Among those rare and exorbitantly valued coins stellar in the numismatic world are the odd few that are so beautifully imperfect or ancient that there really is no comparison. Misers among the coins, those that did not last, have shown some of the most valuable specimens of dimes.
The best five rare dimes are what we are looking into today. Their combined worth reaches around $9.3 million.
1894-S Barber
Estimated Value: $2,000,000
The 1894-S Barber Dime is the finest gem among the rare dimes. It was minted in San Francisco in 1894, and only 24 of these dimes were produced. According to the history of American coins, this is one of the most aggressively sought-after coins.
They are, at most, nine coins in existence today; their rarity has skyrocketed their value. As an example, in 2016, one coin sold close to $2 million, setting a world record for dimes.
It bears the classic Barber design, with Liberty’s head on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse. Its great distinction, however, is an enigmatical history.
The most famous story goes that the superintendent of the San Francisco Mint gave it to his daughter, where she subsequently spent one of those three dimes on ice cream. Whether it turns out to be true or not, the chase has added to the coin’s allure and value.
1796 Draped Bust
The 1796 Draped Bust Dime is a coin of national American history. Currently, it is the first dime ever minted in the Mint of the United States, and thus holds a very important position in history.
It has a small eagle on the reverse side of the coin and Liberty’s portrait on the obverse. The small eagle design was only used for two years before it was replaced, increasing its rarity even more.
It is the finest known example, grading MS-67; and therefore, sold for $1.32 million in 2016. However, because of its historical importance and the increased demand for rare coins, experts speculate that this figure could now easily exceed $1.8 million.
1733-CC No Arrows
Expected Value: $2,500,000
The Liberty Seated dime minted in Carson City in 1873 is an absolute numismatic unicorn. The weight standard changed for dime coins that year, and the account states that these coins were supposed to have been completely destroyed. One specimen, however, did survive, making it the only such known example existing.
This unique coin was sold last in 2012 for $1.84 million. Today, however, with rising curiosity for rare numismatics from around the world, experts test consider that to be worth about $2.5 million.
Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the dime also depicts Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole on which stands a liberty cap. The reverse has a wreath encompassing the words “ONE DIME.” In terms of its design, though, it has no significant worth-except in the fact that it is the only remaining example of this coin that was meant to be extinct.
1975 No S Roosevelt
Estimated Value: $500,000
Indeed, no coin comes from ancient times in order to be considered valuable. The 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime is a modern rarity that commands an impressive price.
Part of the 1975 proof set, this dime was inadvertently struck without the “S” mint mark indicating it had been made at the San Francisco Mint. Only two examples are known of its existence, making it one of the rarest modern coins.
In the year 2019, that dime was sold for $456,000. With increased interest in error coins and modern rarities, experts estimate its value today to be around $500,000.
What makes this coin especially intriguing is that it represents a proof coin, which was to be perfection. The fact that such an error slipped through quality control-and that it happens to be with only two coins-makes it one of the most unique dimes ever struck.
1822 Cap Bust
Estimated Value: $2,500,000
The dime of 1822 Capped Bust is one of the most cryptic coins in American numismatics. No business strike examples exist in the numismatic community, and only three proof examples have been readily authenticated.
The most recent sale of an 1822 Capped Bust Dime occurred in 2016, when a Proof-66 specimen was sold for $440,625. But since it is now the most extreme scarce and rarer, the rising demand shows that should such a coin come on market nowadays, one could pay as much as $2.5 million for it.
This coin was drawn by John Reich and depicts Liberty crowned with a cap on the obverse, while the reverse shows an eagle with its chest protected by a shield. The design does not drive value; it is, instead, the mystery and extreme rarity of the coin that drives value.
The Value of Rarity
These prove that five dimes can carry a value equivalent to that of a castle. Even though it may be attached to history, a mint error, or pure rarity, each of these dimes today stands tall in the treasure world numismatic.
Their combined value of $9.3 million demonstrates the quirky and shady world of collecting rare coins. So, if you ever come across an old dime, stare at it twice-you might be holding a fortune.
FAQS:
How many 1894-S Barber Dimes exist today?
Only nine examples are known to exist.
Why is the 1873-CC No Arrows Dime so valuable?
It is the only known surviving example of its kind.
What makes the 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime rare?
Only two proof examples are known to exist.
How much did the 1796 Draped Bust Dime sell for?
A top specimen sold for $1.32 million in 2016.
What is the estimated value of the 1822 Capped Bust Dime?
Experts estimate it could be worth $2.5 million.