American Dime Value: Rare and Valuable Coins

The American dime is a fascinating coin with a rich history. Some rare and valuable dimes can be worth a pretty penny, with the 1894 Barber Dime selling for over $10,000 in 2019.

A notable example is the 1916 D Mercanti Signature, which can be worth up to $1,000 in mint condition. The 1916 D is one of the rarest and most valuable dimes in circulation.

The 1943 Copper Dime is another highly sought-after coin, with a value of up to $1.1 million. This dime was accidentally minted with a copper composition instead of the usual steel planchet.

The 1972 No S Lincoln Cent was actually a misprinted dime, not a cent, and can be worth up to $100,000.

If you're looking to determine the value of your American dimes, it's essential to know the different types and their values. The Roosevelt Dime, for instance, was designed by John R. Sinnock, who also designed the Franklin Half dollar and commemorative coins.

The Roosevelt Dime was minted from 1946 to 1964, and its value can be determined by the date and mintmark. You can find the designer's initials "JS" at the base of Roosevelt's portrait, next to the date.

To determine the value of your Roosevelt Dime, you can refer to the Coin Values article, which lists the values for each year from 1946 to 1964. You can also use the Coin Value Guide, which provides a step-by-step method to value a coin collection.

If your dimes are made of silver, their value is tied closely to the price of silver. As of 2025, the price of silver was $29.40 per ounce, making your old dimes surprisingly valuable.

Here's a table to help you determine the value of your Roosevelt Dime:

Keep in mind that the values listed are approximate and can vary depending on the condition and rarity of your dime.

If you're looking to sell your dimes, it's essential to research and organize them accurately to get the best value. You can also use the Coin Values Discovery tool to find the values of other old US coins.

The 1894-S Barber Dime is the most valuable dime ever sold, with a record sales price of $1,997,500.

Some dimes are worth a lot more than their face value, with the 1792 Silver Dime selling for $998,750.

You might not find a 1792 dimes in your spare change, but there are other rare coins worth keeping an eye out for.

Here are some of the most valuable dimes:

The most valuable coins ever sold can give you an idea of what to look for in your own collection. The 1894-S Barber Dime sold for a record-breaking $1,997,500.

If you're lucky enough to own one of these rare coins, you could be sitting on a fortune. The 1792 Silver Dime, for example, sold for $998,750.

Some of the most valuable dimes ever sold are listed below, including their record sales prices.

A 1792 dimes is not likely to be one of them, but there are other rare coins worth keeping an eye out for.

You can find rare and valuable dimes in your spare change, and they're worth some money.

The 1792 dimes is just one example of a rare coin that's worth a pretty penny.

While you might not find a 1792 dimes in your pocket, there are plenty of other dimes that are worth some money.

The Silver Roosevelt Dime is a dime type worth considering, with most dates and mint marks tied to the value of silver, each worth $1.96. However, there are exceptions, and the silver issues of 1946-1964 are slowly maturing and gaining in value.

A Stately Design Admired by Avid Collectors

The Seated Liberty Dime Series is another collectible dime type, with a stately design that maintains constant demand and solid values. With numerous rare dates and varieties, it's essential to compare your coins to the value chart to determine their worth.

The Barber Dime is worth at least $3.74, but condition is a major factor in collectability and demand, so don't settle for the minimum value. Over half the dates and mint marks are worth substantially more, making it a dime type worth exploring further.

The Draped Bust 1796-97 dime is a rare and valuable coin. Minted for just two years, it's no wonder they're highly sought after by collectors.

These coins feature an intricate obverse design, with Lady Liberty draped in a flowing gown and a ribbon in her hair, surrounded by stars and the inscription "LIBERTY." The reverse side is just as impressive, with an eagle perched on a cloud with its wings spread.

The limited number of 1796-97 Draped Bust dimes, combined with their delicate design, has made them one of the most valuable dimes among collectors.

The Carson City dimes from 1871-1874 are highly sought after by collectors, and for good reason - they're rare and valuable.

These dimes were minted at the United States Branch Mint in Carson City, Nevada, during a time of rapid expansion and economic growth in the western frontier.

They were struck from 90% fine silver and feature the classic Liberty Seated design on the obverse and wreath on the reverse.

Business strike and high-grade coins are extremely difficult to find due to low mintages and high circulation.

In 1873, the US Mint made a significant change to the dime's design by adding arrowheads on either side of the date to make it 2.5 grams.

This change made all coins minted without arrows obsolete, and they were subsequently melted down - except for one rare dime.

