When you think of rare coins, you might imagine dusty old pieces locked away in museums. But believe it or not, some of the rarest and most valuable dimes—and even a special quarter—could still be out there, possibly in someone’s pocket or an old coin jar.
In this article, we’ll take a look at five incredibly rare dimes and one special Bicentennial quarter, each worth up to $21 million, and why collectors are willing to pay a fortune for them.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime
This coin is a true legend among collectors. Only 24 of these dimes were made at the San Francisco Mint in 1894—no one’s exactly sure why, but it’s believed to be a special request by the Mint Superintendent.
Today, only nine are known to exist. In great condition, one can sell for over $2 million. Its mystery, rarity, and age make it one of the most famous dimes in American history.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime
This Mercury dime is rare because only 264,000 were made at the Denver Mint. That’s a small number for coins, especially from that era.
With its striking Winged Liberty design, this dime is highly sought after. Nice examples can sell for over $100,000, and top-quality ones can fetch more than $200,000.
3. 1873-CC No Arrows Seated Liberty Dime
This dime came from the Carson City Mint and was made in early 1873—before a weight change led to the rest being pulled and melted. That makes it extremely rare.
Only a handful still exist today, and collectors love it for its historical backstory. Well-preserved versions can sell for over $300,000.
4. 1797 Draped Bust Dime (16 Stars)
This dime is over 225 years old and features 16 stars, representing the number of states at the time. Early minting was rough back then, so well-kept coins from this era are hard to find.
A good-quality version of this coin can be worth $500,000 or more, and even worn ones are valuable just for their history.
5. 1975 No S Proof Dime
Most modern coins aren’t very valuable, but this 1975 dime is different. It was supposed to have an “S” mint mark for San Francisco, but a few were mistakenly made without it.
Only a few of these error coins exist, and they’ve sold for over $100,000 in top condition. It’s a modern mystery that fascinates collectors.
Bonus: 1976 Silver Bicentennial Quarter
Even though it’s not a dime, this special quarter deserves attention. It was made to celebrate America’s 200th birthday, featuring a colonial drummer on the back and a double date (1776–1976).
Most Bicentennial quarters are common, but the 40% silver versions made in San Francisco were only sold in collector sets—not used in regular circulation.
- Proof sets sell for ₹1,200–₹2,400
- High-grade uncirculated coins can go for ₹8,000–₹20,000 or more
- Exceptional pieces fetch even higher prices at auction
Authenticity Matters
If you ever find a coin that seems special, it’s important to get it checked by professionals. Trusted grading companies like PCGS or NGC can confirm if it’s real and how much it’s worth. Also, keep rare coins safe—use proper holders and avoid touching them with your fingers.
Should You Invest in Rare Coins?
Rare coins like these can be more than just collectibles—they can be valuable investments. Over time, truly rare and historical coins tend to increase in value. As more people around the world get into coin collecting, demand keeps rising.
Final Thoughts
Coins like the 1894-S Barber Dime or the 1975 No S Proof Dime prove that even something as small as a dime can be worth a life-changing amount of money. The next time you sort through spare change or open an old coin jar, take a closer look—you just might have a piece of history in your hand.