You might be casually flipping through quarters or dimes—but what if one of those could be worth tens of thousands of dollars? From century-old Mercury dimes with minting errors to elusive Roosevelt proof dimes missing mintmarks, rare dimes occasionally surface and fetch eye-popping sums.
Here’s a deep dive into six rare dimes that can be worth up to $50,000—some even more—along with what makes them so extraordinary.
1. 1942/1 Overdate Mercury Dime
This coin features an error where the year “1942” is struck over a faint “1941.” With only about 41 known examples, this overdate Mercury dime can exceed $100,000 in uncirculated condition.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime (Full Bands)
A key date in the Mercury series, this dime has low production and is especially valuable in Full Bands (FB) condition—meaning the fasces details are fully preserved. One graded MS-61 sold for over $20,000.
3. 1975 “No-S” Roosevelt Proof Dime
Extremely rare, only two of these proof dimes lack the “S” mint mark. One was inherited by a family and later auctioned for over $500,000, making this one of the most valuable dimes today.
4. 1919-S Mercury Dime (Full Bands, MS-66)
Minted in San Francisco, this dime stands out when graded MS-66 with complete Full Bands. One such high-grade example sold for around $132,000.
5. 1968-S “No-S” Roosevelt Pr (Clad)
Produced in Philadelphia without the “P”, this modern mistake can yield up to $50,000 for pristine specimens—making it a top pick among error collectors.
The 6 Rare Dimes to Watch For
| Coin | Why It’s Rare | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1942/1 Overdate Mercury Dime | Date error where “1941” shows beneath “1942” | Up to $100,000+ |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime (Full Bands) | Low mintage, only around 246,000 minted; “Full bands” detail | Around $20,400 for top grades |
| 1975 “No-S” Roosevelt Proof Dime | Mint mark missing from proof set—only two known | Up to $500,000 |
| 1919-S Mercury Dime (Full Bands, MS-66) | Exceptional detail and condition | Around $132,000 |
| 1968-S “No-S” Roosevelt Proof Dime | Mint mark missing from proof issue | Up to $30,000+ |
| 1982 “No P” Roosevelt Dime (Clad) | Missing mint mark from Philadelphia coin | Up to $50,000 in top condition |
Why These Dimes Are So Valuable
- Low Mintage & Unique Errors: Coins like the 1916-D and 1975 No-S are rare due to limited production or major minting mistakes.
- Condition Matters: High grading (e.g., MS-66+) and design integrity (like Full Bands) dramatically drive up value.
- Collector Demand: Numismatists prize these dimes for their rarity and historical significance, creating bidding wars at auctions.
- Unexpected Discoveries: Several of these rare coins have been found in change, hidden in vaults, or unexpectedly in collections—underscoring their real-world possibility to still circulate.
These six rare dimes are far more than old coins—they’re potential treasures in your pocket. From minting errors to missing mint marks, each tells a fascinating story—and some have commanded jaw-dropping auction prices.
If you’re a collector or coin-conscious saver, keep a close eye on these dates and illusions—they could uncover unexpected fortune.
FAQs
Check the date, look for mintmark errors (like missing “S” or “P”), and carefully observe any double images or overdates. If a dime looks unusual, consider having it graded.
It refers to fully detailed horizontal bands on the fasces. It indicates exceptional strike quality and significantly boosts the coin’s value.
Yes—errors like the 1982 “No P” dime can fetch thousands, even up to $50,000, if in pristine condition. Always inspect error coins, even from recent decades.