In the world of coin collecting, certain dimes and quarters stand out not just for their rarity but for their jaw-dropping value. Some of these tiny treasures are worth more than luxury cars—or even houses! Let’s look into 10 rare dimes and bicentennial quarters, with a total estimated worth of $75 million.
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 with Doubled Die Obverse
- 10 1976 Aluminum Bicentennial Quarter
- 11 FAQs
1894-S Barber Dime
Estimated value: $2 million+
The 1894-S Barber Dime is considered the “holy grail” of dimes. Only 24 were minted, and just a handful exist today.
Key facts:
- Mint: San Francisco
- Known survivors: About 9
- Famous story: One was allegedly spent on ice cream by a mint director’s daughter
If you happen to find one of these in your collection, you’re looking at a life-changing fortune.
1916-D Mercury Dime
Estimated value: $100,000+
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is a rare first-year issue, with only 264,000 struck at the Denver Mint.
Key facts:
- Mint: Denver
- Scarcity: The lowest mintage of the entire Mercury dime series
- Value: Prices can soar past $100,000 in pristine condition
1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate
Estimated value: $10,000+
A minting error during World War II created the 1942/1 Mercury Dime, with a faint “1” visible under the “2.”
Key facts:
- Mint: Philadelphia and Denver
- Cause: The 1941 die was mistakenly reused and altered
- Value: High-grade versions sell for tens of thousands
1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Estimated value: $456,000
This ultra-rare modern dime was accidentally struck without the “S” mint mark.
Key facts:
- Mint: San Francisco
- Known specimens: Only 2
- Auction record: One sold for $456,000 in 2019
1968 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Estimated value: $20,000+
Similar to the 1975 version, this 1968 proof dime was mistakenly produced without the “S” mint mark.
Key facts:
- Mint: San Francisco
- Value: Prices can reach into the tens of thousands for a pristine example
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
Estimated value: Varies (up to millions)
Most 1976 bicentennial quarters are common, but some rare varieties and errors are worth a fortune.
Key facts:
- Special design: Features a colonial drummer to celebrate America’s 200th birthday
- Mint locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco
1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter
Estimated value: $500+
The San Francisco Mint produced a special 40% silver proof version of the bicentennial quarter.
Key facts:
- Composition: 40% silver
- Collector appeal: Brilliant finish and low mintage
While not the rarest, high-grade specimens can fetch several hundred dollars.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter on Dime Planchet
Estimated value: $10,000+
This rare minting error occurs when a quarter design is mistakenly struck on a dime planchet.
Key facts:
- Rarity: Extremely rare mint error
- Value: Can sell for thousands of dollars at auction
1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Doubled Die Obverse
Estimated value: $1,000+
A doubled die error happens when a coin’s design is accidentally struck twice, causing visible doubling in letters or numbers.
Key facts:
- Visible doubling: On date and lettering
- Value: Can reach thousands in high grades
1976 Aluminum Bicentennial Quarter
Estimated value: Millions (if legally owned)
In the 1970s, the U.S. Mint experimented with aluminum quarters to cut costs. However, these never entered circulation.
Key facts:
- Composition: Aluminum
- Legal status: No known examples are available for collectors
- Speculated value: If one surfaced and was legal to own, it could be worth millions
These rare dimes and bicentennial quarters prove that pocket change can sometimes be worth a fortune. Whether it’s a mint error, an overdate, or a historical oddity, these coins have captured the fascination of collectors worldwide. Keep an eye on your loose change—you never know what hidden treasure you might find!
FAQs
What is the rarest dime?
The 1894-S Barber Dime, with only 24 minted, is the rarest.
Why is the 1975 No S Dime valuable?
Only two exist, making it one of the rarest modern U.S. coins.
Are all 1976 Bicentennial Quarters valuable?
Most are common, but rare errors and silver proofs can be valuable.
What makes a 1916-D Mercury Dime special?
It has the lowest mintage of the Mercury dime series, just 264,000.
How much is a 1942/1 Mercury Dime worth?
High-grade examples can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
