Loose change might seem insignificant, but tucked within your pocket, wallet, or piggy bank could be a dime worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars. While most dimes are only worth ten cents, certain rare specimens from the past have skyrocketed in value due to their scarcity, historical significance, and minting errors. Collectively, these 10 rare dimes are valued at over $321 million, and believe it or not, some may still be hiding in circulation.
Let’s dive into the most valuable dimes you should be on the lookout for and what makes each one so special.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime – Up to $2 Million Each
Arguably the holy grail of dimes, only 24 of these were minted in San Francisco in 1894, and fewer than 10 are known to exist today. One famously sold for nearly $2 million at auction, and another was reportedly spent on ice cream by a banker’s daughter.
Why it’s valuable: Extremely low mintage and an air of mystery around why it was produced in such a limited number.
2. 1796 Draped Bust Dime – Worth Up to $1.5 Million
The first dime ever minted by the United States, the 1796 Draped Bust dime has become a legend in numismatics. Only 22,135 were made, and surviving specimens in pristine condition are exceedingly rare.
Why it’s valuable: It represents the start of U.S. dime production and carries immense historical value.
3. 1822 Capped Bust Dime – Worth Over $1 Million
This early dime has one of the lowest mintages of its series, with only a handful known to exist in collectible condition.
Why it’s valuable: Its rarity and historical significance as an early U.S. coin.
4. 1871-CC Liberty Seated Dime – Worth $500,000+
Coins from the Carson City (CC) Mint are always popular with collectors. The 1871-CC dime is incredibly scarce, with only a few hundred survivors.
Why it’s valuable: Low mintage, Carson City origin, and collector demand.
5. 1916-D Mercury Dime – Worth Up to $250,000
The first year of the iconic Mercury dime, the 1916-D had a very limited mintage of just 264,000 coins. High-grade examples are sought after by serious collectors.
Why it’s valuable: First-year production and one of the key dates in the Mercury dime series.
6. 1804 Draped Bust Dime – Worth $250,000+
The 1804 Draped Bust dime is part of a highly collected series and is valued for both its age and scarcity. Few examples remain in mint state condition.
Why it’s valuable: Early U.S. coinage, limited surviving specimens.
7. 1873-CC No Arrows Dime – Worth $1.3 Million
Only one known example of this coin exists, making it essentially priceless among collectors. It was minted in Carson City without arrows beside the date.
Why it’s valuable: The only known specimen of its kind.
8. 1829 Curl Base “2” Dime – Worth Over $100,000
A subtle variation in the font of the number “2” in the date makes this coin incredibly rare. It’s a favorite among die variety specialists.
Why it’s valuable: Unique die variety and collector intrigue.
9. 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime – Worth $30,000+
This modern dime is a proof coin that was struck without a mintmark, something that should never have happened. Only a few have been found.
Why it’s valuable: Modern mint error and very limited mintage.
10. 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime – Worth $450,000+
An even more famous mint error than the 1968 version, the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is one of the rarest U.S. coins ever struck by mistake. Only two are known to exist, both discovered in proof sets.
Why it’s valuable: Extreme rarity, mint error status, and demand.
Could These Rare Dimes Still Be in Circulation?
It sounds improbable—but yes, some of these coins may still be out there.
While dimes from the 1800s are highly unlikely to be in change today, mint error coins like the 1968 No-S and 1975 No-S have been discovered in proof sets and estate sales, and many coins are still hiding in collections, old jars, and forgotten drawers.
Even Barber and Mercury dimes occasionally surface in circulation or coin rolls, especially from older hoards or banks that haven’t been fully sorted for rare pieces.
What to Look for
To identify potentially valuable dimes, here are a few quick tips:
- Check the date – especially look for 1894, 1916-D, 1873-CC, and 1975.
- Look for missing mint marks, especially on proof coins from San Francisco (should have an “S”).
- Examine condition – coins in mint state (no wear, clear luster) are worth far more.
- Use a magnifying glass to spot details like die variations or faint lettering.
- Compare your coins to online coin guides or reference catalogs like the Red Book.
Final Thoughts
The idea that over $321 million worth of rare dimes could still be in the hands of unsuspecting Americans might sound far-fetched, but it’s rooted in truth. History has proven that coin treasures often resurface in the most ordinary places: a coin roll, a thrift store, or your grandmother’s purse.
The next time you get change at a gas station or sort through a jar of coins, take a second look at the dimes. That humble ten-cent piece could be worth more than your car—or your house.
