Most Valuable Dimes: 15 Dimes Worth Money You Should Know

Why Some Dimes Are Worth a Fortune

The dime is the smallest US coin in physical size, but some examples are among the most valuable coins in existence. The tiny 10-cent piece has been produced in five major design types since 1796: Draped Bust, Capped Bust, Seated Liberty, Barber, Mercury (Winged Liberty), and Roosevelt. Each series contains key dates that collectors will pay serious premiums to own.

All US dimes produced before 1965 are 90% silver, giving them a minimum melt value of approximately $1.50 to $2.00 depending on the current silver price. But many dates are worth far more than their silver content.

The 15 Most Valuable Dimes

1. 1894-S Barber Dime — $1,000,000 to $2,400,000

Only 24 were minted and just 9 are known to survive. The reason for the tiny mintage remains one of numismatics’ great mysteries. A specimen graded PCGS PR-66+ sold for $1,997,500 in 2016. Another graded PR-66 sold for $2,400,000 in 2007. This is one of the top 10 most valuable US coins of any denomination.

2. 1916-D Mercury Dime — $1,000 to $50,000

The first year of the Mercury dime design at the Denver Mint had a mintage of only 264,000 — the lowest in the series. In Good-4, genuine examples sell for $1,000 to $1,500. In MS-65 Full Bands, prices reach $30,000 to $50,000. This is the undisputed key date of the Mercury dime series and one of the most frequently counterfeited coins. Always verify the D mint mark carefully.

3. 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime (No Arrows) — $500,000 to $2,000,000

Only one example is known to exist — it was discovered in a group of coins sold by the Carson City Mint. This unique coin sold for $1,840,000 in 2012. The “No Arrows” designation refers to the weight standard before it was changed partway through 1873.

4. 1796 Draped Bust Dime — $3,000 to $50,000

The first US dime ever produced, with a mintage of 22,135. In Good-4, expect $3,000 to $5,000. In MS-65, prices exceed $40,000. These early dimes have a small eagle on the reverse that was replaced in 1798.

5. 1942/1 Mercury Dime — $500 to $30,000

An overdate variety where a 1942 die was punched over a 1941 die. The remnants of the 1 are visible beneath the 2. Both Philadelphia and Denver Mint examples exist. The 1942/1-D is scarcer. In VF-20, prices start at $500. In MS-65 Full Bands, expect $15,000 to $30,000.

6. 1871-CC Seated Liberty Dime — $5,000 to $150,000

The first dime minted at Carson City had a mintage of only 20,100. Survivors are rare in any grade. In Good-4, expect $5,000 to $8,000. In MS-63, prices can reach $100,000 to $150,000.

7. 1895-O Barber Dime — $500 to $25,000

Mintage of 440,000 at the New Orleans Mint. While not extremely rare in lower grades, this coin is very scarce in Mint State. In Good-4: $100 to $200. In MS-65: $20,000 to $25,000.

8. 1921 Mercury Dime — $50 to $5,000

Low mintage of 1,230,000 and poor strikes make the 1921 a key date. In Good-4, expect $50 to $80. In MS-65 Full Bands, prices reach $3,000 to $5,000. The 1921-D (1,080,000 mintage) is equally desirable.

9. 1804 Draped Bust Dime (14 Stars) — $1,000 to $15,000

The 14-star variety of the 1804 dime included an extra star representing the new state of Ohio. This variety is scarcer than the 13-star type. In VF-20: $1,500 to $3,000. In MS-63: $10,000 to $15,000.

10. 1926-S Mercury Dime — $10 to $10,000

Mintage of 1,520,000 makes this a semi-key date. Common in circulated grades at $10 to $15 in Good-4. But in MS-65 Full Bands, prices jump to $8,000 to $10,000 because well-struck examples are extremely rare.

11. 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime — $50 to $300

A modern error where the Philadelphia Mint omitted the P mint mark from some 1982 dimes. These are the most valuable modern dimes and can be found in pocket change. In MS-65, prices range from $200 to $300. Check all 1982 dimes carefully — those without a mint mark are the error.

12. 1874-CC Seated Liberty Dime (Arrows) — $1,000 to $50,000

Mintage of only 10,817 makes this one of the rarest Carson City dimes. In Good-4, expect $1,000 to $2,000. In MS-63, prices reach $30,000 to $50,000.

13. 1919-D Mercury Dime — $10 to $5,000

While common in lower grades, the 1919-D is extremely scarce in Full Bands Mint State. In Good-4: $10 to $15. In MS-65 Full Bands: $3,000 to $5,000.

14. 1901-S Barber Dime — $200 to $30,000

Mintage of 593,022 makes this a key date in the Barber series. In Good-4, expect $200 to $300. In MS-65, prices reach $25,000 to $30,000.

15. 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof) — $10,000 to $25,000

The San Francisco Mint accidentally produced some proof dimes without the S mint mark. These are among the most valuable modern US coins. About 20 to 30 are believed to exist. In PR-65 to PR-68: $10,000 to $25,000.

Quick Price Reference Table

Dime	Mintage	Good/Fine	MS-63 to MS-65
1894-S Barber	24 (9 known)	N/A	$1,000,000–$2,400,000
1916-D Mercury	264,000	$1,000–$1,500	$30,000–$50,000
1873-CC No Arrows	1 known	N/A	$1,840,000
1796 Draped Bust	22,135	$3,000–$5,000	$40,000+
1942/1 Mercury	Unknown	$500	$15,000–$30,000
1871-CC Seated Liberty	20,100	$5,000–$8,000	$100,000+
1895-O Barber	440,000	$100–$200	$20,000–$25,000
1921 Mercury	1,230,000	$50–$80	$3,000–$5,000
1926-S Mercury	1,520,000	$10–$15	$8,000–$10,000 FB
1982 No-P Roosevelt	Unknown	N/A	$200–$300
1901-S Barber	593,022	$200–$300	$25,000–$30,000
1968 No-S Proof	~20–30	N/A	$10,000–$25,000

How to Identify Valuable Dimes

• Check all pre-1965 dimes. Every dime minted before 1965 is 90% silver and worth at least $1.50. Sort these from your change immediately.
• Look at the mint mark. On Mercury dimes, it is on the reverse to the left of the fasces (bundle of sticks). On Roosevelt dimes, it is above the date (before 1968) or above the date on the obverse (1968 and later). D (Denver), S (San Francisco), and no mark (Philadelphia).
• Check 1982 dimes for the missing P. The 1982 No-P error is the most findable valuable dime in circulation.
• Look for Full Bands on Mercury dimes. Check the horizontal bands on the fasces. Fully separated, unbroken bands command significant premiums.
• Examine overdates carefully. The 1942/1 overdate requires magnification to confirm. Look for remnants of the underlying digit.

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