Dimes Worth Money – The Small Coins with Big Value

While many of us may not pay much attention to the small, seemingly insignificant coins in our pockets or wallets, the truth is that some of these coins could be worth much more than their face value. One such coin is the dime, which has a long history in the United States and has undergone many changes over the years.

However, not all dimes are created equal – some are extremely valuable and sought-after by collectors and investors. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of “Dimes Worth Money” and explore how to identify them, what makes them valuable, and how to potentially profit from them.

Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or just curious about the value of your pocket change, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and information on dimes worth money.

Historical Significance of Dimes

Dimes have been a part of American currency since the republic’s early days. The first silverish dime mintages occurred in 1792. These early dimes were called “dismes” and were worth ten cents. The production of silverish dimes continued until 1964 when the composition was changed to copper-nickel.

Dimes have always been popular due to their small size and silver content. Many people consider them lucky, which has helped keep them in circulation. The popularity of dimes has led to their inclusion in many cultural references, such as the expression “a dime a dozen.”

The historical significance of dimes goes beyond their popular culture status. Dimes are critical in commemorating important events and people in American history. In 1946, for example, the Roosevelt dime was introduced. This coin featured the likeness of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had died earlier that year. The Roosevelt dime was so popular that it remains in production more than 70 years after its first mint.

Related: What Quarters Are Worth Money? List of Rare Quarters

Rare Dimes

Rare available dimes worth keeping include the following:

• Mercury Dimes

The Mercury dime, sometimes called the Winged Liberty Head dime, was created by Adolph Weinman in 1916. A Mercury Dime’s worth can change significantly based on its era, condition, and mint mark. A single coin’s value can range from less than $1.50 to more than $1500.

• Roosevelt Dimes

In 1956, the Philadelphia Mint produced 669,384-proof silver Roosevelt dimes. Each coin is currently worth between $1.61 and $9.37. But, one specific example with intense cameo contrast fully maintained was sold at Heritage Auctions in 2016 for $19,975.

Other Rare Dimes

• Barber Dimes

Barber dime production occurred at the following four mints, including Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). These dimes are valued at $4.63 in good condition and $135 in excellent condition.

• Seated Liberty Dimes

Christian Gobrecht created the Liberty Seated dime, minted between 1837 and 1891. Dealers or collectors can spend around $10 on an excellent example of the Legend Obverse edition. However, you can spend around $741 on an uncirculated No Stars Obverse type.

Related: Nickels Worth Money Exploring the History and Worth of America’s Smallest Coin

Factors That Affect the Value of Dimes

If you want to collect dimes for long-term investment as a hobby, it will help you understand factors that could influence their value. Here are the factors affecting the value of your dimes.

Condition

The grading system assesses a coin’s condition and determines its value. Coins with a perfect mint grade have a much higher value compared to identical coins with minor blemishes. A coin’s strike, attractiveness, luster, color, and preservation are the criteria you can use to determine its grade. Therefore, certifying a coin before selling or buying would be best.

Mintage

The general supply of different types of dimes in the market will depend on a coin’s initial mintage. Usually, a coin dies whenever the mint company stops production, causing the supply to become fixed during a specific period. Therefore, this influences coin prices.

Rarity

While most dimes are considered not rare and are only worth their face value, specific variations and errors are in high demand and considered valuable by coin collectors.

Demand

Any piece of a dime that is rare will be in high demand and vice versa. An increase in demand among coin collectors and the numismatic community does lead to a rise in a coin’s value. This will happen mostly to old dimes that are hard to find. The demand will also rise when coin dealers run marketing campaigns popularizing certain types of coins on offer.

Provenance

Provenance refers to the coin’s mintage point, who owned it previously, and any special historical significance attached to the coin. For example, a coin’s value may be higher if it has a known ownership history or authentication by a respected grading service.

Related: The 1964 Penny – A Complete Guide

How to Identify Valuable Dimes

Examining the coin closely and consulting reference materials is essential to identifying valuable dimes. However, the most reliable way to determine the value of a dime is to have it appraised by a professional.

When examining a dime, you should pay close attention to its condition. The condition of a coin can have a significant impact on its value. If a dime is in poor condition, it will be worth less than one in pristine condition.

It is also essential to consult reference materials when identifying valuable dimes. Many resources available can provide information on the value of coins. These resources can be invaluable when determining whether a dime is valuable.

The most reliable way to determine the value of a dime is to have it appraised by a professional. Appraisers are experts in assessing the value of coins and can give you a near-accurate estimate of what your dime is worth.

