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Rare Dimes and Bicentennial Quarters Valued at $70 Million – Do You Have One?

History of rare coins is full of mystery in the forms of historical provenance, minting errors, and unbelievable scarcity. Among these are rare dimes and bicentennial quarters, which are coveted by investors and collectors. We cover here some of the most exceptional dimes and bicentennial quarters, some of their striking features, and why they value so much.

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Overview of Rare Dimes and Bicentennial Quarters

Numismatists typically render rare coins valuable on the grounds of several factors such as low mintage, historical significance, and mint errors. For example, the 1894-S Barber dime is one of the rarest and most valuable dimes since it was produced in only 24 coins. Similarly, a bicentennial quarter with an error on the double die obverse can command millions of dollars if auctioned

Table of Rare Dimes and Bicentennial Quarters

Coin Name	Year	Unique Feature	Estimated Value
1894-S Barber Dime	1894	Only 24 minted	$1 million to $2 million
1942/1 Mercury Dime	1942	Overstruck date error	$15 million+
1949-S Roosevelt Dime	1949	Limited production, “S” mint mark	$15 million+
Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die Obverse)	1976	Double die obverse error	$15 million+
1916-D Mercury Dime	1916	Limited mintage of 264,000	Up to $100,000+
1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime	1873	Carson City mint mark “CC”	Up to $50,000
1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime	1968	Missing “S” mint mark	Up to $20,000
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime	1975	Missing “S” mint mark	Up to $20,000
1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime	1982	Missing “P” mint mark	Up to $5,000
1955 Double Die Roosevelt Dime	1955	Doubled design elements	Up to $2,000

Detailed Look at Each Rare Coin

1894-S Barber Dime

Summary
The 1894-S Barber Dime is among the most expensive coins in American coin collecting. A total of 24 coins were produced at the San Francisco Mint, and less than 10 are known to be in existence today. Why they were not produced in higher numbers is not known, but speculations point towards them having been produced as special presents or to pay out money at the mint.

Value and Significance

Rarity: Fewer than a few coins in existence make it very rare.
Historical Significance: Is American history and highly sought after by collectors because of the significance of being a piece of history and a rarity.
Value: Commands an auction price between $1 million and $2 million.

Identification Tips

Mint Mark: Find the “S” mint mark on the back.
Condition: Coins which are in fine condition are that much more valuable.
Rarity: Extremely rare since it was minted in a small quantity.

1942/1 Mercury Dime

Overview
1942/1 Mercury Dime is an extremely rare overstruck date error coin. The coin is very valuable because of the date minting error.

Value and Significance

Mint Error: It has an overstruck date mint error.
Value: May be sold for over $15 million when it becomes available for sale.
Rarity: Extremely rare since it includes a single error.

Identification Tips

Date Error: Locate the overstruck date.
Condition: The coin’s condition, the higher, the more valuable.
Rarity: Very well-liked by collectors because it isn’t out there in huge quantities.

1949-S Roosevelt Dime

Overview
The 1949-S Roosevelt Dime is very valuable because it was struck in small quantity and it also has a historical value. It has the small “S” mint mark, therefore different from all other Roosevelt dimes.

Value and Significance

Limited Production: Smaller amounts mined.
Historical Significance: Highly coveted by collectors because it’s a coin of history.
Value: Sold for more than $15 million when auctioned.

Identification Tips

Mint Mark: Look for the tiny “S” mint mark.
Condition: Coins in better condition are more valuable.
Rarity: Collector’s sought-after coin.

Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die Obverse)

Overview
Double die obverse error Bicentennial Quarter is an extremely rare and precious coin. The error is double in the design a little, which is unusual.

Value and Significance

Minting Error: Possesses a double die obverse error.
Value: Can sell for more than $15 million at auction.
Rarity: Highly sought after by collectors because of its rarity.

Identification Tips

Double Impression: Observe the double impression on the design.
Condition: Coins in good condition are more valuable.
Rarity: Extremely rare due to a particular mistake.

1916-D Mercury Dime

Overview
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is the most widely collected dime. With a production run of only 264,000 coins, it is one of the 20th century’s rarest dimes.

Value and Significance

Limited Mintage: Only 264,000 coins were minted.
Value: Can fetch as much as $100,000 or more in auction.
Historical Significance: Is significant to American numismatic history.

