Dimes are one of the most common coins in circulation, and many people often overlook them as they collect in their pockets or change jars. But did you know that certain rare dimes can be worth a small fortune? Among these, some can fetch up to $250,000, and they could be hiding in plain sight right under your nose. In this article, we’ll explore the dimes you should be on the lookout for, their rarity, and how to spot them before it’s too late.
1946 Roosevelt Dime – The “Full Bands” Coin
The Roosevelt Dime was introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt. While most of these dimes are worth face value, a small number of 1946 dimes were struck with “Full Bands” on the reverse design, which shows a bundle of arrows and olive branches. Coins with the Full Bands designation are considered much rarer and more desirable to collectors. These dimes can be worth up to $250,000 in mint condition.
How to Identify It:
Examine the reverse side of the coin where the bands are located. If the bands are fully struck with clear, well-defined lines without any wear, this is a prime candidate for a higher value.
The 1968 No Mintmark Dime
In 1968, the U.S. Mint made an error by striking a small number of dimes without a mintmark, which was a deviation from the standard production. These dimes are extremely rare and can be worth a fortune, especially if they are in excellent condition. The absence of a mintmark makes them stand out as collector’s items, often commanding up to $250,000 at auction.
How to Identify It:
Check the obverse side of the dime for the absence of the mintmark. You should see a smooth area below the date, with no “D” or “S” mintmark present.
1942 Mercury Dime – The Silver Variety
The Mercury Dime, produced from 1916 to 1945, is already a popular collector’s coin, but the 1942 variety is special. During 1942, the U.S. Mint produced both silver and non-silver versions of the dime, and collectors often seek out the silver-dated versions, as they are rarer and more valuable. If you have a 1942 Mercury Dime in good condition, it could be worth over $250,000.
How to Identify It:
The 1942 silver dimes have a distinguishable “S” or “D” mintmark, and they can be identified by their silver appearance, compared to the copper-nickel clad versions produced later.
The 1996-W Roosevelt Dime
The 1996-W Roosevelt Dime is a rare find. The U.S. Mint struck these dimes as part of a special set for collectors, but only 1.4 million were made, making it a highly sought-after coin. With only a small quantity in circulation, these dimes can fetch up to $250,000 in perfect condition, particularly in uncirculated or MS-67 grades.
How to Identify It:
Look for the “W” mintmark beneath the date, which stands for the West Point Mint where the coin was produced. This mintmark is crucial for identifying the rarity and value of the coin.
While the dimes mentioned above are incredibly rare, they do exist, and they could very well be hiding in your pocket change. Whether it’s a 1946 Full Bands Roosevelt Dime, a 1968 No Mintmark Dime, or a 1996-W Roosevelt Dime, these coins have the potential to be worth thousands of times their face value. So, take a close look at the dimes you have and see if you could have one of these treasures waiting to make you a fortune.
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if my 1946 Roosevelt Dime has Full Bands?
Examine the reverse side of the dime for the band detail. Full Bands dimes will have crisp, sharp lines with no wear across the bands.
2. What makes the 1968 No Mintmark Dime so valuable?
The absence of a mintmark on the 1968 dime makes it a rare error coin. This mistake has made it highly desirable among collectors, pushing its value up to $250,000.
3. How can I tell if my 1942 Mercury Dime is silver?
Silver dimes have a distinctive grayish-white sheen compared to the later copper-nickel versions. They also contain 90% silver.
4. Are 1996-W dimes easy to find?
The 1996-W dimes were only sold in proof sets, so they are not commonly found in circulation. If you do find one, it will likely be in excellent condition.
5. How can I sell my rare dimes?
You can sell rare dimes through reputable coin dealers, at coin auctions, or even on online platforms like eBay. Make sure to get the coin appraised and graded by a professional for the best value.