Related: 1964 D Penny – Features, Errors, And Value

What Are the 10 Most Valuable Dimes?

Here are the most valuable dimes you can find:

1. 1894 S PR 66 BM Barber Dime ($1,997,500)

The 1894 S PR 66 BM Barber Dime is a product of the San Francisco Mint, which Charles E. Barber designed. The coin weighs 0.08038 troy ounces (2.50g) with a reeded edge. It has a diameter of 0.70472 inches (17.90mm). Unfortunately, only about nine pieces still exist. During an auction organized by Heritage Auction in 2016, one collector bought it for $1,997,500.

2. 1873 CC MS 65 No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime ($1,840,000)

The 1873 CC MS 65 No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime is from Carson City mint with reeded edges. It weighs 0.07973 troy ounces (2.48g) with a diameter of 0.70472. The production firm minted about 12,400 coins without arrows. However, the melting of these coins occurred immediately, but one specimen survived and still exists. One collector bought the piece in 2012 for $1,840,000 from Stack’s Bower Auction.

3. 1792 MS 68 Bust Half Dime (Disme) ($1,145,625)

Philadelphia mint produced 1,500 pieces of 1792 MS 68 Bust Half Dime (Disme) in 1793 using a single set of dies. The coins comprise silver (89.2%) and copper (10.8%) and weigh 0.04340 troy ounces (1.35 g) with a diameter of 0.68898 inches (17.50 mm). However, coin experts estimate that only 250 pieces exist. In 2013, the finest piece of the 1792 Half Disme was sold for $1,145,625.

4. 1796 MS 67 Draped Bust Dime ($881,250)

The Philadelphia mint released about 22,135 Draped bust dimes in 1796. The coins feature a small eagle on the reverse side. The price for the surviving 1,000 pieces ranges from $2,487 to $45 550, depending on the coin’s condition. Heritage Auctions sold a top-notch grade coin to a collector in 2014 for $881,250.

5. 1804 14 Stars AU 58 Cac Draped Bust Dime ($632,500)

The 1804 14 Stars AU 58 Cac Draped Bust Dime is a creation of the Philadelphia Mint. The company released about 8,265 pieces, which come in two versions, one with 13 stars and the other with 14 stars above the heraldic eagle on the coin reverse.

Experts estimated that about 20 coins with 14 stars are in circulation, and about 74 with 13 stars exist. Both types of coins weigh 0.08681 troy ounces (2.70 g) and have a diameter of 0.77953 inches (19.80 mm). The current market value for the coin is between $2,523 and $96,512.  During an auction in 2008, one well-preserved piece fetched about $632,500.

6. 1873 CC MS 65 Arrows Liberty Seated Dime ($552,000)

About 18,791 pieces of 1873 CC MS 65 Arrows Liberty Seated Dime came from the Carson City Mint firm in 1983. The coins weigh about 0.08038 troy ounces (2.50 g), and their current market value in good condition is $3,080 to $72,443.  In 2022, one collector paid $552,000 for a piece during an auction organized by Heritage Auction.

7. 1872 CC 63 Liberty Seated Dime ($480,000)

The Carson City mint about 35,480 pieces of 1872 CC 63 Liberty Seated Dime when production commenced in 1972. A 1872 dime in good condition will cost you about $481, and $119,850 in high-grade condition. A piece in excellent condition broke a record during auctioning in 2022 when it traded for $480,000.

8. 1975 No S PR 68 Roosevelt Dime ($456,000)

Most proof coins come from Philadelphia. However, the 1975 No S PR 68 Roosevelt Dime is an exceptional one from the San Francisco mint.  About 2,845,450 were created in 1975. Two dime-proof sets used in production came without the S mint mark. As a result, two coins from the company are different from the others, and one reached a price of $456,000 during auctioning by Heritage Auctions in 2019.

9. 1822 PR 66 Cameo Capped Bust Dime ($440,625)

1797 13 Stars MS 65 Draped Bust Dime is a creation of the Philadelphia mint from 1822. These proof coins are currently worth $1,317 to $28,661 and weigh 0.08681 troy ounces (2.70 g) with a diameter of 0.74803 inches (19 mm). Experts believe that about two to five examples of the proof coins from that year exist.  In 2014, a piece with brilliant iridescent toning fetched $440,625 during auctioning by Heritage Auctions.

