Coins are more than just money. Some coins, like rare dimes, can be valuable and important to collectors. If you are new to coin collecting or have been doing it for a while, there are certain rare dimes that you should know about. These coins are often worth much more than their face value. In this article, we’ll take a look at four rare dimes that every collector should consider adding to their collection.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime

The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the most famous and valuable dimes in the world. It was made in San Francisco, and only 24 of these dimes were ever made. Because of its rarity, it’s worth a lot of money. In fact, one of these dimes was sold for more than $1.9 million at an auction! If you’re a collector, this dime is something you definitely want to look for.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is another rare coin that collectors go crazy for. This coin was made in Denver and has a unique design, featuring the image of Mercury, the Roman god of messages, on the front. Only 264,000 of these coins were made, making it rare and highly sought after. A 1916-D Mercury Dime in good condition can be worth thousands of dollars.
Topic | Detail |
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1894-S Barber Dime | One of the rarest dimes, with only 24 made in San Francisco. Its extreme rarity makes it worth millions, with some selling for over $1.9 million. |
1916-D Mercury Dime | Produced in Denver, with only 264,000 coins minted. Its unique design and limited production make it a highly valuable coin, worth thousands. |
1828 Capped Bust Dime | An early American coin, featuring a woman wearing a cap. While less famous, it represents American history and is highly valued by collectors. |
1945 Micro-S Mercury Dime | Known for its small “S” mintmark, which was accidentally made smaller than usual. This tiny difference makes it rare, and it can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars. |
Why Rare Dimes Are Valuable | Rare dimes hold value due to their limited production, historical significance, and condition. The rarer the dime, the more valuable it becomes over time. |
How to Identify Rare Dimes | Check the year, mintmark, and overall condition. Coins from specific years and with certain mintmarks are more valuable. Using a coin price guide can help. |
Collecting Rare Dimes | Start by learning about different dimes, mintmarks, and their values. Rare dimes can often be found at auctions, coin shops, or even in your change. |
Investment Potential | Rare dimes can be a good investment. Their value has increased over time, especially for coins like the 1894-S Barber and 1916-D Mercury Dime. |
Where to Sell Rare Dimes | Rare dimes can be sold at auctions, through coin dealers, or online marketplaces. It’s important to get a professional opinion to ensure fair pricing. |
3. 1828 Capped Bust Dime

The 1828 Capped Bust Dime is a piece of American history. The design shows a woman with a cap on her head, and it was produced during the early 1800s. While it may not be as famous as some other rare dimes, it’s still very valuable. Collectors love it because it represents a time when America was still a young country. If you find one of these, it could be worth a lot depending on its condition.
4. 1945 Micro-S Mercury Dime
The 1945 Micro-S Mercury Dime is a rare coin that is known for its small “S” mintmark. This dime was produced in San Francisco, but the mintmark was accidentally made smaller than usual. Collectors are looking for this tiny difference, and it has become a sought-after item. The 1945 Micro-S Dime is rare and valuable, and it can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
FAQs
Why are rare dimes so valuable?
Rare dimes are valuable because they are limited in number and often have unique features that make them stand out. Coins like the 1894-S Barber Dime or the 1916-D Mercury Dime were made in small quantities, which increases their rarity. Over time, as these coins become harder to find, their value continues to rise.
How do I know if a dime is rare or valuable?
To determine if a dime is rare or valuable, you need to check its year, mintmark, and condition. Some dimes, like the 1894-S or 1916-D, are known for being rare because they were made in small quantities. Coins in better condition (without scratches or wear) are usually worth more. Consulting a coin expert or a price guide can help you assess the value of your dime.
What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime so special?
The 1894-S Barber Dime is incredibly rare because only 24 were ever made in San Francisco. Due to its extreme rarity, it has become one of the most valuable dimes, with some selling for over $1.9 million. The high price comes from both its scarcity and historical significance.
What is the 1916-D Mercury Dime worth?
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is highly valuable due to its limited production of just 264,000 coins. Depending on its condition, a 1916-D Mercury Dime can be worth thousands of dollars, especially if it is in mint or near-mint condition.
Why do collectors seek the 1945 Micro-S Mercury Dime?
The 1945 Micro-S Mercury Dime is unique because it features a smaller “S” mintmark than usual. This tiny difference has made it a sought-after coin among collectors. Its rarity and small design flaw increase its value, with some coins worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Rare dimes like the 1894-S Barber Dime, the 1916-D Mercury Dime, the 1828 Capped Bust Dime, and the 1945 Micro-S Mercury Dime are some of the most valuable and sought-after coins for collectors. These dimes represent a piece of history, and their rarity makes them valuable. Whether you’re just starting to collect coins or have been doing it for years, these rare dimes should be on your radar. Keep an eye out for these coins, and who knows, you might just get lucky and find one yourself!