Dimes may be small in size, but certain rare examples are valuable enough to make a big impact. Over the years, certain dimes have become highly collectible, with values that can reach up to $12,500. Knowing what to look for in your everyday change can help you identify these hidden gems. This guide highlights key dimes that collectors prize and offers tips on spotting them before they slip away.
1916-D Mercury Dime
One of the most famous and sought-after dimes is the 1916-D Mercury Dime. Only 264,000 of these coins were minted, making it a rarity. In good condition, this dime is valued around $2,500, but in high grades, it can easily fetch $12,500. Look for the “D” mintmark on the reverse to confirm it’s from the Denver Mint.
1942/1 Overdate Mercury Dime
This unique error occurred when the 1941 and 1942 dates overlapped during minting, creating an “overdate” coin. This error is visible with a magnifying glass and shows the “1” beneath the “2” in the date. Collectors pay a premium for this dime, with prices reaching thousands of dollars for well-preserved examples.
1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof)
The 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime Proof is an example of a missing mintmark error from the San Francisco Mint. Typically, proof dimes should have an “S” mintmark, but a few from this year were missing it. These are very rare and can reach values up to $7,000.
1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime
The 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime is a unique example of a modern error coin with the missing “P” mintmark. This was the first time a coin without a mintmark was accidentally released by the Philadelphia Mint. Although not as valuable as older rare dimes, a high-grade specimen can fetch around $500 to $1,500.
Collecting rare dimes can be an exciting and profitable endeavor. From early 20th-century rarities like the 1916-D Mercury Dime to modern errors such as the 1982 No-P Roosevelt, there are many valuable coins that could be hiding in plain sight. Checking your dimes carefully may reveal treasures worth thousands of dollars, so don’t overlook your change—you could be holding a $12,500 find.
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if I have a 1916-D Mercury Dime?
Look at the reverse side of the coin, near the bottom left, for a small “D” mintmark. This indicates it was minted in Denver, making it highly valuable.
2. What does the 1942/1 Overdate look like?
The overdate shows the numeral “1” faintly visible beneath the “2” in the date on the obverse side. A magnifying glass can help you spot this.
3. How do I identify a 1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime?
If your 1968 proof dime lacks the “S” mintmark (indicating it was struck in San Francisco), you may have a rare and valuable coin.
4. Why is the 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime valuable?
It was the first dime from Philadelphia released without a mintmark by mistake, and it’s a unique and popular collector’s item today.
5. Where can I sell rare dimes?
Certified coin dealers and online auction sites like eBay or Heritage Auctions are good places to sell valuable coins. It’s recommended to get an appraisal first to determine the coin’s value
