Did you know that some dimes can be worth thousands, even millions of dollars? While dimes are typically worth just 10 cents, certain rare ones are highly valuable due to their condition, rarity, or historical significance. These valuable dimes are often found in mint condition or have unique features, such as minting errors. In this article, we will explore four of the most valuable dimes ever sold, and how they managed to fetch a combined total of $8.6 million at auction.
Why Are Some Dimes Worth So Much?
Not all dimes are created equal. Older dimes, especially those made before 1965, often contained silver, giving them intrinsic value. In addition, dimes with minting errors, small production quantities, or those that are in mint condition can be worth significantly more than their face value. For a coin to be considered in mint condition, it has to be preserved with minimal wear and tear, and it should be certified by a grading service, like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Both organizations use the Sheldon Scale, which rates coins from 1 to 70, with 60 or higher being mint state.
1. 1945 S Micro S Full Band Mercury Dime
This 1945 S Micro S Full Band Mercury Dime is unique because it has a tiny “S” mintmark on the reverse side of the coin, indicating it was minted in San Francisco. Even though many 1945 S dimes were produced, only a little over 1,200 have been graded in mint condition by NGC. Coins from this mint are also known for being poorly struck, making dimes with fully visible bands on the reverse especially rare. This specific dime sold at auction for $25,850 in 2019.
2. 1860 Liberty Seated Dime
The 1860 Liberty Seated Dime is a significant piece of history. In this year, the words “United States of America” were moved to the front of the coin, and the stars were removed. Philadelphia minted more than 600,000 dimes that year, so they are not particularly rare. However, a coin in mint condition, like the one sold at auction in 2006 for $27,600, is a rare find. Only a little over 100 dimes from this year have been certified in mint state.
3. 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime Proof
One of the rarest and most interesting dimes is the 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime Proof. This coin was mistakenly struck without the “S” mintmark, which identifies coins made at the San Francisco Mint. Only about 12 of these error dimes are known to exist, making them highly sought after by collectors. In 2015, one of these rare dimes sold at auction for $31,102.
4. 1856 S Seated Liberty Dime
The 1856 S Seated Liberty Dime holds a special place in U.S. Mint history. It was the first year that dimes were produced at the San Francisco Mint, and only 70,000 were made. Even lower-grade coins from this year are considered rare, but a dime in mint condition, like the one sold at auction in 2003 for $43,700, is exceptionally valuable. The “S” mintmark coins are worth significantly more than those minted in Philadelphia during the same year.
Table: Top 4 Most Valuable Dimes and Their Auction Prices
| Year | Dime Type | Auction Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1945 S | Micro S Full Band Mercury Dime | $25,850 |
| 1860 | Liberty Seated Dime | $27,600 |
| 1968 | No S Roosevelt Dime Proof | $31,102 |
| 1856 S | Seated Liberty Dime | $43,700 |
Conclusion
Some dimes are worth far more than their face value due to their silver content, rarity, and condition. These four dimes alone have sold for a combined total of $8.6 million at auction. By checking for rare features, mint marks, and getting your coins graded by a professional, you might find that your old dimes are worth more than you think!
FAQ’s
How do I know if my dime is valuable?
Look for dimes with rare minting errors, specific mint marks, or ones made before 1965, as these may contain silver.
Can I sell valuable dimes at a regular coin shop?
Yes, but it’s best to get your coin graded by a professional service first to determine its value before selling.
Are all old dimes valuable?
Not necessarily. The value of a dime depends on its condition, rarity, and if it has any unique features like minting errors.