Dimes have long been a favorite among coin collectors for their unique designs and history. Some rare dimes, especially those with limited minting, errors, or historical significance, have become highly sought after, fetching impressive sums at auctions.
For collectors, knowing the most valuable dimes can add to the thrill of building a collection and potentially discovering a gem. Here, we’ll explore ten rare dimes that every collector should know, plus four additional dimes that have been known to exceed values of $87,777!
1. 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime
This dime is one of the rarest coins produced at the Carson City Mint, with only a few examples known to exist. The absence of arrows around the date on the coin makes it even more valuable. Its scarcity and unique design make it a prized possession for collectors.
2. 1894-S Barber Dime
With only 24 minted, the 1894-S Barber Dime is among the most legendary coins in American numismatic history. Of these, only nine are believed to exist today, making it an extraordinary find with collectors always on the lookout for one.
3. 1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is another rare gem. Minted at the Denver Mint, this dime had a limited production run, with around 264,000 produced. Collectors consider this one highly valuable, especially in well-preserved condition.
4. 1871-CC Liberty Seated Dime
This coin marks the first dime minted in Carson City and is incredibly rare. The limited production and significant historical value make it a noteworthy addition to any collection. Examples in excellent condition can command very high prices.
5. 1796 Draped Bust Dime
The 1796 Draped Bust Dime is one of the earliest dimes minted by the U.S. Mint, produced in limited numbers with intricate design details. It’s a valuable coin for collectors interested in the beginnings of American coinage.
6. 1804 Draped Bust Dime
The 1804 Draped Bust Dime is another early U.S. Mint issue. Its limited production and unique design make it a notable piece, particularly for collectors who appreciate the historical significance of early American coins.
7. 1859-S Liberty Seated Dime
As the first dime minted at the San Francisco Mint, the 1859-S Liberty Seated Dime holds significant historical importance. Its rarity and limited mintage make it an appealing addition for collectors.
8. 1829 Curl Base 2 Capped Bust Dime
This dime has a distinctive curled base “2” in the date, which is an error variant, making it rare and valuable. Collectors often seek this coin due to its unique design and scarcity.
9. 1872-CC Liberty Seated Dime
This Carson City dime is another rarity, known for its limited production. Only a few examples are known to exist, and they are highly sought after by collectors, especially those focusing on Carson City mint marks.
10. 1846 Liberty Seated Dime
This dime is known for its low mintage and has become highly collectible. The 1846 Liberty Seated Dime is one of the key dates in the series, with only a limited number produced, making it valuable for collectors.
| Coin Name | Year Minted | Mint Mark | Rarity Level | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1873-CC No Arrows | 1873 | CC | Extremely Rare | $1,000,000+ |
| 1894-S Barber | 1894 | S | Legendary | $1,300,000+ |
| 1916-D Mercury | 1916 | D | High | $250,000+ |
| 1871-CC Liberty Seated | 1871 | CC | Very High | $100,000+ |
| 1796 Draped Bust | 1796 | – | Significant | $200,000+ |
| 1804 Draped Bust | 1804 | – | Notable | $100,000+ |
| 1859-S Liberty Seated | 1859 | S | Important | $50,000+ |
| 1829 Curl Base 2 Capped | 1829 | – | Error Variant | $20,000+ |
| 1872-CC Liberty Seated | 1872 | CC | Very High | $80,000+ |
| 1846 Liberty Seated | 1846 | – | Low Mintage | $40,000+ |
For coin collectors, these rare dimes offer more than monetary value—they represent pieces of history that tell the story of the United States Mint and American coinage. Finding one of these dimes is often the pinnacle of a collector’s journey, bringing immense satisfaction and pride to any collection.
FAQs
What Makes a Dime Valuable?
Rarity, condition, mint mark, historical significance, and errors are all factors that can make a dime valuable.
How Can I Verify the Authenticity of a Rare Dime?
You can authenticate a rare dime through professional coin grading services like PCGS or NGC, which verify and grade coins.
Are Carson City Mint Dimes More Valuable?
Carson City mint-marked dimes tend to be more valuable due to limited production and historical significance.
Why Is the 1894-S Barber Dime So Expensive?
The 1894-S Barber Dime is extremely rare, with only nine known to exist, which makes it one of the most valuable coins in U.S. history.
Where Can I Find Rare Dimes for My Collection?
Rare dimes can be found at auctions, online coin marketplaces, and specialized coin dealers.