10. 1797 13 Stars MS 65 Draped Bust Dime ($402,500)

Robert Scot designed the 1797 13 Stars MS 65 Draped Bust Dime in 1797. The dime features a small eagle and 13 stars on the coin reverse. The Philadelphia mint did the production of a total of 25,261 coins. The surviving pieces of the coin are worth $3,162 to $89,808.  A valuable coin fetched $402,500 in 2008 during an auction.

Related: 1952 D Wheat Penny – Full Guide

Are Dimes After 1964 Worth Anything?

The majority of dimes minted after 1964 are worth only their face value. However, there is an exception to some of them, such as error coins, which could fetch a lot. Such scarcer coins include the 1949, 1949-D, and 1949-S worth $5 and up. Well-circulated Roosevelt before 1965 could bring between $1.25 and $2.

List of Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money

The types of Roosevelt Dimes worth money are relatively scarce in the market. Here is a list of valuable dimes you will find in circulation.

1964 Copper-Nickel Clad Roosevelt Dime

The mintage of the 1964 Copper-Nickel Clad Roosevelt Dime happened when the production company shifted from producing 90% silver Roosevelt dimes to creating ten-cent pennies from copper-nickel clad. This transitional error coin is rare, and only a handful of pieces are available which can be worth four figures or more.

If you want to distinguish if your piece of 1964 clad Roosevelt dime is different from a regular piece with 90% silver, it would be best to weigh it. An original 1964 clad dime is about 2.27 grams (more or less).

1965 Silver Roosevelt Dime

A 1965 Silver Roosevelt Dime is a rare and valuable transitional error dime from the mid-1960s. Only a handful of the coins are available for trade. Some pieces have traded for $7,000. You can distinguish a 1965 Silver Roosevelt Dime from a standard clad 1965 dime using a scale machine that weighs in increments of hundredths of a gram. A 1965 silver dime weighs about 2.50 grams.

1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime

The “P” Mintmark coins during production on Roosevelt dimes started in 1980. However, some dime production in 1982 from the Philadelphia mint appears without the message. Coins produced without mint marks include the Philly Roosevelt dimes that don’t have the “Mintmark” on the observe side. These coins occasionally circulate and can be worth about $65 or more but require extra searching or authentication.

1996-W Roosevelt Dime

The production of the 1996-W Roosevelt Dime happened at the West Point Mint firm to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this popular dime series. Unfortunately, the mint firm did not issue the coin for circulation. However, due to the breakup of mint sets over the years, some coins have been released for circulation, and if you happen to have any of the pieces, they are worth keeping because they can bring $2 to $3.

Related: 1899 Indian Head Penny Value

1894 Dime Worth $2 Million

According to Coinweek and Blanchard & Co, the 1894-S Barber Dime is worth nearly $2 million. In 2016, this rare dime was bought by an anonymous buyer for $1,997,500.

1970s Dimes Worth Money

The 1975 no-S proof Roosevelt dime variations are the most expensive 1970s dimes. They have traded for over $300,000 and are among the most costly modern US coins.

1990’s Dimes Worth Money

The NGC Price Guide estimates that a circulating Roosevelt Dime from 1990 cost between $0.15 and $0.35 as of February 2023. But, on the open market, 1990 D dimes in pristine, uncirculated condition retail for as much as $600.

Where to Buy and Sell Valuable Dimes

There are a few different ways to buy and sell valuable dimes. Here are some of the options you can try that suit your needs.

Coin Dealers

One way is to go to a coin dealer. They will have a large selection of dimes and other coins and can give you an accurate appraisal of your dime’s value. Working with certified dealers registered under American Numismatic Association or Professional Numismatists Guild would be best.

Auctions

Participating in auctions offering rare coins is another best way to buy dimes. Another option is to hold an auction. This can be a great way to get top dollar for your dime, but you will need to research beforehand to ensure you are using a reputable auction house.

Online Marketplaces

There are online marketplaces where you can buy and sell dimes (and other coins). These can be convenient, but you’ll need to be careful as some scams exist. Always research before using any online marketplace, and always pay with a secure method (like PayPal) for protection if something goes wrong.

Conclusion

Dimes can be worth more than face value if they are rare and old enough to carry a premium. While it is unlikely that you will find a valuable dime or two in circulation, coin collecting is an exciting hobby that could lead to discovering some great finds. If you decide to get into the world of coin collecting, research which coins are worth money and how best to grade them for value. With knowledge and patience, finding dimes with the significant monetary value could be just around the corner.