Have you ever wondered if there might be something valuable in your loose change? Most coins are worth only a few cents, but some rare dimes can be worth hundreds, even thousands, of dollars! These special dimes became valuable because of their rarity, minting mistakes, or historical importance. In this article, we’ll talk about three rare dimes you might find just by checking your pocket change. Keep reading to discover what makes these coins so valuable and how to spot them!
1. The 1916-D Mercury Dime
One of the most famous rare dimes is the 1916-D Mercury Dime. This dime was made in Denver, and only 264,000 were ever produced. Because of the small number minted, it’s one of the hardest to find. The coin features a picture of Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap, which represents freedom of thought. On the back of the coin, there is a fasces (a bundle of sticks) and an olive branch, which symbolize strength and peace.
What makes this dime so valuable is its rarity. Even if it’s worn down from being used, this coin can still sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you want to check if you have one, flip it over and look for the “D” mintmark on the back, just next to the fasces. If you spot it, you might just have a small fortune in your pocket!
2. The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
Another rare dime to look out for is the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime. This is a very unusual coin because of a minting mistake. Normally, proof coins (which are special coins made for collectors) have a mintmark that shows where they were made. But in 1975, some proof sets from the San Francisco Mint accidentally left off the “S” mintmark, making these dimes very rare and valuable.
In fact, one of these coins sold for more than $456,000 in 2019! This dime is so rare that you can’t find many in circulation. If you have any 1975 proof sets, it’s worth checking closely to see if one of these dimes is hiding among them. If you do find one, you might want to get it checked by a professional because it could be worth a lot of money!
3. The 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime is another rare coin made by mistake. Like the 1975 No-S coin, the 1968 version was also a proof coin, but it was missing the “S” mintmark. This error happened because the minting process was rushed, and only a small number of these coins were produced. As a result, they are very valuable today.
A 1968 No-S dime in good condition has been sold for more than $20,000 at auctions. If you have proof sets from the 1960s, take a close look at the dimes. If the coin has no mintmark, you could be holding one of the rarest dimes around!
How to Spot These Rare Dimes
It’s important to know how to identify these rare dimes if you want to find one. The 1916-D Mercury Dime can be spotted by looking for the “D” mintmark on the back. For the 1975 and 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dimes, you need to carefully inspect proof sets to see if the mintmark is missing. If you think you have one of these rare dimes, it’s a good idea to have it looked at by a coin expert or a professional appraiser. They can help you figure out its true value.
Conclusion: Why You Should Check Your Loose Change
You never know what you might find in your loose change! While most dimes are worth only 10 cents, rare ones like the 1916-D Mercury Dime, 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime, and 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime can be worth a lot of money. If you happen to come across one of these rare dimes, you could be holding a small treasure in your pocket. So next time you check your change, take a closer look – you might find something much more valuable than you expected.
If you’re not sure about your coins, it’s worth doing a little research or asking an expert. Who knows, your pocket change could be worth thousands of dollars!
FAQs
1. What makes a 1916-D Mercury Dime so valuable?
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is rare because only 264,000 were minted, making it highly sought after by collectors.
2. How can I identify a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime?
Look for a 1975 proof coin without the “S” mintmark, which is a rare minting error that makes it valuable.
3. Why is the 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime worth so much?
The 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime is valuable because it was made without the “S” mintmark, making it a rare mistake.