Top 10 Most Valuable Dime Coins That Are Worth a Fortune

Dime coins, often dismissed as simple ten-cent pieces, have surprised collectors and investors alike with their incredible value. While “dime” might symbolize something inexpensive, certain dimes defy that notion by commanding jaw-dropping prices. What makes these coins so valuable? Let’s cut into the stories behind some of the most expensive dimes ever sold.

1860-O Seated Liberty Dime, MS67

This rare dime was minted in New Orleans, with only 40,000 produced. Today, only about 400 examples are thought to survive, making it a highly sought-after collectible.

• Value: Coins graded at 2 are worth $700, while mint state (MS67) specimens can reach $225,000. In August 2022, an MS67 example sold for $192,000.

1843-O Seated Liberty Dime, MS66

Minted in limited quantities, the 1843-O Seated Liberty dime is an example of rarity meeting demand. Only about 200 remain today, most in circulated condition.

• Value: Poor-condition coins start at $200. The sole MS66 example is valued at over $250,000.

1916-D Mercury Dime Full Band, MS67

The Mercury dimes from Denver in 1916 are prized for their rarity, with only 264,000 minted. Of these, around 600 survive, many with a “Full Band” designation due to the well-defined fasces on the reverse.

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• Value: Full Band examples graded MS67 can exceed $200,000.

1797 Draped Bust Dime, 16 Stars, MS66

The 1797 Draped Bust dimes with 16 stars around Liberty are some of the earliest U.S. coins. A single die was used, which wore down quickly, making mint-state examples exceptionally rare.

• Value: An MS66 example sold for $199,750 in 2015 and is now valued at $275,000.

1797 Draped Bust Dime, 13 Stars, MS65

Another variety from 1797 features only 13 stars, representing the original colonies. Only about 50 examples are known, with just five in mint condition.

• Value: An MS65 coin fetched $402,500 in 2006, and its value has likely increased since.

1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime, PR68

Proof dimes without the “S” mintmark are exceedingly rare, with only two known examples. These errors occurred when a business-strike die without a mintmark was polished for proof production.

• Value: One PR68 example sold for $456,000 in 2019.

1822 Capped Bust Dime, Proof, PR66+ Cameo

Capped Bust dimes from 1822 include proof coins struck for archival purposes. Only two cameo examples exist, prized for their frosted devices and mirrored fields.

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• Value: The highest-graded example is valued at $600,000, while an auctioned PR66 cameo sold for $440,625.

1796 Draped Bust Dime, MS66+

The first year of U.S. dime production yielded the 1796 Draped Bust dimes. Of the 22,000 originally minted, about 850 survive, with fewer than 100 in mint condition.

• Value: The record auction for an MS66+ coin was $372,000 in 2023, but an MS68 example is valued at $1.25 million.

1820 Capped Bust Dime, Proof, PR66

Though debated among numismatists, one PR66 Capped Bust dime has been certified. This proof coin is a unique piece of history despite its contested origin.

• Value: It sold for $156,000 in 2019.

1796 Draped Bust Dime, MS68

The finest-known example of the 1796 Draped Bust dime is a single MS68 coin, a true masterpiece of early American coinage.

• Value: Estimated at $1.25 million, it is one of the most valuable dimes in existence.

Dimes may be small, but their value in the world of numismatics is enormous. These rare coins tell stories of history, rarity, and craftsmanship, making them worth far more than their weight in silver. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious observer, these dimes prove that even the smallest coins can carry a fortune.

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