Can the coins in your pocket be sold for lakhs? Know about these 3 rare and valuable dimes!
Have you ever looked carefully at the coins in your pocket and wondered if there is a rare coin hidden in them? Dimes (10 cent coins) are usually used in everyday transactions, but some special dimes are so rare that their price can reach thousands or millions of dollars. The specialty of these coins is their historical importance, limited production or a mistake at the mint.
In this article, we will learn about three extremely rare and valuable dimes, which may be hidden in your pocket or in your collection of old coins. 1916-D Mercury Dime, 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime, and 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime—these three coins are not only rare, but their price is also surprisingly high. Let’s know how to identify them and why collectors are willing to spend millions of dollars for these coins.
1. 1916-D Mercury Dime
This coin is one of the rarest and most sought-after dimes in the US. It was minted in 1916 by the Denver Mint, but its number was kept very low—only 264,000 coins were made. This is why this dime became very special and valuable to collectors.
What does this coin look like?
The obverse of the coin features Lady Liberty, wearing a winged hat. This design symbolizes “Freedom of Thought.” The reverse features a Fasces, which is a bundle of wooden rods and an axe attached to it. It symbolizes strength and unity, and the olive branch attached to it represents peace.
How to identify it?
If you find a 1916 Mercury dime, look carefully for the “D” mintmark on the back. This mark is on the back of the coin, to the left of the fascia.
How Much Could It Be Worth?
- Even old and worn coins can sell for thousands of dollars.
- If it’s in extremely well-preserved condition, it can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
2. 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
Typically, proof coins are made for collectors and have the mint mark on them. But in 1975, the San Francisco Mint made a big mistake—some coins didn’t have the “S” mintmark on them! This mistake made this coin one of the rarest coins in the US.
Why Is This Coin So Valuable?
This is a proof coin, meaning it was made specifically for collectors, but the mistake of not having a mintmark on it makes it even rarer.
- It is so rare that it exists in very limited numbers.
- In 2019, a 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime was auctioned for $456,000 (about Rs 4 crore)!
Where to find?
- This coin is only found in proof sets of 1975.
- If you have a collection of old proof coins, check them carefully.
- If the “S” mintmark is missing on the coin, you could be worth millions of dollars!
3. 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime
This coin is similar to the 1975 No-S dime, but it is found in proof sets of 1968. It was also made due to a mint mistake where the “S” mintmark was not put on the coins. Although it is slightly less rare than the 1975 dime, it is still in great demand among collectors.
How Much Could It Be Worth?
- It can fetch up to $20,000 (roughly Rs. 17 lakhs) in good condition.
- If the coin is in better condition and grade, the price could be even higher.
Where to Find?
- This coin is only found in 1968 proof sets.
- If you have a collection of old proof coins, check them carefully—because this mistake could fetch you lakhs of rupees!
Conclusion: Could You Have a Rare Dime?
Sometimes even a small mistake can lead to a big price! The value of these rare dimes lies not just in their metal, but in their history, rarity, and the uniqueness created by the mistake.
If you have an old coin collection or have found a unique dime, check it carefully. It is possible that you own a coin that could be worth thousands or even millions of dollars.
FAQs
How are rare dimes priced?
The value of these coins depends on their rarity, condition, and the demand they receive at auction. Rare coins in good condition can sell for millions.
How do I verify if I have a rare dime?
If you find a dime that looks rare, have it examined by a numismatist or a certified coin grading service (such as PCGS or NGC).
Where can rare dimes be sold?
To sell your rare dime you should approach auction houses and coin dealers and also consider eBay or Heritage Auctions as online sales destinations.
Can rare dimes still be found in everyday currency?
Yes! Rare coins turns out during loose change examinations and previous coin collection and proof set evaluations. All old dimes require close examination because their value could consist of rare coins.