Rare coins have always held a special allure for collectors, and among the most prized are rare dimes. With unique stories, historical significance, and incredible value, certain dimes have captured collectors’ imaginations and sparked bidding wars at auctions. Below, we explore six of the most coveted rare dimes ever produced by the United States Mint.
Draped Bust Dime 1804
The Draped Bust Dime, minted in 1804, is one of the earliest and rarest coins in the United States dime series. Known for its iconic portrait of Liberty, this coin is revered by collectors for its elegant design and low mintage.
Only a handful of these dimes were struck, making it an exceptional find today. The rarity of the 1804 Draped Bust Dime lies in its limited circulation and the high value it commands in pristine condition.
Liberty Seated Dime 1873-CC
The 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime stands out as one of the most desirable dimes for collectors due to its connection with the Carson City Mint. This dime has a unique history, as the Carson City Mint only operated for a limited period.
Known for its “closed 3” design, this particular coin experienced a low mintage, with fewer surviving pieces than anticipated. Owning an 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime is a true mark of prestige among numismatists.
Barber Dime 1894-S
The Barber Dime from 1894, minted in San Francisco, is among the rarest U.S. coins. With a mintage of only 24 dimes, this coin’s scarcity is due to a decision to strike a limited number at the end of the production year.
Today, only nine to twelve known 1894-S Barber Dimes are in existence, making it one of the most prized coins for serious collectors. Its rarity and historical intrigue add to its immense value.
Mercury Dime 1916-D
Collectors continue to enjoy the Mercury Dime series, but the 1916-D is particularly valued. Due to its limited production of only 264,000 coins, the first dime of the series struck in Denver is incredibly rare. The coin’s unique Winged Liberty Head design, which is frequently confused with Mercury, increases its allure.
Many collectors consider the 1916-D Mercury Dime the crown jewel of the Mercury Dime series due to its scarcity and unique artistry.
Roosevelt Dime 1949-S/S
The 1949-S/S Roosevelt Dime is one of the more modern rare dimes with an unusual minting error. The “S” mint mark, indicating its origin in San Francisco, was stamped twice, creating the distinct S/S marking.
Although not as old as some rare dimes, the 1949-S/S dime is popular among collectors who like error coins. This coin is harder to find in really good condition, which makes it a valuable and fascinating piece for any collection.
Proof Roosevelt Dime 1975-No-S
The 1975-No-Sproof Roosevelt Dime is a unique coin from the modern era that has gained considerable attention. This coin was mistakenly minted without the “S” mint mark, an error that caused an uproar among collectors.
The 1975-No-S is one of only two proof coins without the mint mark, making it a fascinating anomaly. Collectors consider this error coin one of the most interesting modern-day rarities, with high demand in the numismatic market.
| Coin Name | Year Minted | Mint Location | Special Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draped Bust Dime | 1804 | Philadelphia | Early US dime design | $150,000+ |
| Liberty Seated Dime | 1873-CC | Carson City | Limited mintage | $300,000+ |
| Barber Dime | 1894-S | San Francisco | Only 24 minted | $1.9 million |
| Mercury Dime | 1916-D | Denver | First of the series | $45,000+ |
| Roosevelt Dime | 1949-S/S | San Francisco | Double mint mark | $12,000+ |
| Proof Roosevelt Dime | 1975-No-S | San Francisco | Missing mint mark | $450,000+ |
Rare dimes are prized for their unique characteristics, limited availability, and stories of their minting errors or short production runs. Each coin represents a piece of history, capturing a moment in time when small changes created something extraordinary.
Whether you’re an avid collector or a numismatist, these dimes remain among the most sought-after treasures in U.S. coinage history.