Despite their modest size, some rare examples of dimes can command high prices because of their historical value, scarcity, and minting faults.
You might want to look through your spare change for these uncommon and costly dimes, some of which are worth up to $50,000 or more if you’re a coin collector or just interested in rare coins. The six rarest dimes you should search for are listed below.
Rare Dimes That Could Be Worth Up to $50,000
1. 1802 Draped Bust Dime
There are very few known copies of the 1802 Draped Bust dime, making it one of the most precious early American coins. Because of its historical significance and limited mintage, this coin can sell for anywhere from $38,000 to $50,000, depending on its condition.
It is a highly sought-after collectible due to its design, which features an eagle on the reverse and Lady Liberty on the obverse. The highest prices are paid for mint-state coins that are in exceptional condition.
- Worth: $38,000– $50,000
- Important attributes: historical design, low mintage
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime
Only 264,000 of the 1916-D Mercury dime were minted, making it one of the most sought-after pieces among collectors. It was created at the Denver Mint and is a part of the 1916–1945 Mercury Dime series.
This dime can be worth up to $30,000 in fair condition, but in perfect, mint-state condition, they can sell for over $300,000 at auction.
- Value: Up to $30,000 (in pristine condition, possibly more)
- Important attributes: classic Mercury design, low mintage
3. 1874-CC Seated Liberty Dime
Produced at the Carson City Mint, just 10,817 coins of this dime were ever minted, making it extremely rare. The front of the 1874-CC Seated Liberty dime shows Liberty which is seating on a rock, while the back has a wreath encircling the denomination.
Depending on its condition, this dime may be worth between $20,000 and $50,000. The most precious coins are Mint State coins, which can fetch higher values.
- Value range: $20,000–$50,000
- Important attributes: uncommon Carson City Mint, low mintage
4. 1844 Seated Liberty Dime
Another rare jewel is the 1844 Seated Liberty dime, which collectors refer to as the “Little Orphan Annie” because it is so hard to find. Manufactured in Philadelphia without a mintmark, an exceptionally well-preserved dime may fetch as much as $50,000.
The coin’s reverse has a wreath enclosing the value, and its image depicts Liberty sitting on a rock, shield in hand, clutching a pole with a cap.
- Worth: A maximum of $50,000
- Important attributes: historical importance, uncommon Philadelphia minting
5. 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof)
The 1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt dime is an erroneous piece produced without the San Francisco mint’s “S” mintmark, normally applied to proof coins. Because there are so few examples of this defect, collectors value it greatly.
Although proof coins usually fetch several thousand dollars, a 1968 No-S proof dime can fetch as much as $15,000.
- Worth: Not less than $15,000.
- Important attributes: No “S” mintmark and mint mistake
6. 1942/1 Mercury Dime
Another highly sought-after Mercury dime is an overdated mistake coin, with the 2 from 1942 clearly visible beneath the 1 from 1941.
This coin has a value of several thousand dollars, and mint-state examples can fetch up to $50,000, depending on their condition. An oversight in reusing the die from the prior year led to this inaccuracy.
- Worth: A maximum of $50,000
- Important attributes: Include the overdate mistake and the well-liked Mercury dime series.
| Dime Name | Year | Mint Location | Error Type/Feature | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1802 Draped Bust Dime | 1802 | Philadelphia | Low mintage | $38,000 – $50,000 |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | Denver | Low mintage | Up to $30,000 |
| 1874-CC Seated Liberty Dime | 1874 | Carson City | Low mintage | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| 1844 Seated Liberty Dime | 1844 | Philadelphia | No mintmark | Up to $50,000 |
| 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof) | 1968 | San Francisco | No “S” mintmark | Up to $15,000 |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime | 1942 | Philadelphia | Overdate error | Up to $50,000 |
Collecting rare dimes can be an exciting and profitable hobby, especially because some coins can be worth thousands or even hundreds thousands or more.
Whether it’s the 1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt dime or the 1802 Draped Bust dime, every one of these rare dime coins provides an insight into American history and the deft artistry of the U.S. Mint. One of these rare gems can be worth a lot of money if you’re lucky enough to find one.
