Did you know that some dimes are worth more than a house? While most dimes are only worth ten cents, a few rare ones have sold for over $1 million!
These valuable dimes are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity, historical significance, and unique errors. Some of these coins were minted in small numbers, while others have special features that make them incredibly valuable.
Let’s take a look at the 15 most valuable dimes ever minted and find out what makes them so special.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime – $1.9 Million
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest and most valuable coins ever made. Only 24 were minted, and today, only nine are known to exist.
This dime was struck at the San Francisco Mint and is a dream find for any collector. One of these rare dimes sold for over $1.9 million at an auction!
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime – $100,000+
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is a key date in the Mercury Dime series. With a mintage of only 264,000, it is one of the hardest dimes to find in good condition.
If you have a mint-condition 1916-D dime, it could be worth over $100,000!
3. 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime – $100,000+
Minted in Carson City, the 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime is extremely rare, with only 10,817 coins made.
Because so few were produced, this dime is a highly valuable collector’s item, selling for more than $100,000.
4. 1796 Draped Bust Dime – $150,000+
The 1796 Draped Bust Dime was one of the first dimes ever made in the U.S. Only 22,135 were minted, making it a historical treasure. A well-preserved version of this coin can fetch over $150,000!
5. 1804 Draped Bust Dime – $100,000+
With a mintage of just 8,265, the 1804 Draped Bust Dime is incredibly rare. This early American coin is highly prized, and collectors are willing to pay over $100,000 for one in excellent condition.
6. 1822 Capped Bust Dime – $50,000+
The 1822 Capped Bust Dime had a very low mintage of just 10,000, making it one of the scarcest dimes in history. In near-perfect condition, it can sell for over $50,000.
7. 1838-O Capped Bust Dime – $75,000+
The 1838-O Capped Bust Dime is important because it was the first dime minted in New Orleans.
With only 406,000 made, this dime is a key date for collectors, and a high-grade version can fetch $75,000 or more.
8. 1846-O Seated Liberty Dime – $50,000+
The 1846-O Seated Liberty Dime was minted in New Orleans, with a low mintage of only 31,300. Because so few were made, this dime is highly sought after and can sell for over $50,000 in top condition.
9. 1856-S Seated Liberty Dime – $40,000+
This San Francisco-minted dime had a mintage of just 70,000, making it a tough find for collectors. A well-preserved 1856-S Seated Liberty Dime has sold for more than $40,000 at auction.
10. 1860-O Seated Liberty Dime – $35,000+
The 1860-O Seated Liberty Dime is another rare coin from New Orleans. With a low mintage of 40,000, this dime is worth more than $35,000 in mint condition.
11. 1871-CC Seated Liberty Dime – $30,000+
The 1871-CC Seated Liberty Dime was minted in Carson City, with only 20,100 produced. Because so few were made, a top-quality version can sell for over $30,000.
12. 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime – $25,000+
Another rare Carson City dime, the 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime, had a tiny mintage of 12,400. In excellent condition, this dime is worth more than $25,000.
13. 1895-O Barber Dime – $20,000+
With only 440,000 minted, the 1895-O Barber Dime is rare, especially in high grades. Collectors will pay $20,000+ for a well-preserved one.
14. 1901-S Barber Dime – $15,000+
The 1901-S Barber Dime had a low mintage of 593,022, making it a scarce find. In mint condition, this dime can sell for over $15,000.
15. 1942/1 Mercury Dime – $10,000+
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is a famous overdate error, where the 1 was stamped over a 2 in the year. This mistake makes it very valuable, and collectors have paid over $10,000 for a high-grade version.
Why Are These Dimes So Valuable?
- Rarity – Many of these dimes had very small mintages.
- Historical Significance – Some of these dimes date back to the early U.S. Mint.
- Condition – Coins in near-perfect condition sell for the highest prices.
- Errors and Variations – Mistakes like overdates or rare designs increase a coin’s value.
Rare dimes are more than just old coins—they are pieces of history! Some are worth millions, while others continue to increase in value.
If you ever come across an old dime, take a second look—you might be holding a fortune in your hands!
