In the world of coin collecting, certain dimes and Bicentennial coins hold immense historical and monetary value. These rare coins are not just collector’s items but also significant investments, with some fetching millions at auctions. Let’s look into the top 10 rare dimes and Bicentennial coins that are highly sought after in 2025.
Table of Contents
- 1 1894-S Barber Dime
- 2 1916-D Mercury Dime
- 3 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate
- 4 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
- 5 1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
- 6 1976 Bicentennial Quarter
- 7 1976 Double Die Reverse Bicentennial Quarter
- 8 1976 Bicentennial Quarter on a Dime Planchet
- 9 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Doubled Die Obverse
- 10 1976-S Silver Proof “No S” Bicentennial Quarter
- 11 FAQs
1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is often called the “Holy Grail” of dimes due to its extreme rarity.
- Minting History: Only 24 were minted at the San Francisco Mint. Today, only nine are known to exist.
- Current Value: Some specimens have sold for over $2 million.
- Identifying Features: It has an “S” mint mark and the classic Barber design.
According to legend, San Francisco Mint Superintendent John Daggett gave a few of these dimes to his daughter, who unknowingly spent one on ice cream, adding to its mystique.
1916-D Mercury Dime
This is the rarest Mercury dime and highly sought after by collectors.
- Mintage: Only 264,000 were produced at the Denver Mint.
- Value: Circulated pieces start at $10,000, while 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 was sold for $207,000 in 2022, showing how valuable this tiny coin can be.
1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate
This is a famous minting error that occurred during World War II.
- Error Details: A faint “1” is visible beneath the “2” in the date.
- Value: Ranges from $500 for worn pieces to $10,000+ for high-grade coins.
- Collecting Tip: This overdate error is a must-have for Mercury dime enthusiasts.
1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
This rare proof coin was mistakenly struck without the “S” mint mark.
- Rarity: Only two examples are known to exist.
- Recent Sale: One specimen sold for $450,000 in 2019.
- Authentication: Proof coins are typically struck in San Francisco, so a missing “S” mint mark indicates an error.
1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Another rare mint error similar to the 1975 version.
- Estimated Survivors: Fewer than 20 exist.
- Value: High-grade examples fetch over $30,000.
- Authentication Tip: Careful magnification is needed to verify the missing “S” mint mark.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
Issued to commemorate America’s 200th birthday, this quarter features a colonial drummer design.
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 Identifier: Look for the “S” mint mark on silver versions.
1976 Double Die Reverse Bicentennial Quarter
A popular error variety with doubling on the design elements.
- Error Details: Doubling is visible on the drummer’s hands, drumsticks, and lettering.
- Value Range: $45 for circulated examples, over $1,000 for high-grade pieces.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter on a Dime Planchet
A rare minting mistake where a quarter design was struck on a dime-sized planchet.
- Value: Can exceed $50,000.
- Identification: The coin is noticeably smaller, with parts of the design missing.
1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Doubled Die Obverse
This error features doubling in the coin’s lettering.
- Error Features: Look for doubling in “LIBERTY” and the date.
- Value Range: From $100 to several thousand dollars, depending on the clarity of the doubling.
1976-S Silver Proof “No S” Bicentennial Quarter
One of the rarest Bicentennial quarter varieties.
- Rarity: Fewer than 20 verified examples exist.
- Recent Sales: A PR-68 Deep Cameo specimen sold for $32,500 in 2023.
- Key Feature: This proof quarter is missing the “S” mint mark from San Francisco.
Some of these coins, especially the 1894-S Barber Dime and 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime, are among the rarest U.S. coins ever minted. If you have any old dimes or Bicentennial quarters, it’s worth checking them closely—you might be holding a small fortune in your pocket!
FAQs
What is the rarest U.S. dime?
The 1894-S Barber Dime, with only nine known examples, is the rarest.
How much is a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime worth?
One sold for over $450,000 due to its extreme rarity.
Are Bicentennial quarters valuable?
Most are common, but rare varieties can be worth thousands.
What is a 1976 Bicentennial quarter on a dime planchet?
A mint error where a quarter design was struck on a dime-sized planchet.
How do I know if my dime is valuable?
Check the date, mint mark, and any possible errors like overdates or missing marks.
