In the fascinating world of coin collecting, certain dimes and quarters stand out not just for their historical significance but also for their jaw-dropping value. Some of these rare coins have fetched millions at auction, turning pocket change into life-changing fortunes.
Here’s a look at ten of the rarest dimes and bicentennial quarters, with a combined estimated value of over $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 a 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+
Considered the “Holy Grail” of dimes, the 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest U.S. coins. Only 24 were minted, and today, fewer than ten are known to exist.
Why It’s Valuable
- Struck in San Francisco under mysterious circumstances
- Legend has it that a Mint official’s daughter spent one on ice cream
- The last auction sale reached over $2 million
1916-D Mercury Dime
Estimated Value: $100,000+
As the first-year issue of the Mercury dime series, the 1916-D is highly sought after.
Why It’s Valuable
- Only 264,000 were minted, the lowest mintage of the entire series
- High-grade specimens sell for over $100,000 at auction
1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate
Estimated Value: $50,000+
A famous minting error occurred in 1942 when old 1941 dies were mistakenly over-engraved with a “2” instead of being replaced.
Why It’s Valuable
- The overdate error is clearly visible on the coin
- Well-preserved examples can fetch $50,000 or more
1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Estimated Value: $450,000+
One of the rarest modern U.S. coins, this proof dime was mistakenly struck without the “S” mintmark for San Francisco.
Why It’s Valuable
- Only two examples are known to exist
- One sold for $456,000 in 2019
1968 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Estimated Value: $20,000+
Similar to the 1975 No S Dime, this coin was struck without the San Francisco mintmark.
Why It’s Valuable
- Only a few were produced
- High-grade examples sell for $20,000 or more
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
Estimated Value: Up to $10,000+
Most 1976 quarters aren’t worth much, but rare error versions can be extremely valuable.
Why It’s Valuable
- The coin commemorates America’s 200th birthday
- Certain errors and special editions are worth thousands
1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter
Estimated Value: $500+
Unlike regular quarters, this special edition was struck in 40% silver.
Why It’s Valuable
- Limited production from the San Francisco Mint
- Pristine examples can sell for several hundred dollars
1976 Bicentennial Quarter on a Dime Planchet
Estimated Value: $5,000+
A minting error resulted in a bicentennial quarter being struck on a smaller dime planchet.
Why It’s Valuable
- One of the rarest known mint errors for this coin
- When sold, these fetch thousands of dollars
1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Doubled Die Obverse
Estimated Value: $1,000+
A minting mishap caused the obverse (front) of the coin to be struck twice.
Why It’s Valuable
- Visible doubling on the date and lettering
- High-grade examples can sell for thousands
1976 Aluminum Bicentennial Quarter
Estimated Value: Millions (if found)
In the mid-1970s, the U.S. Mint experimented with aluminum quarters due to rising copper costs.
Why It’s Valuable
- Only a few prototypes were made, and none were officially released
- If a legal example were observed, it could be worth millions
Rare dimes and bicentennial quarters prove that sometimes, the smallest coins can carry the biggest value. Whether due to low mintages, errors, or historical significance, these coins remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
FAQs
How many 1894-S Barber Dimes exist?
Fewer than 10 are known to exist today.
Why is the 1975 No S Dime valuable?
Only two are known to exist, making it extremely rare.
What is the most expensive U.S. dime?
The 1894-S Barber Dime, which can sell for over $2 million.
Are 1976 Bicentennial Quarters valuable?
Most are common, but rare error versions can be worth thousands.
Can I find these rare coins in circulation?
Highly unlikely, but checking pocket change never hurts!
