5 Rare Dimes and Bicentennial Coins value is $455 Million: Often we do not pay much attention to the change lying in our pockets, but for coin collectors, these small coins can sometimes prove to be worth lakhs. Especially, some rare dimes and bicentennial coins issued on America’s 200th Independence Day are now being sold for hundreds or thousands of times more than their original price.
Believe me, maybe one of these rare coins is hidden in your coin collection too! Let’s know about those five special coins whose value can reach thousands or millions of dollars today.
1. 1916-D Mercury Dime: The most valuable dime of the 20th century
When Mercury dimes were made at the Denver Mint in 1916, only 2,64,000 coins were produced. This number was extremely low compared to the millions of coins made at other mints. This is why the 1916-D Mercury dime is so prized by collectors today.
“The 1916-D Mercury dime is one of the most popular coins in the United States. Its very low number and Adolph Weinman’s beautiful design make it extremely attractive,” says Jack Wilson, a rare coin dealer in Philadelphia.
If this coin is even slightly worn, it can be worth $1,000 to $2,000. On the other hand, if it is found in excellent condition, it can fetch more than $200,000 at auction.
Sara Metcalf, a school teacher from Oregon, found a 1916-D Mercury dime among the coins confiscated from the bank and sold it for $1,200. So, next time you look at your old coins carefully!
2. 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdated: A World War II Mistake
In the 1940s, U.S. mints were rushing to produce coins because World War II was underway. In the rush, the new 1942 date was engraved on the old 1941 coin without completely removing the die, causing the faint image of the “1” to appear beneath the “2.”
“This coin tells the story of a time when wartime caused many coinage errors,” explains numismatic historian Eleanor Prescott.
This Philadelphia-made coin with the error can fetch $500 to $800 in fair condition, while unworn coins have sold for up to $10,000. The Denver version is even rarer, starting at $5,000.
If you have a 1942 Mercury dime, take a close look at the “2” with a magnifying glass. If it has a glimpse of a “1,” you might be in luck!
3. 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime: A Modern-Day Rarity
Not every rare dime is old. In 1975, the San Francisco Mint mistakenly made some proof dimes without the “S” mintmark. The mistake was included in some proof sets, making this coin extremely rare today.
“The 1975 No-S dime is a modern mistake, but its rarity makes it extremely valuable,” says Miguel Fernandez, a coin dealer in Austin, Texas.
There are an estimated less than 500 of them today, and they could be worth $15,000 to $25,000.
If you’ve found an old proof set, it could contain this coin. Many such coins are passed down through families and people don’t recognize their value.
4. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter: A Treasure Hidden in Your Pocket
In 1976, a special quarter was issued to commemorate America’s 200th Independence Day, featuring an image of a colonial drummer. Since this coin was made in large numbers, its general value is not high. But certain special editions can sell for thousands of dollars.
The most valuable edition is the “1976-S Silver Proof Quarter,” which has a double die obverse (DDO) error. The coin has a double image on the letters “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Thomas Gardner, an expert on bicentennial coins, explains, “This coin combines three major things—the bicentennial design, the silver content, and the mint error. That’s why this coin is so special.”
This coin in good condition can sell for $400 to $800, while the highest quality coins can reach prices as high as $2,000.
5. 1976 Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar: Big Coin, Big Price
The biggest coin in the Bicentennial series was the Eisenhower dollar, which featured the liberty bell and the Moon. Although most versions are common, some rare versions can sell for thousands of dollars.
If you have a 1976 Eisenhower dollar, take a close look at it—it might just change your fortune!
Conclusion
Old coins aren’t just pieces of metal, they’re a glimpse of history and can sometimes be fortune-changers. From the 1916-D Mercury dime to the 1976 Bicentennial quarter, many coins could be worth millions in your pocket. The next time you count your coins, pay attention—you might even have a rare coin hidden away!
FAQs
Q. How do I know the value of my old coins?
A. You can contact a professional coin appraiser or search online auction websites to know the authenticity and value of the coins.
Q. Can rare coins be found in the bank?
A. Yes, many people unknowingly deposit rare coins while collecting coins. It may be beneficial to take a roll from the bank and check.
Q. Should I clean these coins?
A. Absolutely not! Cleaning coins may affect their original condition and value.