These 4 Rare Dimes From Over 20 Years Ago Are Worth a Ton Now
Written by
Nicholas Morine
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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Coin hunters know that older American currency can be worth a fortune in the right condition, especially if the coin is graded (or in gradeworthy condition).
U.S. dimes have been minted since 1796, according to The United States Mint, and bore Liberty on the obverse, as well as an eagle on the reverse.
As Gainesville Coins outlined, would-be collectors should keep an eye out for any Mercury or Barber dimes, as they are worth at least $2 even in poor condition. Pre-1965 Roosevelt dimes are also worth picking out of the change pile, as they are composed of 90% silver — and thus worth more than $2.
Some dimes, however, are worth much more than that. While most of these are older examples, a short list of some of the most valuable follows.
1894-S Barber Dime
With a mintage of just 24 known coins, the 1894-S (the S denotes that the coin was struck by the San Francisco Mint) is perhaps one of the rarest pieces of American numismatic history — especially given the fact that just 9 known examples exist today, according to LC Coins.
The dime exhibits an image of Liberty donning a Phrygian cap, and may not look all that remarkable when set against other Barber dimes. The value is truly astonishing, however.
Per the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), Heritage Auctions sold a PR66BM (proof 66 branch mint) version of this coin for $1.99 million in 2016. In today’s dollars, that translates to about $2.62 million.
1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
As BullionShark pointed out, this coin was actually minted in San Francisco rather than Philadelphia, even though it is a proof coin used for comparison. The error? It’s missing the S that typically denotes this minting, and only two such coins are known to exist.
In September of 2019, a Heritage Auctions sale of a PR68 graded example went for a stunning $456,000 — or approximately $563,000 today.
1797 13 Stars Dime
As LoveToKnow detailed, despite having about 25,000 of these coins issued, it’s believed that only around 50 survive to this date.
While designs varied greatly at this time — ranging from 13, 14, 15 and 16 stars — this particular coin remains highly sought after due to its beauty and rarity.
Worn examples may fetch only a few thousand dollars (as always, condition is key to value), but an MS65 example graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) pulled down $402,500 in 2008 via Heritage Auctions. In 2024, that sale would be worth $590,120.
1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
BullionShark indicated that these dimes were first unearthed in December 1982, and that they were the first U.S. business strike coin to have accidentally exited the mint without bearing the accurate mint mark. As an error coin, its value is greatly increased — and despite collectors scouring Ohio (where the error coins first surfaced), it’s not yet known how many are actually out there.
While BullionShark suggested the coin has fetched $6,000 at auction, PCGS indicated a record price of $2,185 was reached in a Heritage Auctions sale in May 2024. Adjusted for inflation, that works out to $3,651 today.
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