The 5 Most Valuable American Dimes Worth Millions to Collectors: Dimes may be small, but some of them hold incredible value. While they serve as a common currency for everyday transactions, certain rare dimes are worth millions due to their scarcity, historical significance, and unique minting errors. Collectors eagerly seek these rare finds, often bidding astronomical amounts at auctions. In this article, we’ll explore the five most expensive dimes in American history and what makes them so valuable.
1. 1873 “CC” No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime
One of the rarest dimes ever produced, the 1873 “CC” No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime is a prized possession for collectors.
Key Features:
- Minting: Struck in extremely limited quantities at the Carson City Mint, with fewer than ten known to exist today.
- Design: Features Lady Liberty seated with a shield in one hand and an olive branch in the other.
- Value: Sold for $1.84 million in a 2018 auction.
Why It’s Valuable: Its extreme rarity and historical connection to the Carson City Mint make this dime highly sought after.
2. 1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is famous for its limited mintage and mysterious history.
Key Features:
- Minting: Only 24 were minted at the San Francisco Mint, with just a few still in existence today.
- Design: Designed by Charles E. Barber, featuring a striking portrait of Liberty.
- Value: One of these dimes sold for $1.9 million in 2016.
Why It’s Valuable: Its extreme scarcity and the intrigue surrounding its origin make it one of the most desirable dimes among collectors.
3. 1916 Mercury Dime (Mint Error)
The 1916 Mercury Dime is already a beloved coin, but rare minting errors elevate its value significantly.
Key Features:
- Minting: While many 1916 Mercury Dimes were produced, those with unique mint errors are exceedingly rare.
- Design: Depicts Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought.
- Value: Certain error-struck versions have fetched over $1 million.
Why It’s Valuable: Rare minting anomalies make this dime a standout collector’s item.
4. 1796 Draped Bust Dime
A relic from America’s early coinage history, the 1796 Draped Bust Dime is a rare and cherished collectible.
Key Features:
- Minting: Only 22,135 were produced, and very few remain in pristine condition.
- Design: Features a detailed depiction of Lady Liberty with flowing drapery, with an eagle on the reverse.
- Value: One of these dimes sold for $1.44 million in 2018.
Why It’s Valuable: As one of the earliest dimes ever minted in the U.S., its historical significance makes it extremely valuable.
5. 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime
The 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime is renowned for its unusual minting error.
Key Features:
- Minting: The “S” mintmark is much smaller than usual, making it a rare find.
- Design: Showcases a winged Liberty on the obverse, with a Roman fasces and olive branch on the reverse.
- Value: This rare dime has sold for as much as $1.7 million.
Why It’s Valuable: The minting anomaly combined with its historical significance makes this a highly prized coin.
Conclusion
Although dimes are small, their value can be immense. Factors such as rarity, minting errors, and historical significance contribute to their high worth in the collectors’ market. If you’re a coin enthusiast or looking to invest, keeping an eye out for these valuable dimes could lead to a rewarding discovery.
FAQs on the Most Expensive American Dimes
Q: What are the most expensive U.S. dimes?
A: The 1873 “CC” No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime, 1894-S Barber Dime, 1916 Mercury Dime (Mint Error), 1796 Draped Bust Dime, and 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime rank among the most valuable.
Q: Is investing in rare dimes a good idea?
A: If you have knowledge of the coin market and seek expert advice, investing in rare dimes can be profitable, as their value tends to appreciate over time.
Q: How can I determine the true value of a dime?
A: Factors such as rarity, condition, historical importance, and minting errors contribute to a coin’s value. Consulting with Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS) or analyzing auction data can provide accurate valuations.