1. 1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the most legendary rarities in American coinage. Only 24 were minted at the San Francisco Mint, and today, only nine are known to exist. This ultra-rare dime’s origins are shrouded in mystery. Some believe the coins were made as gifts for prominent bankers, while others speculate they were struck to balance accounting ledgers.
What makes this dime so valuable isn’t just the low mintage—it’s the mystique. One of the most famous stories tied to this coin involves the Mint Superintendent giving three dimes to his daughter. She allegedly spent one on ice cream, making the “ice cream dime” a coin collector’s legend. In 2016, an example of this coin in excellent condition sold for $1.99 million. If you find one of these in an old coin collection or estate sale, you’re quite literally holding a fortune in your hand.
2. 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is a modern minting error with a multimillion-dollar twist. These dimes were intended for proof sets, which are high-quality coins struck with special dies and sold to collectors. However, due to a minting mistake, a few 1975 proof dimes were struck without the “S” mintmark that indicates production at the San Francisco Mint.
Only two examples of this error are known to exist, making it one of the rarest modern coins in U.S. history. In auctions, these dimes have commanded prices in the six- to seven-figure range, and their value is only expected to rise due to their rarity. If you happen upon an old proof set from 1975, check the dime carefully—because this little coin could make you a millionaire.
3. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter With No Mint Mark and Double Die
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was minted in honor of America’s 200th birthday and features a unique drummer boy design on the reverse. While millions were made, some rare error versions exist that are worth serious money. One of the most prized is the double die obverse variant, which features noticeable doubling on the date and lettering.
Add to that a missing mint mark—usually indicating an error or misstrike—and you’ve got a rare and valuable combination. Some examples of this Bicentennial Quarter in pristine condition with these errors have sold for up to $250,000, and coin experts believe other varieties could be worth well over $1 million if the right buyer comes along.
4. 1942/41 Mercury Dime (Overdate Error)
The 1942/41 Mercury Dime is a well-known and highly collectible error coin. It’s called an overdate error, where the “2” in 1942 was stamped over a previously struck “1” from 1941. This happened when an old die was repurposed rather than replaced.
Collectors prize this coin for both its rarity and visible error—it’s easy to spot under magnification. Depending on its condition, a 1942/41 Mercury Dime can sell for anywhere from $10,000 to over $100,000. In mint state with full split bands on the reverse, it could fetch even more. These are often found in older collections and coin albums—if you see a 1942 Mercury Dime, inspect it carefully.
5. 1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime marks the first year of the iconic winged Liberty design, often confused with the Roman god Mercury. Minted in Denver, only 264,000 were produced, making it the lowest mintage Mercury Dime in existence.
Collectors go wild for this coin, and prices reflect that demand. In circulated condition, it’s worth several thousand dollars. In uncirculated condition, it can easily exceed $100,000, and high-grade versions have crossed the $200,000 threshold. If you happen to find one of these tucked away in a collection, you’re looking at one of the most desirable dimes in the hobby.
6. 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime
The 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime was the first time the Philadelphia Mint omitted a mintmark on a circulation coin since 1968, when mintmarks were reinstated. A few thousand of these coins slipped into circulation before the error was discovered.
These coins are relatively modern and yet extremely valuable. A well-preserved 1982 No-P Dime can sell for $500 to $2,000, but high-grade, mint-state examples have sold for over $10,000. This is a great example of a coin you might actually find in pocket change or old rolls of dimes from the bank.
7. 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof)
Another elusive proof error, the 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime, is an incredibly rare coin struck without the San Francisco mintmark on a proof coin. It’s believed that fewer than 20 examples were ever produced. These coins were made for proof sets but escaped into circulation or private hands due to a minting oversight.
When one of these appears at auction, it draws intense attention from collectors. Prices regularly exceed $40,000 to $50,000, with some sales approaching $100,000 depending on condition. It’s worth checking your old proof sets if you own any from the late ’60s.
8. 1976-S Bicentennial Silver Proof Quarter
The 1976-S Bicentennial Silver Proof Quarter was part of a special collector’s edition coin set. Unlike the standard copper-nickel versions, these were struck in 40% silver and only available through special orders. While they’re not exceedingly rare, pristine and high-grade examples are worth big bucks—especially those with deep cameo contrast and no blemishes.
One in PR70 condition (the highest possible) can fetch $10,000 or more. Combine that with any minting error—like doubling, off-center strikes, or missing elements—and values can skyrocket. They’re a must-have for Bicentennial collectors.
9. 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
This quirky error coin, part of the 50 State Quarters Program, features an extra leaf on the corn stalk of the Wisconsin quarter. There are two known variations: the “extra leaf high” and “extra leaf low.” Both are believed to have been caused by accidental gouges on the die used for minting.
These quarters entered circulation in the early 2000s and were initially found in change across the Midwest. Today, they can fetch between $100 to $5,000, with the finest examples approaching $10,000. They’re a testament to how even modern coins can be valuable due to quirky mistakes.
10. 1965 Transitional Error Quarter (Silver Composition)
In 1965, the U.S. Mint transitioned from 90% silver quarters to copper-nickel clad versions. However, a few 1965-dated quarters were mistakenly struck on leftover silver planchets from 1964. These transitional error coins are extremely rare.
If you come across a 1965 quarter that seems too heavy or has the distinct ring of silver, it might be one of these transitional errors. Verified silver 1965 quarters have sold for $5,000 to $15,000, depending on condition. If confirmed by a professional grading service, it could be worth much more.
FAQs
Q1: How can I tell if a coin is valuable or an error coin?
Check for known minting errors, unusual features, and missing mint marks. Compare with reliable references or submit the coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication and evaluation.
Q2: Are any of these coins still in circulation?
While most are long out of circulation, some—like the 1982 No-P Dime or Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter—were released into the public and may still be found in rolls, jars, or old pocket change.
Q3: Can modern dimes and quarters be worth money?
Absolutely. Errors and rare varieties, like the 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter, can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars—even if they’re just a few years old.
Q4: Where should I sell a rare coin?
The best places include major auction houses (Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers), coin shows, or certified coin dealers. Always ensure your coin is professionally graded before selling.
Conclusion
While most dimes and quarters are only worth their face value, a rare few can be worth tens of thousands—or even millions—of dollars. Whether it’s a Bicentennial Quarter with a unique error or a rare proof dime missing a mint mark, these small coins pack a massive punch for collectors. So next time you sort through change, don’t overlook the details—you might just discover one of the 10 rare coins that could make you a millionaire.