Identification Tips

Mint Mark: Look for the “D” mint mark on the back.
Condition: More valuable if in good condition.
Rarity: A collector’s item due to its low mintage.

1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime

Overview
The 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime is an actual piece of history of the Wild West. Struck in Carson City (CC), the dime is extremely rare due to its low mintage.

Value and Significance

Rarity: Extremely valuable due to its low mintage number.
Historical Significance: An American piece of history.
Value: Worth up to $50,000 or more.

Identification Tips

Mint Mark: Find the “CC” mint mark under the wreath on the back.
Condition: Best are coins with sharp details and minimal wear.
Rarity: Highly sought after by collectors due to its historical significance.

1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime

Overview
1968 No-S Roosevelt dime is a scarce error coin that lacks the “S” mint mark. It is a very valuable coin due to its mint error.

Value and Significance

Mint Error: Without the “S” mint mark.
Value: Can sell for as much as $20,000 at auction.
Rarity: Extremely popular with collectors since it is extremely rare.

Identification Clues

Missing Mint Mark: Notice that there is no “S” mint mark.
Condition: More valuable if well-preserved.
Rarity: Rare and much sought after by collectors.

1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime

Overview
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is a very rare error coin that does not have the “S” mint mark. Only two exist today, and it is quite valuable.

Value and Significance

Mint Error: No “S” mint mark.
Value: As high as $20,000 when sold at auction.
Rarity: Extremely rare since few specimens are in existence.

Identification Tips

Missing Mint Mark: Note that there is no “S” mint mark.
Condition: More valuable coins are well-conditioned.
Rarity: Much sought after by collectors because it is extremely rare.

1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime

Overview
The 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime is an uncommon modern mint error without any “P” mint mark. The dime is greatly valuable due to its uncommon mint error.

Value and Significance

Mint Error: Missing the “P” mint mark.
Value: As much as $5,000 at auction.
Rarity: Much sought after by collectors due to the fact that it is rare.

Identification Hints

Missing Mint Mark: Notice that there is no “P” mint mark above the date.
Condition: Coins in better condition are worth more.
Rarity: Collectors’ favorite.

1955 Doubled Die Roosevelt Dime

Description

1955 Doubled Die Roosevelt Dime is a rare coin with doubling effect on its design. The dime is very much sought after for its unique mint error.

Worth and Significance

Mint Error: Doubling on the design.
Worth: It can sell for as high as $2,000 when auctioned.
Rarity: Very rare and much coveted by collectors due to its unique looks.

Identification Tips

Doubling Effect: Check for a doubling effect on the design.
Condition: Coins are more valuable in better condition.
Rarity: Very rare and much coveted by collectors.

Why They’re Worth the Coins

Here are some of the reasons these quirky coins are so valuable:

Uniqueness: Coins like the 1894-S Barber dime and the 1942/1 Mercury dime are exceptionally rare because they were printed in minimal numbers or created with exceptional mint errors.
Mint error: Overdate overprinting or no mint marks are some of the errors that tremendously contribute to the value of a coin.
Historical significance: Coins like the 1873-CC Seated Liberty dime are closely linked to America, so they are a favorite among collectors.
Demand: Collector-favorite coins can see an increase in their value since demand is high.
Condition: Condition is important as coins in good condition are so much more valuable than worn or damaged coins.

How to Identify Rare Coins in Your Collection

If you believe that you possess a rare coin, read these steps:

Look for mint marks: Look for distinctive mint marks such as “S,” “D,” or “CC.”
Look for errors: Look for misspells, double letters, or mint marks.
Assess the condition: Coins in excellent condition are worth much more.
Get the experts’ opinion: If you believe you’ve found a rare coin, have it professionally graded.

Finding a rare dime or bicentennial quarter can turn one’s life around, especially if it is one of these extremely valuable coins. Always keep your coins safely in cases and have them professionally evaluated to establish their authenticity and value.

Conclusion

The world of rare coin collecting is full of stories of historical significance, mint errors, and plain old rarity. The coins at issue here, like the 1894-S Barber dime and the Bicentennial quarter doubled die obverse error, are two of the most fascinating and sought-after coins in American numismatics. Whether you’re an old hand or just starting out, knowing the history of such coins makes the art and history of coin collecting even more charming.