While most dimes and quarters in your pocket hold little more than their face value, some rare versions could be worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars. From unique minting errors to limited production runs, these coins tell fascinating stories and are highly sought after by collectors. Here are eight extraordinary coins you should keep an eye out for—they just might make you a fortune.
1894-S Barber
The 1894-S Barber Dime is the crown jewel of American dimes. Only 24 were ever minted, and fewer than 10 are believed to exist today. These coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint under special circumstances, possibly as presentation pieces.
With its extreme rarity, an 1894-S Barber Dime in excellent condition has been valued at over $1 million. If you come across one, you’ve found one of the most valuable coins in U.S. history.
1916-D Mercury
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is another highly prized coin among collectors. With only 264,000 minted in Denver, this coin had one of the smallest production runs of its era. The “D” mint mark on the reverse identifies it as a rare Denver-minted version.
Well-preserved examples can sell for over $100,000, making it a treasure for numismatists.
1873-CC Liberty
The 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime is a Carson City Mint treasure. Its distinctive “CC” mint mark and rarity make it one of the most valuable dimes from the Nevada facility. These coins were minted in extremely low quantities, and finding one in excellent condition is a numismatic dream.
Top-grade examples of this dime can fetch upwards of $50,000.
No-S Roosevelt
Error coins like the 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime and the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime are incredibly valuable. Both coins were mistakenly released without the “S” mint mark that signifies they were minted in San Francisco.
In good condition, these error dimes can be worth up to $20,000, making them a prize for collectors who value minting anomalies.
1982 No-P Roosevelt
The 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime was the first regular U.S. coin released without a mint mark by accident. This coin, lacking the “P” mint mark meant for Philadelphia, is another interesting error.
While not as valuable as other rare dimes, it can still be worth up to $5,000 in excellent condition.
1955 Roosevelt
The 1955 Roosevelt Dime with a double die error is another unique collectible. This minting mistake resulted in noticeable doubling on parts of the design, particularly the date.
If well-preserved, these dimes can sell for as much as $2,000.
Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, minted to celebrate America’s 200th birthday, is a favorite among collectors. While most of these quarters are only worth their face value, certain silver-clad versions and proof coins can be worth over $1,000.
The unique dual-dated design (1776–1976) and historical significance add to its value.
Significant
Rare dimes and quarters like these are more than just money—they are pieces of history. Whether through limited production, unique mint marks, or fascinating minting errors, each coin tells a story of its time.
If you think you might have one of these coins, carefully examine its features and consult a coin appraisal expert. That small piece of change in your pocket might just turn out to be worth a fortune.
FAQs
What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime so valuable?
Only 24 were minted, with fewer than 10 known to exist.
How can I identify a 1916-D Mercury Dime?
Look for the “D” mint mark on the reverse side.
What is special about the 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime?
It lacks the Philadelphia mint mark due to a minting error.
Why are No-S Roosevelt Dimes valuable?
They were mistakenly released without the “S” mint mark.
Are all Bicentennial Quarters valuable?
No, only silver-clad or proof versions have significant value.
