Imagine having a dime in your pocket that’s worth more than its weight in solid gold! While most dimes are worth just 10 cents, a few rare ones have become incredibly valuable, far surpassing their face value. These dimes have become prized possessions for collectors due to minting errors, limited mintage, and historical significance. Let’s dive into three rare dimes that are more valuable than solid gold and could be hiding in your spare change!
1. The 1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is considered one of the holy grails of U.S. coin collecting. Only 24 were minted at the San Francisco Mint, and fewer remain in existence today. It’s estimated that only 9 or 10 of these coins are still in circulation. The rarity, combined with its historical significance, has driven the price of an 1894-S Barber Dime to astronomical heights. In 2016, one sold for a record $1.9 million at auction. With gold prices at approximately $2,000 per ounce, this dime is undoubtedly worth more than its weight in gold!
2. The 1968-S Doubled Die Obverse Dime
The 1968-S Doubled Die Obverse Dime is a minting error where the design was doubled, causing a misalignment of the engraving. This error was discovered after a number of dimes from the San Francisco Mint were released into circulation, making it a highly sought-after variety among collectors. The error is most noticeable on the wording “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”, where the lettering appears doubled. In perfect condition, a 1968-S Doubled Die Dime can be worth $500 to $1,000, depending on its grade—surpassing the price of gold!
3. The 1982 No-Mintmark Roosevelt Dime
Another rare find is the 1982 No-Mintmark Roosevelt Dime, which was struck at the Philadelphia Mint but released without the expected “P” mintmark. While most dimes minted in Philadelphia carry a “P” to identify their origin, this minting error left the dimes without any mintmark at all. Collectors have eagerly pursued these dimes because they are both rare and highly unusual. In good condition, they can fetch up to $1,000, which is significantly higher than the price of gold at the time of writing.
While dimes might not be the first thing you think of when considering precious metals, these rare coins have proven to be worth far more than solid gold. The 1894-S Barber Dime, 1968-S Doubled Die Obverse, and 1982 No-Mintmark Roosevelt Dime have become the holy grails for coin collectors, and their values continue to rise. So, the next time you receive some dimes in your change, take a moment to inspect them—you never know if you might be holding a small fortune in your hand!
FAQ’s:
1. What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime so valuable?
The extreme rarity of the coin (only 24 minted), combined with its historical significance, makes it one of the most valuable dimes ever.
2. How can I tell if I have a 1968-S Doubled Die Obverse Dime?
Look for doubled lettering on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The doubling effect will be clear, especially in high magnification.
3. What is the value of a 1982 No-Mintmark Roosevelt Dime?
Depending on its condition, the 1982 No-Mintmark Roosevelt Dime can be worth up to $1,000, making it significantly more valuable than a typical dime.
4. Where can I sell my rare dimes?
You can sell rare dimes at coin shops, auction houses, or online platforms such as eBay and Heritage Auctions.
5. Should I clean my rare dimes before selling them?
No, never clean your coins. Cleaning can reduce their value by damaging their surface. Always keep them in their original condition.