The 1873-CC Liberty Seated dime "Without Arrows" is the sole survivor of the meltdown and is considered the most valuable dime to have ever been minted.

It's estimated that only 12,400 dimes without arrows were struck in 1873, but only one is known to exist today.

The 1874-CC Arrows dime is another rare and valuable coin from this period, with only 10,817 minted and an estimated 80 remaining in existence.

One example sold for $216,000 in 2022, demonstrating the coin's value even in rough condition.

The 1873-CC dime with arrows is also highly valuable, with one of three known mint-state examples selling for $552,000 in 2022.

The 1798 small 8 dime is a rare and valuable coin. It's worth noting that only 27 examples of this coin are known.

This coin's value is enhanced by its age and rarity. The 1798 small 8 dime has a distinctive feature - the 8 in the year is stamped smaller than the rest of the numbers in some variations.

In excellent condition, coins like this can fetch a pretty penny. One beautiful 1798 small 8 dime sold for $253,000 in 2008.

The 1841 Drapery dime is a rare and valuable coin. It features a seated Lady Liberty with only two known examples of a proof version that has a subtle variation of the drapery leaves her arm bare.

This variation makes the coin extremely rare and valuable, selling at auction in 2022 for $312,000. The rarity of this coin is a major factor in its value.

Some people think the drapery was over-polished, removing the detail, but it's more likely it was a design variation included in a proof set.

The Overdate Mercury is a rare and valuable variation of the Mercury dime.

It's worth noting that the 1942/1941 overdate is one of the most valuable examples you might still find in circulation.

A mint condition example of this overdate sold for $25,850 in 2016.

You'll need to examine the date closely to see traces of the overstrike.

If you find one, it's probably worth a few hundred dollars, and it could be worth much more.

The Seated Liberty Dime Series is a stately design admired by avid collectors, with numerous rare dates and varieties.

A stately design admired by avid collectors, with numerous rare dates and varieties. Maintaining constant demand and solid values for these old Seated Liberty dimes.

All Barber Dimes are worth at least $3.74, but over half the dates and mint marks are worth substantially more. Condition is a major factor to collectability and demand.

One of the most popular and widely collected coins today, the Mercury Dime series has rare and valuable dates scattered throughout. A key element, the condition of your coin, is a major driving force to value.

Most Silver Roosevelt Dimes are tied to the value of silver, each worth $1.96. However, there are a few exceptions, like the silver issues of 1946-1964, which are slowly maturing and beginning to gain in value.

The Philadelphia mint struck the first US dime in 1796 and for the next few decades was the only mint striking dimes.

Philadelphia, the main mint, struck silver dimes in each year from 1946 to 1964, producing over 2.6 billion pieces.

A 12,828,381 mintage of 1955 is the lowest of the silver Roosevelt dime variety.

The San Francisco Mint struck Roosevelt dimes of the silver variety from 1946 to 1955, producing over 288 million dimes, the lowest total of the three mints striking dimes of the silver variety.

A small "S mintmark is on the reverse at the base of the torch, to identify San Francisco's production.

The Denver Mint led in total number of silver Roosevelt dimes, producing 4.7 billion coins, far outnumbering both the main Philadelphia mint and San Francisco branch.

Denver's mintmark, a small "D" is on the reverse at the base of the torch.

Exact date is important to value accurately, as mintages of the different dates varies greatly, some years dimes were produced in the millions and often the next year lower, all depending on need in commerce.

Mintmarks are now collected as part of sets and listed on value charts, and each used a mintmark to indicate their production.

A Mint State grade dime has no wear to the surface, still retains luster, and has no marks.

Inspecting a dime closely is crucial to determine its grade, as even slight wear can be visible on high points of the coin.

The hair above Roosevelt's ear is a key area to examine for signs of wear, as the removal of fine lines can indicate a lower grade.

A broad surface at the base of the flame on the reverse side of a Mint State dime is high in relief with a consistent shine and luster.

Light wear confined to isolated areas is characteristic of an Extremely Fine grade dime.

Roosevelt's cheek just below the eye displays a smooth surface with just a small flat area, indicating wear.

A Good grade dime has most details of design worn away, with the central design in outline form.

Inspecting a dime's reverse side for wear is essential, as even slight wear can be visible on high areas of the design.

Judging condition to determine a grade is accomplished by comparing your coin to images of standards, videos, and descriptions.

Fine grade dimes have wear that creates a slight "faded" look, with contours of the face weakened by wear.

A Fine grade dime's torch flame is now flat, with most of the fine inner lines missing.

A dime in Mint State condition is premium value, separating bullion quality coins from collectible examples worth more.

