While most dimes in your pocket change are worth face value, certain rare dimes can be worth six or even seven figures. At PennyVerse.info, we’ve compiled this expert guide to the most valuable dimes in U.S. history, including coins that have sold for over $2 million.
Top 5 Most Valuable Dimes
1. 1894-S Barber Dime
- Mintage: 24
- Known Survivors: 9
- Record Sale: $1.9 million (2016)
- Key Features:
- “S” mint mark below wreath
- Barber design by Charles E. Barber
- Extremely sharp strike
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime
- Mintage: 264,000
- Known Survivors: ~1,000
- Record Sale: $207,000 (2020)
- Key Features:
- “D” mint mark on reverse
- Full split bands on fasces
- Winged Liberty Head design
3. 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime
- Mintage: 10,817
- Known Survivors: ~100
- Record Sale: $115,000
- Key Features:
- “CC” mint mark
- Liberty seated with shield
- Carson City mint rarity
4. 1942/1 Mercury Dime
- Mintage: Unknown (overdate error)
- Known Survivors: ~50
- Record Sale: $156,000
- Key Features:
- Clear “2 over 1” date
- Full band designation adds premium
5. 1796 Draped Bust Dime
- Mintage: 22,135
- Known Survivors: ~1,000
- Record Sale: $138,000
- Key Features:
- Small eagle reverse
- 16 stars obverse
- First year of U.S. dime production
How to Identify Valuable Dimes
1. Check Key Dates
- Barber Dimes (1892-1916): 1894-S, 1895-O, 1901-S
- Mercury Dimes (1916-1945): 1916-D, 1921, 1921-D, 1942/1
- Roosevelt Dimes (1946-present): 1975 No-S Proof
2. Examine Mint Marks
- “CC” (Carson City): Always valuable
- “S” (San Francisco): Many key dates
- “D” (Denver): Low-mintage issues
3. Look for Errors
- Doubled dies
- Off-center strikes
- Repunched mint marks
Where to Find Rare Dimes
- Old Coin Rolls (ask banks for customer-wrapped rolls)
- Estate Sales (often overlooked in collections)
- Coin Shows (dealers specializing in silver coins)
- Inherited Collections (grandparents’ coin jars)
Current Market Trends
- Pre-1965 silver dimes rising with silver prices
- Registry set competition driving prices for condition rarities
- Error coins gaining popularity with new collectors
What to Do If You Find a Rare Dime
- Handle carefully by the edges
- Research comparable sales
- Get professional grading (PCGS/NGC)
- Insure before transport
- Consign to major auction house
