There are those coins which, in some certain hallowed places such as Numismatics, are indeed historical relics as much as they are, sometimes, multimillion-dollar treasures. The likes of some rare dimes and Bicentennial quarters have moved into great legendary status due to their scarcity and unique backstories.
As we step into 2025, here are five dimes and a particularly Bicentennial quarter that lucks out could turn collectors into instant millionaires in the popular interpretation of it.
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1894-S Barber
Sometimes referred to as the dimes’ Holy Grail, the 1894-S Barber Dime witnessed the mintage of only 24 coins, and today only nine of those are known to exist.
Key Facts:
Mintage: 24
Known Survivors: 9
Value: $2,000,000 – $2,500,000
The origin of this dime is shrouded in mystery. It is alleged that the San Francisco Mint superintendent, John Daggett, struck these coins to balance his accounts, giving some of them instead to his daughter, who purportedly spent one on ice cream, accounting for its worn condition today.
1916-D Mercury
Once again the standard rare coin, the 1916-D Mercury Dime, is otherwise considered a very rare coin by virtue of its particularly low production run.
Key Facts:
Mintage: 264,000
Value: $10,000 – $100,000+ (depending on condition)
One dimes that had a very low mintage for the year were made by the Denver Mint that had quarters for production in 1916. Any full split bands, considered highly collectible in terms of coin grading, add significantly to the price at which these gems trade.
1975 No S Proof Roosevelt
By the process of accident, these modern rarities were struck without the mintmark for the San Francisco mint, and thus rank as one of the rarest dimes to exist.
Key Facts:
Known specimens: 50 or fewer
Value: $300,000-500,000
Though mint coins from the San Francisco Mint always have an S mint-mark, quality control failed in this situation. The flaw would go undetected until long after collectors observed.
1968 No S Roosevelt Proof
The 1968 No-S Dime is even rarer than its 1975 counterpart; this is an undated proof coin without the San Francisco mint mark.
Key Facts:
Number of Known Specimens: About 12
Value: $75,000-$125,000
Such missing-mintmark errors are among the most-popular modern U.S. coins. Because there are only about 12 known examples, the dime is a must-have for serious collectors.
1942/1 Mercury Overdate
The coin was produced where a die 1942 was accidentally struck over a die of 1941 creating the visible “1” underneath the “2” in the date.
Key Points:
Mint: Unknown, but rare
Value: $5,000-$50,000 (depending on the condition)
Collectors love this variety because it shows uniqueness during the process of preparing coins during World War II. There are not many pieces in good strikes, and high-quality examples command strong premiums.
Bicentennial Quarters
The special quarter were minted by US Mint in the years 1975 and 1976, commemoration for the 200th anniversary of the country. While most of them are common, some rare varieties are worth a fortune.
Standard Issue
Dates: 1776-1976
Reverse Design: Colonial drummer
Composition: Copper-nickel clad (circulating)
Rare and Valuable Varieties
Certain factors make some Bicentennial quarters worth thousands—or even millions:
| Factor | Description | Value Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Composition | Some were minted in 40% silver | Up to $10,000+ |
| Mint State Condition | Coins graded MS-65+ are highly valuable | $1,000 – $7,500+ |
| Proof Versions | Deep cameo proofs are sought-after | $3,000 – $20,000+ |
| Rare Errors | Misprints and doubled dies raise values | $10,000 – $50,000+ |
Such a pure and lovely Bicentennial quarter with a minting error could causally bring upwards of six figures.
The rare dime and the Bicentennial quarters fill our minds with the thought that perhaps all the best treasures are right out in public. Older coins can yield great treasures if you just pay careful attention to them – you may have hundreds already!
FAQS:
Is that worth 1894-S Barber Dime?
It can be worth between $2 million to $2.5 million depending on its condition.
What makes the 1975 No S Dime valuable?
It imprints without a San Francisco mintmark, having known fewer than 50.
Are all Bicentennial Quarters Worth Something?
Not all, but silver, proof, and error mintages can be worth several thousands of dollars.