If you’re like most people, you probably have a collection of loose change sitting around—whether in a drawer, piggy bank, or jar.
But what if I told you that some of those dimes might be worth far more than their face value? That’s right! Some dimes in circulation today could be worth hundreds, even thousands of dollars, depending on their rarity, minting errors, and age.
In this article, we’ll take a look at five of the most valuable dimes you can find hiding in your spare change.
1. 1916 Mercury Dime
The 1916 Mercury Dime is one of the most famous and sought-after coins in U.S. numismatics. It features the winged Liberty head, which collectors adore. This coin is valuable because of its rarity and its place in U.S. history.
- Value: A 1916 Mercury Dime in good condition could be worth $1,000 or more.
- Key Features: Look for the winged Liberty head on the obverse and the fasces on the reverse. The design represents liberty and freedom during a time of transition in the U.S.
- Minting Facts: Produced in large quantities, but its rarity is driven by the demand for high-grade coins from this period.
- Condition: High-grade examples are particularly sought after by collectors and investors.
2. 1942/1 Mercury Dime (Overdate Error)
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is one of the most famous examples of a coin with a minting error. In this case, the U.S. Mint accidentally struck a 1942 Mercury Dime using a die that still bore the number “1” from the previous year, 1941. This overdate error creates a unique coin that is highly prized by collectors.
- Value: A well-preserved 1942/1 Mercury Dime can fetch up to $5,000 depending on its grade and condition.
- Key Features: The overdate is visible, with the “1” from 1941 showing slightly underneath the “2” of 1942.
- Rarity: Only a small number were made, making this coin extremely rare and valuable.
3. 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime
The 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime is a rare coin that was minted without the “S” mintmark, which indicates the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Only a few of these dimes were accidentally produced, making them incredibly valuable today.
- Value: A 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime in mint condition can easily be worth $10,000 or more, depending on its grade and provenance.
- Key Features: The missing mintmark is the key to identifying this rare coin.
- Rarity: Extremely rare due to the minting error, this coin is highly sought after by collectors.
4. 1964 Silver Roosevelt Dime (Full Bands)
Although most 1964 Roosevelt Dimes are common and worth just 10 cents, the “Full Bands” version of this coin is highly sought after by collectors. The “Full Bands” refers to the sharpness and completeness of the bands on the torch in the coin’s design.
- Value: If the bands are fully defined, the coin can be worth several hundred dollars, especially if it’s in high-grade condition.
- Key Features: The Full Bands feature on the reverse of the coin is a distinguishing factor.
- Rarity: Full Bands dimes are rarer and command higher prices than those without fully defined bands.
5. 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime
The 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime is another rare and valuable dime that was produced by mistake. The “P” mintmark, which indicates that a coin was struck in Philadelphia, was accidentally left off certain 1982 Roosevelt Dimes.
- Value: In excellent condition, the 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime can be worth up to $10,000 or more.
- Key Features: The absence of the “P” mintmark on the obverse is what makes this coin so valuable.
- Rarity: Extremely rare, and most examples are in circulated condition, making uncirculated specimens particularly valuable.
| Coin Name | Year | Value Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1916 Mercury Dime | 1916 | $1,000+ | Winged Liberty Head Design |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime (Error) | 1942 | Up to $5,000 | Overdate Error: “1” from 1941 visible |
| 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime | 1975 | $10,000+ | Missing “S” mintmark |
| 1964 Silver Roosevelt Dime | 1964 | $100 – $500+ | Full Bands on Reverse |
| 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime | 1982 | Up to $10,000 | Missing “P” mintmark |
While most dimes may seem like ordinary coins worth only 10 cents, there are a select few that are worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
The 1916 Mercury Dime, 1942/1 overdate error, 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime, 1964 Silver Roosevelt Dime with Full Bands, and 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime are just a few examples of rare and valuable dimes that you could potentially find in your spare change.
Always take the time to inspect your dimes for key features and minting errors—what seems like a simple coin might just be worth a fortune!
How can I identify a 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime?
Look for the missing “S” mintmark on the reverse side of the coin, which indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint but was minted without the usual mintmark.
What makes the 1942/1 Mercury Dime so valuable?
The coin features an overdate error, where the “1” from 1941 is still visible underneath the “2” in the year 1942, making it a rare and highly collectible coin.
Are all 1964 Roosevelt Dimes valuable?
No, only those with fully defined bands on the torch on the reverse side are considered rare and valuable. These are known as Full Bands dimes.
