In the numismatist’s world, dimes are small, yet some are extremely valuable. Such uncommon coins, frequently struck in low mintage or because of minting mistakes, have turned legendary among collectors. Here, we go through the five rarest and most precious dimes, with a combined worth of $9.3 million.
1894-S Barber
The 1894-S Barber Dime is the holy grail of rare dimes. In 1894, the San Francisco Mint produced only 24 of these dimes, and nine are known to exist today.
One of the most intriguing tales about this coin is that the San Francisco Mint superintendent supposedly gave three to his daughter, who spent one on ice cream. Whether or not this is true, it adds to the mystique of the coin.
With the traditional Barber design, Liberty’s head on the obverse and wreath on the reverse, this dime’s worth lies in its sheer rarity. In 2016, one example sold for almost $2 million, the most valuable dime in the world.
1796 Draped Bust
The 1796 Draped Bust Dime is notable as the first-ever U.S. dime. It was designed by Robert Scot and has a portrait of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
The unique thing about this coin is the small eagle reverse design, used for only two years before 1798, when it was replaced. The best known graded MS-67 by PCGS sold for $1.32 million in 2016. Its value, according to experts, could currently be more than $1.8 million given its historical significance and growing demand.
1873-CC No Arrows
The 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime is a unique rarity. Struck at the Carson City Mint, this dime was to be melted down when the U.S. Mint slightly raised the weight of dimes in that year.
New dies with arrows placed beside the date were prepared to signify this adjustment, but somehow one specimen without arrows managed to survive.
This single survivor sold for $1.84 million in 2012. Now, with increased demand for rare coins, its value is estimated at approximately $2.5 million. Its Liberty Seated coin design by Christian Gobrecht, where Liberty holds a pole and shield, renders it an art and historical masterpiece.
1975 No S Roosevelt
Not all 19th-century rare dimes. The modern rarity is the 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime with just two known specimens. It is a proof coin that was erroneously coined without the ‘S’ mint mark indicating its San Francisco mint.
One of these dimes was sold in 2019 for $456,000. With the growing popularity of modern minting mistakes, its value is now estimated at $500,000. This mistake is particularly noteworthy since proof coins are supposed to be perfect specimens for collectors, and the fact that this error exists makes it all the more intriguing.
1822 Capped Bust
The 1822 Capped Bust Dime is one of the biggest numismatic enigmas. No business strike examples of the coin are known to exist, and only three proof specimens have ever been authenticated.
The last sale of an 1822 Capped Bust Dime occurred in 2016, when a Proof-66 graded specimen sold for $440,625. Yet because of its extreme rarity, specialists opine that if one were to surface on the market today, it would fetch a price of at least $2.5 million.
Created by John Reich, the coin has Liberty in a cap on the obverse and an eagle with a shield on the reverse. Though its design is elegant, its real value is in its extreme rarity and the mystery of its origin.
These five dimes are not only money; they are pieces of history, each with a special story that has made them so desirable to collectors. With demand and scarcity propelling their worth, these coins keep breaking records and captivating the imagination of numismatists across the globe.
FAQ’s
Q. Why is the 1894-S Barber Dime so rare?
A. Only 24 were struck, and only 9 still survive, making it very rare.
Q. How many 1975 No S Roosevelt Dimes are there?
A. There are only two known examples of this error modern coin to have been produced.
Q. What is distinctive about the 1873-CC No Arrows Dime?
A. It is the only example known to survive from a mintage intended for melting.
Q. How much was a 1796 Draped Bust Dime worth?
A. The best-known example sold for $1.32 million in 2016.
Q. Are rare dimes still gaining value?
A. Yes, because of their numismatic past and popularity with collectors.