10 Rare Dimes & Bicentennial Coins : Coin collecting isn’t just a hobby—it can also be a hidden jackpot. While most coins in your pocket are worth face value, a few rare dimes and Bicentennial coins are valued in the hundreds of thousands—even millions of dollars. These coins are highly prized by collectors due to their scarcity, minting errors, and unique historical significance.
If you’ve got an old coin jar or family collection, you may already be holding one of these treasures. Let’s look at the 10 rarest dimes and Bicentennial coins that could make you rich.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime
- Rarity: Only 9 known specimens today
- Estimated Value: $2,000,000+
One of the most legendary coins in U.S. history. Only 24 were struck at the San Francisco Mint, reportedly as gifts. Today, just nine are known to exist.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime
- Mintage: 264,000 (very low)
- Estimated Value: $200,000+
The first year of the Mercury dime design. Most circulated heavily, making high-grade examples extremely valuable.
3. 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
- Rarity: Only 2 known
- Estimated Value: $456,000
A proof dime mistakenly minted without the “S” mark. One example sold at auction for nearly half a million dollars.
4. 1942/1 Mercury Dime (Overdate)
- Error Type: Overdate (1941 die reused)
- Estimated Value: $500–$10,000+
The “1” from 1941 is visible beneath the “2” in 1942. Highly collectible as a classic error coin.
5. 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime
- Known Examples: 12–15
- Estimated Value: $10,000–$20,000
Another minting mistake where proof coins were struck without the San Francisco “S.”
6. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter
- Metal Content: 40% silver
- Estimated Value: Up to $19,200
Minted to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary, these silver proofs are especially valuable in pristine condition.
7. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Double Die Obverse
- Error: Doubling on date and motto
- Estimated Value: $100–$1,000+
Collectors love this striking error. Look for doubled letters or numbers on the coin’s face.
8. 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar No-S Proof
- Rarity: Extremely rare
- Estimated Value: $10,000–$20,000
A few Bicentennial half dollars were mistakenly minted without the “S.” If you spot one, it’s a major find.
9. 1976 Eisenhower Dollar Type 2
- Key Detail: Sharper, bolder lettering
- Estimated Value: $50–$1,000+
Less common than the Type 1, especially in high grades, making it a collector’s prize.
10. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter Struck on Dime Planchet
- Error: Quarter design on dime-sized coin
- Estimated Value: $5,000–$10,000+
A rare minting blunder where the quarter was struck on the wrong blank. Its odd size makes it instantly recognizable.
Quick Value Table
| Coin | Estimated Value | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | $2,000,000+ | Only 9 known |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | $200,000+ | Low mintage |
| 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime | $456,000 | 2 known |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime | $500–$10,000+ | Error coin |
| 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime | $10,000–$20,000 | 12–15 known |
| 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter | Up to $19,200 | Silver proof |
| 1976 Bicentennial Double Die Quarter | $100–$1,000+ | Error coin |
| 1976 Kennedy No-S Half Dollar | $10,000–$20,000 | Mint error |
| 1976 Eisenhower Dollar Type 2 | $50–$1,000+ | Variety |
| 1976-D Quarter on Dime Planchet | $5,000–$10,000+ | Rare error |
FAQs
Q1. How many 1894-S Barber dimes exist today?
Only 9 are confirmed to exist, making it one of the rarest U.S. coins.
Q2. Why is the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime so valuable?
It’s a mint error with only 2 known examples in the world.
Q3. Are Bicentennial quarters valuable?
Most are common, but silver proofs and rare errors can be worth thousands.
Q4. What is a double die coin?
It’s a coin with doubled letters or numbers, caused by a misaligned die during minting.
Q5. How do I know if I have a rare coin?
Check for mintmarks, dates, errors, and unusual designs. Getting it appraised by a coin expert is recommended.
Conclusion
From the legendary 1894-S Barber Dime to rare Bicentennial minting errors, these coins prove that history can hide in your pocket change. If you’ve got a box of old coins lying around, now’s the time to check—it could be worth thousands or even millions of dollars.
👉 Tip: Always handle coins carefully and consider professional grading before selling.
Happy treasure hunting!