Coins can be much more than spare change—they’re pieces of history with stories to tell. Some dimes stand out for their rarity, errors, or unique designs, making them coveted items for collectors.
Let’s dive into seven must-know dimes that have earned legendary status in the numismatic world.
1894-S Barber Dime: A Legendary Coin
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest and most famous U.S. coins. Only 24 were minted in San Francisco, reportedly as gifts for influential bankers, with a few given to the mint director’s daughter.
Today, just nine are known to exist. Their rarity and intriguing backstory make these dimes true treasures, with some selling for millions at auction.
1916-D Mercury Dime: A Collector’s Key
As the first year of the Mercury Dime series, the 1916-D Mercury Dime is a cornerstone for collectors. Only 264,000 were minted in Denver, making it the rarest regular-issue coin in the series.
Its design, featuring Liberty with a winged cap symbolizing freedom of thought, is iconic. High-grade examples are especially valuable, as most were heavily circulated.
1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime: A Minting Oddity
Proof coins are known for their precision and detail, but the 1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime breaks the mold.
This coin, missing the “S” mint mark for San Francisco, is an extraordinary error. Only a few thousand exist, making it a prized find for collectors who specialize in proof coins. Its combination of rarity and error status adds to its appeal.
1942/1 Mercury Dime: A Wartime Error
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime features a unique overdate error, where part of the “1” from 1941 is visible beneath the “2” in the date.
This error occurred at both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, making it a sought-after variety. Clear overdate examples in high grades are particularly valuable and showcase an interesting minting mistake from World War II.
1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime: The Ultimate Proof Error
One of the rarest dimes ever made, the 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime lacks the “S” mint mark. Only two examples are known to exist, making it a legendary coin among advanced collectors.
This proof error is one of the most desirable coins in numismatics, with auction prices reflecting its unmatched rarity.
1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime: An Old West Rarity
Minted in Carson City, the 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime is a piece of Old West history. Many were melted down due to the Coinage Act of 1873, leaving few surviving examples.
This coin comes in two varieties—one with arrows at the date and one without. The “arrows” version is rarer and highly prized. Its connection to the silver mining boom adds to its allure.
1919-D Full Bands Mercury Dime: A Quality Find
The 1919-D Full Bands Mercury Dime is rare for its condition. “Full Bands” means the horizontal bands on the fasces on the reverse are fully separated and sharply defined—a rarity for Denver Mint coins of this era.
These high-quality dimes fetch premium prices due to their superior strike and scarcity.
Why These Dimes Matter
Each of these rare dimes tells a unique story and connects collectors to significant moments in American history.
Whether they feature minting errors, low production numbers, or unique designs, these coins are cherished for their beauty and rarity.
Owning one of these dimes is like holding a piece of history in your hands, making any collection richer and more meaningful.
