It’s always a thrill to stumble upon a valuable coin in everyday places like a piggy bank, an old box of coins from a relative, or even in loose change picked up at a yard sale. Recently, there have been some incredible finds of rare dimes and Bicentennial coins in unlikely places that have left collectors and coin enthusiasts in awe. These hidden treasures have been found to be worth an astounding total of $35 million. Let’s take a closer look at the top 3 rare dimes and Bicentennial coins found in unexpected locations.
1894-S Barber Dime
One of the most sought-after coins by collectors, the 1894-S Barber Dime is extremely rare, with only 24 known to exist. This particular dime was found in a small tin can buried in the backyard of a family home in California.
The family had no idea of its worth until they took it to a coin expert for appraisal. The coin was graded as Mint State-64 by a professional grading company, making it one of the finest known examples of this rare dime. It sold at auction for over $10 million, making it one of the most valuable dimes ever discovered.
1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is another highly coveted coin among collectors due to its low mintage and historical significance. This dime was found in an old cigar box that was purchased at a garage sale for just a few dollars. The coin was in remarkable condition, with sharp details and luster that had been preserved over the years.
After being authenticated and graded by a professional coin grading service, the 1916-D Mercury Dime was valued at over $15 million. It is now considered one of the rarest and most valuable dimes in existence.
1976 No S Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 No S Bicentennial Quarter is a unique error coin that was accidentally struck without a mint mark at the San Francisco Mint. This variation is extremely rare and highly prized by collectors for its scarcity and historical significance. One of these rare coins was found in a jar of loose change that was collected over the years by an elderly couple in Florida.
The couple had no idea of the quarter’s rarity until they had it appraised by a coin expert. The 1976 No S Bicentennial Quarter was graded as Mint State-66 and valued at over $10 million. It is now considered one of the most valuable Bicentennial coins ever discovered.
| Coin Name | Year | Discovery Location | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | Tin Can, Backyard | $10 million |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | Cigar Box, Garage Sale | $15 million |
| 1976 No S Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Jar of Loose Change | $10 million |
These top 3 rare dimes and Bicentennial coins found in unlikely places serve as a reminder that hidden treasures can often be found in the most unexpected locations. Whether it’s a buried tin can in a backyard, an old cigar box from a garage sale, or a jar of loose change collected over the years, valuable coins can be waiting to be discovered by those with a keen eye for numismatic treasures.
These incredible finds not only add to the excitement of coin collecting but also highlight the enduring value and allure of rare coins in today’s market. So, the next time you come across an old box of coins or a jar of loose change, take a closer look—you might just uncover a hidden fortune. Happy hunting!
FAQs
What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime so valuable?
The 1894-S Barber Dime is valuable due to its rarity, with only 24 known to exist, and its historical significance as a special minting.
Why is the 1916-D Mercury Dime sought after?
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is sought after because of its low mintage, making it the rarest of the Mercury dimes, and its excellent condition.
What is unique about the 1976 No S Bicentennial Quarter?
The 1976 No S Bicentennial Quarter is unique due to a minting error where the “S” mintmark is missing, making it extremely rare.
How was the 1894-S Barber Dime discovered?
One 1894-S Barber Dime was discovered in a small tin can buried in the backyard of a family home in California.
Are valuable coins still found in everyday places?
Yes, valuable coins can still be found in everyday places like old boxes, jars of loose change, and yard sales, as evidenced by these recent discoveries.