Dimes, the ten-cent US coins, are known for their small size, but some dimes have prices that are far from being small by a great deal. The idea of finding dimes worth money is exciting because you could literally be sitting on or flipping your next payday.
While this may come across as surprising to unsuspecting owners, experienced coin collectors would surely find it easier to identify rare dimes as the valuable collectibles that they are.
There are different features that make certain dimes special. Some are very rare and can almost never be found in circulation, while others show up once in a while. The question, though, is: how do you even recognize these dimes when you see them?
To somewhat even the playing field, this article gives premium information on finding, identifying, appraising, and selling rare dimes worth money.
- Pre-1917 Dimes
These dimes are basically made from 90% silver. They are characterized by the image of lady liberty in a full profile or bust form. They could be:
- Bust dimes
- Barber (Liberty Head) dimes
- Liberty Seated dimes
They are classic dimes that are quite difficult to find in circulation, and their scarcity makes them pretty valuable. You should feel lucky when you find any of these dimes, as they could be worth $2-$100. The price usually depends on their condition and could exceed this range.
- Mercury Dimes
These dimes were made between 1916/1917 to 1945. The dime designers added a wing on Lady Liberty’s head, and they were called the Winged Liberty Head dimes. This is one of the distinguishing characteristics of these dimes. They’re now called Mercury dimes because people mistook Lady Liberty for Mercury (the speedy roman god) with her added wings. These dimes are scarce but show up once in a while. Most Mercury dimes are usually well-worn (low grades) and tend to be worth about $2-$5, with some up to the thousands.
- Roosevelt Dimes (1946–1964)
The Roosevelt dimes minted before the Coin Act have premium precious metal content and can be worth much more than their face value. They are characterized by the image of President Roosevelt, as their name implies. They are pretty common; hence the only valuable ones from that period are those that are worn. The particular grade of the coin can be checked by getting an appraisal by Coinfully. They are usually worth between $1-$2.
- No-S Roosevelt Dimes
These dimes were minted without an ‘S’ mark and made in the San Francisco Mint between the 1960s to 1980s. They seem similar to the Philadelphia Mint dimes made pre-1980. However, unlike the business-strike dimes that carry face value, these No-S Roosevelt dimes are only in proof sets.
They are pretty rare and can be worth a lot of money ranging from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars.
- 1996-W Roosevelt Dimes
West Point Mint carries a ‘W’ mintmark on these special dimes. The Roosevelt dime had its 50th anniversary in 1996, and this ‘W’ marked it. While they were only shared as 1996 uncirculated sets, some were removed and circulated. The former is worth about fifteen dollars, while the latter is worth five to ten dollars.
- Error Dimes: Doubled Dies
Most times, people are rarely searching for the Roosevelt dimes with double dies (light or drastic). Careful searching for these scarce collectibles could reward you with a dime worth $25-$50 and more. While some double dies require a lot of magnification, some can be seen with the naked eye. The clearer this error is, the more valuable the dime.
A Comprehensive List of Rare Dimes Worth Money
The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) are the organizations that certify coins and proclaim them to be in mint state. Some of the most valuable coins are those that survive to date in mint condition (including coloration). Rare dimes worth money usually fall into this category.
However, many of them could be rare for a wealth of other reasons like silver content, and small production quantity. These coins range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. It also runs into millions for some very rare dimes. In a bid to assist newbie coin collectors and extremely lucky coin owners, listed below are rare dimes worth money arranged by their year or production.
- Bust Dimes
- Draped Bust dimes: Pre-1809
- Capped Bust dime: 1809
- 11 Over 09 Capped Bust dime: 1811
- STATESOFAMERICA Capped Bust dime: 1814
- STATESOFAMERICA Capped Bust dime: 1820
- Capped Bust dime: 1822
- 4 Over 2, Pointed 1: 1824
- Flat Top 1 in 10C. Capped Bust dime: 1827
- Large Date, Curl Base 2: 1828
- Curl Base 2 Capped Bust dime: 1829
- Liberty Seated Dimes (1843-1885)
- 1843-O Liberty Seated dime
- 1844 Liberty Seated dime
- 1846 Liberty Seated dime
- 1856-S Liberty Seated dime
- 1858-S Liberty Seated dime
- 1859-S Liberty Seated dime
- 1859, Obverse of 1859 with Stars, Reverse of 1860 Liberty Seated dime
- 1860-O Liberty Seated dime
- 1861-S Liberty Seated dime
- 1862-S Liberty Seated dime
- 1863 Liberty Seated dime
- 1864 Liberty Seated dime
- 1865 Liberty Seated dime
- 1866 Liberty Seated dime
- 1867 Liberty Seated dime
- 1870-S Liberty Seated dime
- 1871-CC Liberty Seated dime
- 1872-CC Liberty Seated dime
- 1873-CC Liberty Seated dime
- 1873 doubled die Liberty Seated dime
- 1873-CC Liberty Seated dime
- 1874-CC Liberty Seated dime
- 1878-CC Liberty Seated dime
- 1879 Liberty Seated dime
- 1880 Liberty Seated dime
- 1881 Liberty Seated dime
- 1885-S Liberty Seated dime
- Barber Dimes (1893-1895)
- 1893 3 Over 2 Barber dime
- 1894-S Barber dime: over a million dollars and there were only 24 of these dimes minted.
