9 Rare Dimes: When it comes to American numismatics, dimes have provided some of the most valuable and desirable rarities. Yet these small little 10-center coins can sometimes fetch hundreds of thousands — even millions — of dollars.
The following is an exploration of nine extremely rare dimes that represent the summit of numismatic treasure hunting.
9 Rare Dimes: 1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber dime is the crown jewel of rare dimes, a numismatic legend brought to life. Struck in just 24 pieces and fewer than 10 are believed to exist today, this coin left the San Francisco Mint under mysterious circumstances.
San Francisco Mint Superintendent John Daggett reportedly had them struck in a small batch for an assay commission, though a different theory is they were struck to balance the mint’s accounting books.
The famous 1894-S “Ice Cream Dime” has an interesting backstory. According to numismatic lore, Daggett left three specimens for his daughter Hallie and told her to hang onto them until she was older.
One of the little girls, who didn’t know what it meant, spent one on ice cream, making a choice that later by today’s terms would be worth $1 million-value a treat. High quality specimens routinely realize $1-2 million when they emerge at auction.
1916-D Mercury Dime
9 Rare Dimes- The 1916-D Mercury dime is the key date in the popular Mercury dime series. Struck only at the Denver Mint, to the tune of 264,000 between the time minting began in 1864 and dies were redirected to quarter production.
This tiny mintage, a fraction of the millions struck at other mints, immediately made it a rarity.
Even well-worn examples of legitimate specimens command prices above $1,000 and mint state pieces routinely sell for more than $25,000.
More counterfeit versions exist than there are original examples, usually made through altering a Philadelphia coin with a “D” mintmark, so authentication is important for collectors.
1871-CC Seated Liberty Dime
The 1871-CC is a very low-mintage “CC” dime, with only 20,100 struck, and the first that can be acquired from the Carson City Mint.
Few survivors are known in any condition, and virtually none is available in mint state since these coins saw immediate and heavy circulation due to the nature of Nevada’s booming mining economy.
Less than 200 specimens are believed to exist across all grades, with even heavily worn examples commanding $5,000+.
Well-preserved specimens routinely sell for more than $50,000 at auction, while the finest known examples could approach $200,000.
1796 Draped Bust Dime
9 Rare Dimes- The 1796 Draped Bust is a special piece of history as the first dime for America. These early American coins bear no stars on the obverse and are part of America’s experiment with coinage production with a total of roughly 22,135 pieces produced across several varieties.
These early dimes were manufactured by hand on screw presses, producing inconsistent strikes and high die wear. Even in ghostly condition, these historical treasures go for $20,000+, while fine examples have been known to take $200,000+.
1874-CC Arrows Seated Liberty Dime
9 Rare Dimes- A nearby character to the Arrows Liberty Seated in 1874 was the Arrows dime – another Carson City rarity with a ranked 10,817 pieces minted.
Special arrows on either side of the date showed a minor decrease in silver purity for that year. These coins were immediately circulated in Nevada’s mining communities where they became heavily worn.
Fewer than 50 specimens are thought to exist today, most of which exhibit heavy wear. Well-circulated examples still draw $15,000+, and a recent auction noted a good-condition specimen selling for $270,000.
1798 Draped Bust Dime
1798 Draped Bust dime: This one-year type is an interesting variety in early American coinage from a scant 27,550 pieces produced. There are several varieties of the Philadelphia mint design, many of which are rare, including the…
There may be fewer than 300 survivors in all varieties and conditions. Prices generally begin at $5,000 for well-circulated items and can run past $100,000 for outstanding examples.
1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate
This well-known error happened when a 1942 numeral was impressed over a 1941 date on the die. This overdate comes in both Philadelphia (no mintmark) and Denver (“D” mintmark) examples, though the latter is much scarcer.
Even in circulated condition, the Philadelphia overdate commands $3,000+ and the Denver version routinely rolls for $10,000+ in the same grades. Mint state pieces of the Denver variety have gone for north of $80,000.
1822 Capped Bust Dime
Scarcity of 1822 Capped Bust Dimes Simply Due to Mintage and Heavy CirculationThe natural scarcity of 1822 Capped Bust Dimes.
The 1822 Capped Bust dime has become one of the rarest dates in the early dime series due to a low mintage of only 100,000 coins and the heavy circulation of coins during that time. There are fewer than 350 survivors of all grades.
Even in heavily worn condition, these dimes usually fetch $3,000+, and pristine specimens can break $30,000.
9 Rare Dimes: 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
While a modern rarity, this proof dime was struck without the “S” mintmark expected to be found on coins from the San Francisco Mint. Only two examples are known to exist, making it one of the rarest modern U.S. coins.
A specimen sold for over $450,000 when it was last offered at public auction, so even modern coins can be extraordinarily valuable, when they are sufficiently rare.
These nine dimes showcase the intriguing confluence of history, rarity, and numismatic significance—which proves that the smallest coins can bear the biggest price tags.