In the fascinating world of coin collecting, certain pieces stand out not just for their historical significance but also for their incredible value. Some rare dimes and bicentennial quarters have reached staggering prices at auctions, making them some of the most sought-after coins in numismatics.
Here, we look into ten extraordinary coins that collectively could be worth an estimated $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 Final Thoughts
- 12 FAQs
1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is considered one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins. With only 24 ever minted and just a few known to exist today, this coin is legendary among collectors.
Key Features
- Minted in San Francisco
- Only 24 produced
- Known surviving specimens: 9
According to numismatic lore, San Francisco Mint Superintendent John Daggett struck these dimes as gifts for banker friends, giving a few to his daughter, who reportedly spent one on ice cream. Today, an 1894-S Barber Dime in good condition can sell for over $2 million.
1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime, minted in Denver, is a key date in the Mercury dime series and is highly coveted by collectors.
Key Features
- First year of Mercury dime production
- Only 264,000 minted
- Highly sought after in uncirculated condition
Due to its low mintage, this coin is considered the most difficult Mercury dime to find. In top condition, these dimes can fetch more than $100,000 at auction.
1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate
During World War II, the Philadelphia Mint accidentally re-engraved 1941 dies to read 1942, creating an overdate error.
Key Features
- Overdate error with a visible “1” beneath the “2”
- Produced at the Philadelphia Mint
- Scarce in high grades
Well-preserved examples of this coin can sell for tens of thousands of dollars due to their rarity and unusual minting error.
1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
One of the rarest modern U.S. coins, the 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime was mistakenly struck without the San Francisco Mint’s “S” mark.
Key Features
- Proof coin missing the “S” mint mark
- Only two known specimens
- One sold for $456,000 in 2019
This is one of the rarest and most valuable modern coins, with only two confirmed examples in existence.
1968 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Like the 1975 version, the 1968 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime was struck without the “S” mint mark, making it highly collectible.
Key Features
- Proof coin missing the “S” mint mark
- Released in proof sets
- Scarce but more common than the 1975 version
These coins can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, depending on their condition.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
Most 1976 bicentennial quarters are only worth their face value, but some special versions and mint errors make them highly valuable.
The standard design features a colonial drummer by Jack L. Ahr, commemorating America’s 200th anniversary. However, rare variations can be worth a fortune.
1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter
The San Francisco Mint produced special silver proof versions of the bicentennial quarter.
Key Features
- 40% silver composition
- Brilliant proof finish
- More valuable in pristine condition
While not as rare as some of the dimes listed, high-grade examples can still sell for several hundred dollars.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter on a Dime Planchet
One of the rarest and most valuable bicentennial quarter errors is a coin struck on a dime planchet.
Key Features
- Quarter design on a smaller, thinner dime-sized coin
- Major mint error
- Extremely rare
These mistakes are highly sought after by collectors and can sell for thousands of dollars.
1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Doubled Die Obverse
Doubled die errors occur when a coin is struck with a die that received a double impression.
Key Features
- Noticeable doubling on the date and lettering
- Minted in Denver
- Scarce in high grades
Although not as valuable as some of the other coins on this list, these errors can still be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
1976 Aluminum Bicentennial Quarter
The U.S. Mint experimented with alternative metals like aluminum in the mid-1970s due to rising copper costs.
Key Features
- Struck as an experimental piece
- Never officially released
- Would be worth millions if legally owned
Though no official examples are known to exist in private hands, if a genuine 1976 aluminum quarter surfaced, it could be one of the most valuable coins ever observed.
Final Thoughts
These rare dimes and bicentennial quarters are much more than everyday coins. They are tiny time capsules that tell the story of American history, minting errors, and the passion of collectors.
From the legendary 1894-S Barber Dime to the elusive 1976 Aluminum Bicentennial Quarter, these coins represent some of the most fascinating and valuable finds in the numismatic world.
For collectors and investors, observing one of these coins could mean owning a piece of history worth millions.
FAQs
What is the most valuable dime ever sold?
The 1894-S Barber Dime, which has sold for over $2 million at auction.
Why is the 1916-D Mercury Dime valuable?
It had a low mintage of only 264,000, making it the key date in the series.
How many 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dimes exist?
Only two are known to exist, making it one of the rarest modern U.S. coins.
What is special about the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter?
While most are common, rare errors and silver versions can be worth thousands.
Is the 1976 Aluminum Bicentennial Quarter real?
It was an experimental coin, but none are known to exist in private collections.
