Coin collecting isn’t just a fun hobby – it can also be a great way to make money. Some rare coins are worth a fortune, and if you happen to own one, you could be sitting on a goldmine.
Certain dimes and Bicentennial coins have gained legendary status among collectors due to their rarity and historical significance. In this article, we’ll look into three rare dimes that could make you a millionaire and discuss why Bicentennial coins are worth a closer look.
Barber dime
One of the most valuable dimes in U.S. history is the 1894-S Barber dime. This dime is incredibly rare, with only 24 ever minted—and today, only nine are known to exist.
Why was such a small number of these dimes made? The exact reason remains a mystery. Some experts believe they were minted to balance the San Francisco Mint’s books, while others think they were given as special gifts. One of the most famous stories about this coin involves the daughter of the San Francisco Mint Superintendent, who reportedly used one to buy ice cream.
The rarity and history of the 1894-S Barber dime make it extremely valuable. In recent auctions, it has sold for as much as 2 million dollars. If you ever come across one, you could become a millionaire overnight.
Mercury dime
Another rare and highly sought-after dime is the 1916-D Mercury dime. It holds a special place among collectors because it was one of the first Mercury dimes ever produced.
What makes this coin so rare? Only 264,000 were minted in Denver, making it the lowest-mintage Mercury dime in existence. The design features the Winged Liberty Head, often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury.
If you own a well-preserved 1916-D Mercury dime, you could be looking at a serious payday. Coins in excellent condition have sold for over 100,000 dollars, and one graded MS-67 by the PCGS even fetched 207,000 dollars at auction.
Roosevelt dime
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime proof is a modern rarity that has captivated collectors.
Most proof coins from the San Francisco Mint include an “S” mintmark, but a small number of 1975 proof dimes were mistakenly produced without it. To date, only two copies of the 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime proof have been observed, making it one of the rarest dimes in U.S. history.
When these coins first appeared, they were found in special proof sets. Since then, their value has skyrocketed. One of these dimes sold at auction for 350,000 dollars, proving that even modern coins can be worth a fortune if they have the right error.
Bicentennial coins
While dimes often steal the spotlight, Bicentennial coins from 1776–1976 also hold significant value.
During the U.S. Bicentennial celebration, the U.S. Mint produced special quarter, half dollar, and dollar coins featuring unique designs to commemorate 200 years of American independence.
Some of these coins, especially those made of 40 percent silver, are highly collectible. If you have an uncirculated or error version of a Bicentennial quarter, half dollar, or dollar, you could own a valuable piece of history.
| Coin | Mint Year | Rarity | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber dime | 1894 | Extremely rare (Only 9 Known) | Up to 2 million dollars |
| 1916-D Mercury dime | 1916 | Low mintage (264,000) | 100,000 – 207,000 dollars |
| 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime proof | 1975 | Only 2 known | Up to 350,000 dollars |
| Bicentennial quarter (40% silver) | 1776-1976 | Collectible | Up to 20,000 dollars |
| Bicentennial half dollar (40% silver) | 1776-1976 | Collectible | Up to 5,000 dollars |
| Bicentennial dollar (40% silver) | 1776-1976 | Collectible | Up to 10,000 dollars |
If you own any of these rare dimes or Bicentennial coins, it might be time to get them appraised. You never know—you could be sitting on a small fortune. Keep an eye out for these valuable coins, and happy collecting.
FAQs
What makes the 1894-S Barber dime so rare?
Only 24 were minted, and only 9 are known to exist today.
How much is a 1916-D Mercury dime worth?
A well-preserved one can sell for over 100,000 dollars.
Why is the 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime valuable?
It was mistakenly made without an ‘S’ mintmark, and only 2 exist.
Are Bicentennial coins valuable?
Some, especially silver versions, can be worth thousands.
Where can I sell rare coins?
You can sell them at auctions, online marketplaces, or coin dealers.
