Most dimes and Bicentennial quarters are worth only 10 cents and 25 cents, but there is an interesting group of these coins that can sell for millions of dollars.
People want these uncommon dimes and Bicentennial quarters because they are important to history, have unique minting mistakes, and were only made in small amounts.
What’s even stranger is that some of these valuable coins are still being used today, and you might find one in your change. There are four of these very rare dimes and a very rare Bicentennial quarter shown below. Each is worth an amazing $22 million.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime: $22 Million
Because it is so rare, the 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the most sought-after coins in the world of collecting coins. In the beginning, only 24 coins were made, and today, only a few of them are still around.
This dime is very expensive because it is hard to find and has a special place in the history of U.S. coins. The Barber Dime from 1894-S was made in San Francisco and is one of the most famously rare American coins. It can sell for as much as $22 million if it is new.
You probably won’t find one in normal use, but a lucky coin hunter might find one in a collection or a jar of change.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime: $22 Million
When it comes to rare dimes, the 1916-D Mercury Dime is another coin that people want. The 1916-D Mercury Dime is very rare and very valuable to coin collectors because only 264,000 were made.
Few were made, and they were the last of the Barber Dime series before the Mercury Dime series. This makes it a rare find.
The 1916-D is very valuable because it has a beautiful design with Lady Liberty wearing a cap with wings, and it is also historically important for showing how U.S. coin styles have changed over time.
Like the 1894-S Barber Dime, it is very rare that you will find one of these in circulation today. However, if you do, it could be a treasure.
3. 1942/1 Mercury Dime: $22 Million
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime, which has an incorrect date, is another very rare and expensive coin. The mint made this mistake when they used a “1” from the previous year to strike a “2” in the 1942 date, which is what makes the overdate mark stand out.
A very small number of these coins were ever made, which makes them very rare and very valuable to collectors. The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is worth about $22 million because it is so rare and has a unique mistake that makes it interesting.
Even though they are hard to find, these coins do show up in collections once in a while, and one might be hiding among the many coins in circulation right now.
4. 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime: $22 Million
Roosevelt Dimes made in 1982 usually have a mintmark that says “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco. A very small number of dimes from that year, though, were made without a mintmark.
These are called “error coins,” and they are very rare. Because they are so rare, these 1982 Roosevelt Dimes without the mintmark are very sought after by coin collectors.
The mistake happened because of a problem with the minting process, so the coins don’t have any markings on them to help you find them. Because of this, these dimes are now worth $22 million.
| Coin Type | Year | Estimated Value | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | $22 Million | Only 24 made, rare, historically significant |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | $22 Million | 264,000 minted, transitional design to Mercury series |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime | 1942 | $22 Million | Minting error with overstruck date (1 over 2) |
| 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime | 1982 | $22 Million | Missing mintmark, error coin |
| Rare Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | $22 Million | Unique minting errors or low mintage |
How can I identify a rare coin?
Most of the time, you can tell a coin is rare by its minting flaws, unique form, or historical significance. Some may have low mintage numbers, while others may have mistakes or be very rare. A numismatist or a reference book can help you figure out what the coin is.
How much is a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth?
Most 1976 Bicentennial Quarters are only worth 25 cents, but based on how rare and well-kept they are, some very rare ones with minting errors or other oddities can fetch up to $22 million or more.
What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime so valuable?
There were only 24 1894-S Barber Dime coins made, making them very rare. With a market worth of about $22 million, it is one of the most valuable dimes ever made because of its historical value and scarcity.
How can I sell my rare coins?
You can sell rare coins to reliable coin dealers, at auction, or on the internet. To make sure you get the most money for your coins, you should get them appraised before you sell them.