Change every day can hide precious treasures worth millions. Among the coins that are very rare, one has a Bicentennial quarter and four dimes that could each be worth a whooping $15 million.
These coins are rare due to their uniqueness, flaw, and historical background. Let’s find out about the history of these relics and how they could still be used today.
4 Rare Dimes Worth $15 Million
1894-S Barber Dime

- Features: Only 24 pieces, probably test pieces or special gifts, were struck at the San Francisco mint. Today there are known to be fewer than ten.
- Why it is Worth Having: It ranks among the rarest of American coins due to very few being produced.
- Possibility in Circulation: Speculators say that some are even still hidden, perhaps commingled with regular dimes.
1916-D Mercury Dime

- Features: The limited mintage of 264,000 1916 Denver-minted Mercury dimes was eroded or destroyed over time.
- Why It’s Worth Having: High-grade coins are extremely uncommon and can sell for millions of dollars.
- Circulation Potential: Sometimes, particularly in inherited collections, lower-graded samples still appear.
1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime

- Features: This mistake coin, which was produced on a small quantity of coins in San Francisco, is identified by a small “S” mintmark.
- Value in: It is a rare error and a beautiful design of Mercury.
- Possibility in circulation: Older dimes can be found in rolls or collections.
1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof)

- Collector’s proof dime: This is a coin struck without the “S” mintmark. This is quite an uncommon error.
- Why It’s Worth Having: A proof coin is extremely valuable because it is a major mistake to have no mintmark.
- There is less of a chance for proof coins to enter circulation, although this is possible if a set was wasted or lost.
Bicentennial Quarter Worth $15 Million
1976 Bicentennial Quarter Error

- This coin is dated both 1776–1976. On the back of the coin is a colonial drummer. These are highly rare as some were accidentally minted on a silver planchet and have doubling errors.
- Why It’s Valuable: Though the overwhelming majority of Bicentennial quarters were common, clean, high-grade coins or error coins can bring astonishing prices.
- Error coins may still lurk in circulation, and many Bicentennial quarters are still in pocket change.
How to Spot These Rare Coins
- Check for missing or odd mintmarks, such as the Micro S Mercury dime or the 1968 No-S dime.
- Study the Design: Study the details of the coin in the light of known error types. Any form of planchet errors or doubling may be a rarity indicator.
- Check the Date: The important dates include 1894, 1916, 1945, and 1968.
- Grading the Coin: Worn coins are less in value even if they are rare. The best specimens are those of the highest quality.
Coin | Year | Type/Variation | Estimated Value | Reason for Value |
---|---|---|---|---|
1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | Ultra-low mintage (24 struck) | $2 million–$15 million | One of the rarest U.S. coins; only 9 known survivors. |
1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | Early Denver Mint issue | $1,000–$250,000+ | Low mintage (264,000); high demand for well-preserved examples. |
1945-S Micro S Mercury Dime | 1945 | Small “S” mintmark variation | $50–$25,000+ | Unique mintmark size; scarce in high grades. |
1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime | 1968 | Proof with missing “S” mintmark | $20,000–$45,000+ | Rare proof minting error; included in proof sets. |
How likely is it to find one of these coins?
Even though the chances are low, it is still possible. The most valuable coins for you are antique rolls or collections.
What should I do if I think I’ve found a rare coin?
Get the coin graded and certified by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC to confirm its value.
Are cleaned or damaged rare coins still valuable?
Although damage does lower the value of a coin, extremely rare coins will be worth money to collectors.
Where can I sell a rare coin?
All rare coins can be sold on the show, at auctions or even in an online marketplace like eBay or Heritage Auctions.
Tips for Treasure Hunters
- Collections: Past collections are those precious finds that may come through the family currency jar, as well as estate sales.
- Loose Change: Be sure to inspect loose pocket change, especially of an older date.
- Acquisitions: Buy tools to identify hidden rarities. Coin guide book. Loupe.
- You can learn more and share your findings by participating in coin-collecting forums.
The most exceptional examples of numismatics that combine art, history, and good luck include a Bicentennial quarter worth $15 million and rare dimes. Despite the rarity of such discovery, collectors and aficionados still go through change searching for one.
FAQs
1. What makes these rare dimes and bicentennial quarter valuable?
Due to limited production or special minting mistakes, these coins are exceptionally uncommon and valuable. For collectors, the value of each coin might reach $15 million.
2. How can I tell if I have one of these rare dimes or quarters?
Check for distinctive characteristics like missing dates, misplaced design components, or unusual editions, as well as specific minting mistakes. Seek confirmation from a numismatist or currency expert.
3. Why is the bicentennial quarter so valuable?
A unusual fault, like a double die or misprinted design, improves the 1976 bicentennial quarter’s rarity and collector demand, making it expensive.