In the world of numismatics, dimes may seem small, but some of them hold extraordinary value. These rare coins, often minted in limited quantities or due to minting errors, have become legendary among collectors. Today, we look into the top five rarest and most valuable dimes, collectively worth an astonishing $9.3 million.
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1894-S Barber
The 1894-S Barber Dime is the crown jewel of rare dimes. In 1894, the San Francisco Mint struck only 24 of these dimes, and today, only nine are known to exist.
One of the most fascinating stories surrounding this coin is that the San Francisco Mint superintendent allegedly gave three to his daughter, who spent one on ice cream. Whether true or not, this story adds to the coin’s mystique.
Featuring the classic Barber design, with Liberty’s head on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse, this dime’s value comes from its extreme rarity. In 2016, one specimen sold for nearly $2 million, making it the most valuable dime in existence.
1796 Draped Bust
The 1796 Draped Bust Dime is significant as the first-ever U.S. dime. Designed by Robert Scot, it features a portrait of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
What makes this coin particularly special is its small eagle reverse design, which was only used for two years before being replaced in 1798. The finest known example, graded MS-67 by PCGS, sold for $1.32 million in 2016. Experts believe its current value could exceed $1.8 million due to its historical importance and increasing demand.
1873-CC No Arrows
The 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime is a one-of-a-kind rarity. Minted at the Carson City Mint, this dime was supposed to be destroyed when the U.S. Mint slightly increased the weight of dimes that year.
New dies with arrows next to the date were created to indicate this change, but somehow, a single specimen without arrows survived.
This lone survivor last sold for $1.84 million in 2012. Today, with rising interest in rare coins, experts estimate its value at around $2.5 million. Its Liberty Seated design by Christian Gobrecht, featuring Liberty holding a pole and shield, makes it an artistic and historical treasure.
1975 No S Roosevelt
Not all rare dimes are from the 19th century. The 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime is a modern rarity, with only two known examples. This proof coin was mistakenly struck without the ‘S’ mint mark that signifies its San Francisco origin.
In 2019, one of these dimes sold for $456,000. Given the increasing interest in modern minting errors, its estimated value has now reached $500,000. This error is especially significant because proof coins are meant to be flawless specimens for collectors, making the existence of this mistake even more fascinating.
1822 Capped Bust
The 1822 Capped Bust Dime remains one of the greatest numismatic mysteries. No business strike versions of this coin are known to exist, and only three proof specimens have ever been confirmed.
The most recent sale of an 1822 Capped Bust Dime took place in 2016, where a Proof-66 graded example sold for $440,625. However, due to its extreme rarity, experts believe that if one were to appear on the market today, it could command a price of at least $2.5 million.
Designed by John Reich, the coin features Liberty in a cap on the obverse and an eagle with a shield on the reverse. Despite its elegant design, its true value lies in its extreme scarcity and the intrigue surrounding its origin.
These five dimes are not just currency; they are pieces of history, each with a unique story that has fueled their desirability among collectors. With rarity and demand driving their value, these coins continue to set records and capture the imagination of numismatists worldwide.
FAQs
Why is the 1894-S Barber Dime so valuable?
Only 24 were minted, and just 9 exist today, making it extremely rare.
How many 1975 No S Roosevelt Dimes exist?
Only two examples of this modern error coin are known to exist.
What makes the 1873-CC No Arrows Dime unique?
It is the only known example from a mintage that was supposed to be destroyed.
How much did the 1796 Draped Bust Dime sell for?
The finest known specimen sold for $1.32 million in 2016.
Are rare dimes still increasing in value?
Yes, due to their historical significance and growing collector demand.