Silver and Error Dimes are a dime collector's dream come true. They can be worth a small fortune, especially if you have a 1965 Transitional Error Roosevelt Dime.

These error dimes were made by mistake when the US Mint transitioned from 90% silver to copper and nickel in 1965. They can be worth $3,000 or more, with one selling at auction for $8,400 in 2019.

To spot a silver 1965 dime, check the edge of the coin. If it appears silver with no traces of copper, it could be one of these rare dimes.

Silver Roosevelt dimes from 1946 to 1964 are the silver alloy variety, making them highly valuable due to their 90% silver content.

The value of these coins is heavily influenced by the silver bullion market, which means their price can fluctuate with the price of silver.

In the market, silver Roosevelt dimes are typically traded in quantities of 50 coins or more, known as a standard "roll".

The condition of the coin is the key factor in determining its value, with circulation wear lowering the coin's grade and value.

Even with minor circulation wear, these coins can still have potential as time passes, and can be a nice addition to a collector's set at a low initial cost.

Some Extremely Fine grade coins may show a slight premium, making them a great find for collectors.

The 1916 Mercury dime is a small coin with a big story, transporting you back to the second half of WW1, a time when the future of world powers was uncertain.

This legendary Denver coin features a profile of Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap to symbolize freedom of thought, making it a captivating work of art.

The 1916-D Mercury dime has a low mintage of just 264,000 pieces, which led to an estimated 10,000 remaining today.

Its rarity and historical significance make it highly sought after by collectors today.

This 90% silver rare dime is a true gem for any collector, and its value is only enhanced by its unique design and place in history.

The 1931 Mercury dime is a rare and historically significant coin. It's the last dime produced before the Great Depression, making it a poignant symbol of the era.

This coin is relatively easy to find, thanks to collectors who recognized its value even during difficult times. They worked to preserve it for future generations.

The 1931 Mercury dime is a great example of how a coin's value can be tied to its historical significance. It's not always the most valuable coin, but its story makes it special.

Some collectors might be surprised to learn that older Mercury dimes tend to be worth more than their face value. This is because they stopped making these coins in 1945, making them harder to come by.

The 1965 Transitional Error is a rare and valuable dime. It's worth taking a closer look at your 1965 dimes, as some of them can be worth a small fortune.

These dimes were made during the US Mint's transition from 90% silver to copper and nickel in 1965. A mistake allowed a few silver dimes to enter circulation, making them highly valuable today.

Check the edge of the dime to see if it appears silver with no traces of copper. If it does, it could be one of these rare dimes.

If you're new to collecting American dimes, one of the first things you'll want to learn is how to identify and study the different types. The Roosevelt dime, for example, was designed by John R. Sinnock, who was the supervisor of all die work at the Philadelphia mint at the time. His initials, "JS", are stamped at the base of Roosevelt's portrait next to the date.

To accurately identify a Roosevelt dime, you'll need to examine the date and mintmark. The date is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, and the mintmark is located on the reverse (back). You can also look for the designer's initials, "JS", which are a distinctive feature of the Roosevelt dime.

Here are some key dates to look for in the Roosevelt dime series:

By studying the different types of American dimes, you can develop a deeper appreciation for the history and craftsmanship that goes into creating these coins.

Spotting a coin requires attention to detail and knowledge of what makes a coin valuable. Certain years, like those made during the 1790s and 1800s, are already worth more.

The condition of a coin is a huge factor in its value. Dimes in mint condition always fetch more at auction than similar but worn examples.

Even small errors can make a dime worth more.

Coin values can be a fascinating topic, especially when it comes to old US coins like dimes. The Roosevelt dime, for example, was designed by John R. Sinnock, who also designed the Franklin Half dollar and commemorative coins dating back to 1925.

To determine the value of a Roosevelt dime, you need to look at the date and mintmark, which can be found at the base of the coin, next to the date. The small letters "JS" are the designer's initials, indicating that the coin was designed by John R. Sinnock.

The value of a Roosevelt dime can vary depending on the date and condition of the coin. To get an accurate value, you can use a coin value guide, such as the one found on CoinStudy, which lists values for different dates and conditions.

Here are some key dates and their corresponding values:

Keep in mind that these values are just estimates and can vary depending on the condition and rarity of the coin.

If you're looking to sell your old coins, it's essential to determine their value accurately. You can use a coin value guide to research the value of your coins, and then find a reputable dealer or online marketplace to sell them through.

Some tips for selling your coins include:

By following these steps, you can get the best value for your old coins and enjoy the process of coin identification and study.