6 Rare Dimes and a Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth $38 Million Each Still in Circulation

Collecting rare coins can be a fascinating hobby, but for some, it can also be incredibly lucrative. Among the most sought-after coins are six rare dimes and a particularly valuable Bicentennial Quarter, rumored to be worth a staggering $38 million each. These coins, still in circulation, offer collectors the thrill of potentially stumbling upon a fortune in their spare change. In this article, we’ll explore the details, history, and valuation of these rare gems.

Rare Dimes and a Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth $38 Million Each

1. 1894-S Barber Dime

• Year Minted: 1894
• Current Value: Up to $38 million
• Notable Feature: Only nine known to exist
  The 1894-S Barber Dime is perhaps the most famous of the rare dimes. Only 24 were originally minted in San Francisco, and today, just nine are known to survive. A famous story about this dime is that a child allegedly spent one of these rare coins on ice cream. Its value comes from its extreme rarity and unique history.

2. 1916-D Mercury Dime

• Year Minted: 1916
• Current Value: Up to millions
• Notable Feature: Low mintage in Denver (264,000 coins)
  The 1916-D Mercury Dime is one of the most desirable among collectors due to its low production run. Minted in Denver, this dime features the classic Liberty head design by Adolph Weinman, symbolizing freedom. Coins in mint condition are valued in the millions due to their rarity​.

3. 1804 Draped Bust Dime

• Year Minted: 1804
• Current Value: Millions
• Notable Feature: Early American coinage
  The 1804 Draped Bust Dime is a treasure for collectors because of its historical significance and low mintage. Many early U.S. coins were melted down or lost, making surviving examples rare and valuable. This dime represents a crucial period in American history when the nation was solidifying its monetary system.

4. 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime

• Year Minted: 1873
• Current Value: Millions
• Notable Feature: Carson City mint; associated with the Wild West
  Minted in Carson City, Nevada, the 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime is rare due to its limited production—only 12,400 were made. Many of these coins were later melted down, further reducing the number of surviving examples. Its connection to the silver rush and the Wild West makes it highly collectible.

5. 1822 Capped Bust Dime

• Year Minted: 1822
• Current Value: Millions
• Notable Feature: Very few surviving specimens
  The 1822 Capped Bust Dime is another standout coin due to its extreme rarity. Only a few hundred of these coins are known to exist, and many were heavily circulated, making high-grade examples very valuable. Its design features Liberty wearing a cap, and its historical significance makes it a prized item among collectors​.

6. 1829 Curl Base 2 Capped Bust Dime

• Year Minted: 1829
• Current Value: Millions
• Notable Feature: Distinctive “Curl Base 2” in the date
  This variety of the Capped Bust Dime is unique because of the curled base on the numeral “2” in the date. Only a few of these coins are known to exist, making them highly desirable among numismatists. In top condition, they can command substantial sums at auction​.

Rare Bicentennial Quarter

• Year Minted: 1976
• Current Value: Up to $38 million (rumored)
• Notable Feature: Struck in 90% silver; special commemorative design
  The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was minted to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence. While most Bicentennial Quarters are worth their face value, some rare varieties, particularly those struck in 90% silver, have attracted the attention of collectors. There are persistent rumors of a version worth $38 million, though these claims are speculative​.

Coin	Year Minted	Current Value	Notable Feature
1894-S Barber Dime	1894	Up to $38 million	Only 9 known; famous ice cream story
1916-D Mercury Dime	1916	Millions	Low mintage in Denver (264,000)
1804 Draped Bust Dime	1804	Millions	Early American coinage, rare
1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime	1873	Millions	Carson City mint, silver rush
1822 Capped Bust Dime	1822	Millions	Few surviving examples
1829 Curl Base 2 Capped Bust Dime	1829	Millions	Unique design, “Curl Base 2”
Rare Bicentennial Quarter	1976	Up to $38 million	Rumored rare version, struck in silver

Conclusion

These six rare dimes and the elusive Bicentennial Quarter are more than just coins; they are tangible pieces of history, each telling its own story. Whether it’s the child who spent an 1894-S Barber Dime on ice cream or the rumors of a $38 million Bicentennial Quarter, these coins capture the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts alike. While stumbling upon one of these coins might be rare, it’s the thrill of the hunt that keeps collectors engaged.

FAQs

References

• Floyd Crossroads Pub
• NPCC India
• Tanya Breen Celebrant​