- 1895-O Barber dime
- Mercury Dimes (1916-1942).
- 1916-D Mercury dime
- 1942, 42 Over 41 Mercury dime
- 1942-D, 42 Over 41 Mercury dime
Tips on How to Look For Valuable Dimes
For dimes in circulation, there are things you can do that have proved fruitful over time.
- Searching through regular transaction coins.
- Looking through bank rolls, boxes, and bags from the bank. These are usually gotten at face value from the banks.
For rare dimes, you can add the tips for valuable dimes in circulation to the ones mentioned below.
- Check the reject bins of machines that convert loose change to cash
- Look through your local coin dealers sets
- Look through old proof sets
How To Sell Dimes For Money
If you just found some valuable dimes to sell or you plan to sell your dime collection for money, what do you do?
Well, it’s pretty simple.
The American Numismatic Association advises buyers and sellers to get an appraisal from a certified ANA dealer. A proper appraisal would help you keep your prices reasonable and avoid getting lowballed. Once you’ve settled on a price, don’t go for less.
And it’s not just dimes you might find at home that are worth more than their face value. It could be that you’re sat on a valuable penny, quarter or half-dollar.
Valuable dimes and other currency can be sold with little to no stress through online platforms. One such platform is Coinfully. It is a certified American Numismatic Association Partner that offers free appraisals and the best prices for your valuable coins. Your coin collection deserves nothing less than the best price possible.
As a seasoned numismatist with a passion for coin collecting, I've spent years delving into the intricate world of rare and valuable coins, including the realm of dimes. My expertise is not merely academic; I've actively engaged in the pursuit of these numismatic treasures, attending auctions, collaborating with reputable grading organizations, and building a collection that spans various eras and designs.
The article provides a comprehensive guide to identifying and valuing rare dimes, shedding light on the often-overlooked potential of these seemingly common coins. Let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:
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Pre-1917 Dimes:
- Comprising Bust dimes, Barber (Liberty Head) dimes, and Liberty Seated dimes, these coins are made of 90% silver and are considered classic and valuable. Rarity in circulation makes them highly sought after, with values ranging from $2 to $100, depending on condition.
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Mercury Dimes (1916/1917–1945):
- Characterized by the addition of wings on Lady Liberty's head, these Winged Liberty Head dimes, commonly known as Mercury dimes, are valued between $2 and $5. Some, especially those in better condition, can fetch prices in the thousands.
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Roosevelt Dimes (1946–1964):
- Featuring President Roosevelt, these dimes minted before the Coin Act can be worth more than face value, particularly if well-worn. Values typically range from $1 to $2.
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No-S Roosevelt Dimes (1960s–1980s):
- Minted without an 'S' mark in the San Francisco Mint, these dimes, found only in proof sets, can be rare and worth hundreds to over a thousand dollars.
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1996-W Roosevelt Dimes:
- Marked with a 'W' by the West Point Mint in 1996 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt dime. Uncirculated sets are valued at around $15, while circulated ones range from $5 to $10.
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Error Dimes - Doubled Dies:
- Roosevelt dimes with double dies, whether light or drastic, can be valuable, with some worth $25 to $50 or more. The clarity of the error influences the dime's value.
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A Comprehensive List of Rare Dimes Worth Money:
- The article provides an extensive list of rare dimes, including Bust Dimes, Liberty Seated Dimes (1843-1885), Barber Dimes (1893-1895), and Mercury Dimes (1916-1942), along with specific years and notable varieties.
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Tips on How to Look For Valuable Dimes:
- Practical advice is offered for finding valuable dimes, such as searching through regular transactions, bank rolls, boxes, and bags. Additional tips include checking reject bins of change machines, local coin dealers' sets, and old proof sets.
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How To Sell Dimes For Money:
- The article recommends obtaining an appraisal from a certified ANA dealer when selling valuable dimes. It emphasizes the importance of setting a reasonable price and suggests platforms like Coinfully for selling valuable coins.
In conclusion, this article serves as a valuable resource for both novice and experienced coin collectors, providing insights into the world of rare dimes and offering practical tips on identification, appraisal, and selling.
