In the world of coin collecting, dimes and quarters don’t usually grab headlines. But every now and then, a small, ordinary-looking coin turns out to be a hidden treasure worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars.
From early minting errors to mysterious no-mint mark proofs, these rare coins have stunned collectors and made history in the numismatic community.
Here’s a look at 10 of the rarest dimes and bicentennial quarters, each with a unique story and jaw-dropping value.
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-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter
- 8 1976 Bicentennial Quarter on Dime Planchet
- 9 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter Doubled Die Obverse
- 10 1976 Aluminum Bicentennial Quarter (Pattern)
- 11 FAQs
1894-S Barber Dime
Estimated Value: $2 million+
This coin is the holy grail of dimes. Only 24 were ever minted, and just 9 are known to exist today.
- Minted in San Francisco
- Rumored to be made as gifts
- One was reportedly spent on ice cream
- Auction sales have exceeded $2 million
If one surfaced today in top condition, it could fetch up to $10 million, making it the most valuable dime in U.S. history.
1916-D Mercury Dime
Estimated Value: $100,000+
This was the first year of the Mercury dime series, and Denver produced only 264,000 of them.
- Low mintage
- Sharp details in high grades
- Key date for the series
In uncirculated condition, these dimes consistently sell for over $100,000.
1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate
Estimated Value: $30,000–$75,000
During World War II, a die from 1941 was overpunched with the 1942 date, resulting in a clear overdate visible to the naked eye.
- Minted in Philadelphia
- Error shows a “1” under the “2”
- Popular with error collectors
Clean specimens in top condition can reach values well into the tens of thousands.
1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Estimated Value: $450,000+
One of the rarest modern coins ever minted, this dime was supposed to carry the “S” mint mark for San Francisco, but it doesn’t.
- Only two known examples
- Proof coin mistakenly left blank
- Sold for $456,000 in 2019
If another were to appear, it could easily top $500,000.
1968 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Estimated Value: $20,000–$30,000
Another mint mark mishap, this time from 1968. These proof dimes were also made in San Francisco but left the “S” off by mistake.
- More common than the 1975 version
- Still extremely rare
- Highly collectible in proof sets
Top-graded coins have sold for over $30,000.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
Estimated Value: Face value to thousands
The average 1976 quarter is everywhere. But some have surprising value depending on metal content, condition, and mint errors.
- Features colonial drummer design
- Part of the bicentennial celebration
- Found in both clad and silver formats
Circulated versions aren’t worth much, but rare errors and proofs can command serious money.
1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter
Estimated Value: $100–$500
Struck in 40% silver by the San Francisco Mint, these were made for collectors.
- Brilliant proof finish
- Special packaging for bicentennial sets
- Still affordable but rising in value
Perfect examples can go for several hundred dollars today.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter on Dime Planchet
Estimated Value: $5,000–$15,000
This is a classic mint error—striking a quarter design onto a smaller dime-sized blank.
- Rare mint mistake
- Smaller and lighter than a normal quarter
- Extremely collectible
Only a few are known to exist, and each sells for thousands.
1976-D Bicentennial Quarter Doubled Die Obverse
Estimated Value: $500–$2,000
This error involves a doubling of the design elements on the obverse (front) of the coin.
- Doubling visible on the date and lettering
- Harder to find in circulation
- Value depends on clarity and condition
Collectors love these kinds of errors, and top grades can bring in solid returns.
1976 Aluminum Bicentennial Quarter (Pattern)
Estimated Value: Potentially $2 million+
This coin may be the rarest of them all—because it may not legally exist.
- Experimental aluminum version
- Meant to test cheaper metals
- Never officially released
If a genuine version surfaced and was legal to own, it could sell for millions.
FAQs
Why is the 1894-S Barber Dime so valuable?
Only 24 were made, with fewer than 10 known today.
What makes the 1975 No S Dime rare?
Only two exist without the San Francisco mint mark.
Are all 1976 quarters valuable?
No, only specific mint errors or silver proofs hold value.
What is a doubled die quarter?
A coin where the design is struck twice, creating visible doubling.
Is the aluminum bicentennial quarter real?
It exists as a pattern coin but is not confirmed in circulation.
