Have you ever wondered if the coins sitting in your piggy bank could be worth a fortune? Some rare dimes and Bicentennial quarters have become so valuable that collectors are willing to pay millions of dollars for them! What’s even more exciting is that some of these coins are still in circulation, meaning you could unknowingly have one in your change right now.
In this article, we’ll uncover 10 rare dimes and a Bicentennial quarter that could turn an ordinary coin hunt into an incredible payday. Whether you’re a coin collector or just curious, keep reading to see if you’ve been carrying around a small piece of history worth a life-changing amount of money.
List of the Most Valuable Rare Dimes and Bicentennial Quarter
Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the rarest and most valuable dimes and a Bicentennial quarter that you should be on the lookout for:
| Coin Name | Year | Estimated Value | Special Features |
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | $2 Million+ | Only 24 minted, 9 known to exist |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | $10,000 – $200,000 | Low mintage of 264,000 |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate | 1942 | $500 – $10,000+ | Overdate error where a “1” is visible under “2” |
| 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime | 1975 | $50,000+ | Proof dime with no “S” mint mark |
| 1968 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime | 1968 | $10,000 – $20,000 | Another missing “S” mint mark variety |
| 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime | 1874 | Up to $22 Million | Minted in Carson City (CC), very rare |
| 1798/7 Draped Bust Dime | 1798 | Millions | Overdate error – 8 struck over 7 |
| 1844 Liberty Seated Dime | 1844 | Tens of Thousands | Rare in high condition |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Error Coins) | 1976 | Up to $52 Million | Unique errors make some versions highly valuable |
Now, let’s break down what makes each of these coins so special and valuable.
Rare Dimes That Could Be Worth Millions
1. 1894-S Barber Dime – The Million-Dollar Treasure
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest dimes ever. Only 24 were minted, and today, just 9 are known to exist.
💰 Estimated Value: $2 million+
📜 Interesting Fact: A mint superintendent is believed to have given some of these dimes to his daughter—who spent one on ice cream!
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime – A Collector’s Dream
The Denver Mint produced just 264,000 of these dimes in 1916, making them incredibly rare. Even worn versions are worth thousands.
💰 Estimated Value: $10,000 – $200,000
🔍 How to Spot It: Look for the tiny “D” mint mark on the back, under the torch.
3. 1942/1 Mercury Dime – The Overdate Rarity
Due to a minting mistake, a faint “1” is visible under the “2” in the date. This makes it a valuable coin for collectors.
💰 Estimated Value: $500 to $10,000+
🔍 How to Identify It: Use a magnifying glass to check the date closely.
4. 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime – A Phantom Coin
In 1975, a few proof dimes were mistakenly released without the “S” mint mark, making them extremely rare.
💰 Estimated Value: $50,000+
🔍 How to Find It: If you own a proof set from 1975, check your dimes!
5. 1968 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime – A Costly Mistake
Similar to the 1975 version, some proof dimes from 1968 were missing the “S” mint mark.
💰 Estimated Value: $10,000 – $20,000
🔍 Where to Look: These rare dimes are found in 1968 proof sets.
Historic Dimes That Are Rare and Valuable
6. 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime – A Wild West Relic
Minted in Carson City, this dime is one of the rarest of its kind. Few were made, and even fewer remain today.
💰 Estimated Value: Up to $22 million
🔍 How to Identify It: Look for the “CC” mint mark on the back.
7. 1798/7 Draped Bust Dime – A Piece of Early America
This dime was created when the U.S. Mint was still in its infancy, making it highly valuable. The overdate feature makes it even rarer.
💰 Estimated Value: Millions
🔍 What to Look For: A “7” underneath the “8” in the date.
8. 1844 Liberty Seated Dime – The Quiet Rarity
Though not as famous as other dimes, this one is incredibly rare in high condition.
💰 Estimated Value: Tens of thousands of dollars
🔍 How to Spot It: High-grade versions of this coin are extremely scarce.
The Bicentennial Quarter That Could Make You a Millionaire
9. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter – A Hidden Fortune?
To celebrate America’s 200th birthday, the U.S. Mint released the Bicentennial Quarter, featuring a unique colonial drummer design.
💰 Estimated Value: Up to $52 million for rare errors.
🔍 Valuable Errors to Look For:
✔ Double die obverse (DDO) – Look for a slight doubling in the design.
✔ Off-center strikes – If the design is not centered, it may be worth more.
✔ Wrong planchet errors – Some Bicentennial Quarters were mistakenly struck on dime or nickel blanks.
How to Find These Rare Coins in Circulation
If you’re excited to start your own treasure hunt, here’s how you can increase your chances of finding these rare dimes and Bicentennial quarters:
✔ Check Your Change: Always examine dimes and quarters before spending them.
✔ Coin Roll Hunting: Ask banks for rolls of coins and search through them.
✔ Estate Sales & Flea Markets: Old collections often turn up in unexpected places.
✔ Invest in a Magnifying Glass: Some errors are tiny and require close inspection.
✔ Join a Coin Club: Networking with collectors can help you trade and learn more.
Final Thoughts
Some of the rarest coins in U.S. history could be sitting in your wallet right now. Whether it’s a valuable dime or a Bicentennial quarter worth millions, checking your pocket change might be the easiest way to find a fortune.
Do you have any rare coins in your collection? Let us know in the comments! You never know—you could be holding a million-dollar coin without even realizing it. 🚀💰
