmark | Rare minting error | Over $25,000 |
| 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime | No “S” mintmark | Only 2 known examples | $456,000 |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Error Variants) | Drummer Boy reverse, errors like doubled dies | Select errors only | Up to $80,000 |
| 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime | No “P” mintmark | First year of “P” usage | Up to $200 |
Rare dime and Bicentennial quarter hunting is an exhilarating and rewarding hobby. Mostly being in circulation, coins hold their face value unless error coins or rare mintages create a premium worth to others. If you have found any coin fitting either of the descriptions above, consider having it appraised—it could very well turn out to be priceless!
Million Rare Dimes: 1916-D Mercury Dime
Why It Is Valuable:
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is one of the rarest dimes, with only 264,000 coins minted in Denver. The “D” mintmark is on the coin’s reverse side, to the left of the fasces. If the coin has the “Full Bands” feature (that is, the horizontal lines on the fasces are sharply defined), then its value increases greatly.
Estimated Value:
In Worn Condition: $1,000 – $5,000
Mint Condition: $50,000 – $100,000
2Million Rare Dimes: 1968 No-S Proof Dime
How it Became Valuable:
Most of the proof coins from the San Francisco Mint carry the ‘S’ mintmark. But some 1968 dimes were minted without one by accident.
Errors like this are especially rare since proof coins are struck for collectors only.
Estimated Value:
High-grade examples have sold for more than $25,000 at auction.
Million Rare Dimes: 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Why is it so valuable?
This is one of the rarest dimes ever to exist, with only two known! It was mistakenly minted as a proof dime with no “S” mintmark.
Estimated Value:
One sold at auction for $456,000.
Rare Dimes in Millions: 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Error Variants)
If you want to start searching for rare dimes and quarters, follow these steps:
- Check Mintmarks – Look closely for missing or misplaced mintmarks.
- Examine for Errors – Doubled dies, off-center strikes, and weak strikes increase value.
- Assess Condition – The less wear, the higher the value.
- Consult Experts – If you think you’ve found a rare coin, get it graded by a professional numismatist.
- Use a Magnifying Glass – Many valuable features are too small to notice with the naked eye.
FAQS:
Where can I sell a valuable coin?
There are a lot of reliable auction houses, coin dealers, or online marketplaces like Heritage Auctions, eBay, or PCGS where you can sell your rare coins.
How do I get a coin authenticated?
Submit it to a professional grading service, such as PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
How to store valuable coins?
Mint error coins, as well as low mintage and historical significance ones, can also be worth something in the future.