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Rare dimes are valuable collectibles that many coin collectors hope to find.
Of course, finding rare dimes is easier said than done… let me tell you!
I’ve actually managed to find some 90% silver dimes, a few minor error dimes, and the like. However, I’m still looking for some truly rare and valuable dimes.
Maybe you’ll have better luck than I’ve had so far!
What Are The Most Valuable Dimes, Generally?
Before I dive into the list of rare dimes worth a bankroll or so apiece, let me share with you a rundown on dimes that aren’t exactly rare but worth significantly more than face value.
They include:
- All pre-1965 silver dimes — These are made from a 90% silver composition. Pre-1965 silver dimes include Barber dimes, Mercury dimes, and Roosevelt dimes. They’re worth $2+
- Error dimes — Dimes with off-center strikes, die breaks, and broadstrikes vary in value on a case-by-case basis but are generally worth $5 to $25+
- Semi-key dates — Semi-key date coins are pretty much anything that’s between common and rare. Here’s a breakdown on some of the major ones since 1916:
- 1921 Mercury dime — $50+
- 1921-D Mercury dime — $60+
- 1949 Roosevelt dime — $3+
- 1949-D Roosevelt dime — $3+
- 1949-S Roosevelt dime — $4+
- 1950 Roosevelt dime — $3+
- 1950-S Roosevelt dime — $3+
- 1996-W Roosevelt dime — $10+
What Years Of Dimes Are Valuable, Specifically?
OK, are you ready to start searching for the really rare dimes — those that are worth $100 or more in Good condition or better?
Break out the coin loupe and start checking your change!
Here’s a list of rare dimes by year, and their values:
Early Dimes 1796-1837
- All Draped Bust dimes (made before 1809) — $550+
- 1809 Capped Bust dime — $600+
- 1811, 11 Over 09 Capped Bust dime — $200+
- 1814 STATESOFAMERICA Capped Bust dime — $250+
- 1820 STATESOFAMERICA Capped Bust dime — $200+
- 1822 Capped Bust dime — $2,000+
- 1824, 4 Over 2, Pointed 1 — $350+
- 1827 Flat Top 1 in 10C. Capped Bust dime — $200+
- 1828 Large Date, Curl Base 2 — $110+
- 1829 Curl Base 2 Capped Bust dime — $5,000+
Liberty Seated Dimes 1837-1891
- 1838-O Liberty Seated dime — $100+
- 1843-O Liberty Seated dime — $150+
- 1844 Liberty Seated dime — $150+
- 1846 Liberty Seated dime — $175+
- 1856-S Liberty Seated dime — $250+
- 1858-S Liberty Seated dime — $150+
- 1859-S Liberty Seated dime — $250+
- 1859, Obverse of 1859 with Stars, Reverse of 1860 Liberty Seated dime — $5,000+
- 1860-O Liberty Seated dime — $500+
- 1861-S Liberty Seated dime — $150+
- 1862-S Liberty Seated dime — $150+
- 1863 Liberty Seated dime — $650+
- 1864 Liberty Seated dime — $300+
- 1865 Liberty Seated dime — $400+
- 1866 Liberty Seated dime — $700+
- 1867 Liberty Seated dime — $550+
- 1870-S Liberty Seated dime — $200+
- 1871-CC Liberty Seated dime — $2,50 0+
- 1872-CC Liberty Seated dime — $1,300+
- 1873-CC Liberty Seated dime — $1,500,000+
- 1873 doubled die Liberty Seated dime — $500+
- 1873-CC Liberty Seated dime — $2,800+
- 1874-CC Liberty Seated dime — $7,500+
- 1878-CC Liberty Seated dime — $150+
- 1879 Liberty Seated dime — $175+
- 1880 Liberty Seated dime — $135+
- 1881 Liberty Seated dime — $150+
- 1885-S Liberty Seated dime — $500+
Barber Dimes
- 1893 3 Over 2 Barber dime — $135+
- 1894-S Barber dime — $1,00,000+
- 1895-O Barber dime — $400+
Mercury Dimes
- 1916-D Mercury dime — $1,000+
- 1942, 42 Over 41 Mercury dime — $500+
- 1942-D, 42 Over 41 Mercury dime — $450+
Roosevelt Dimes
- 1968 No-S Roosevelt dime — $10,000+
- 1970 No-S Roosevelt dime — $500+
- 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime — $500,000+
- 1982 No-P Roosevelt dime — $125+
- 1983 No-S Roosevelt dime — $500+
Tips For Finding Rare Dimes
A lot of us are looking for coins in our pocket change, and that’s a great way to start your search for the great rarities. But that’s not the only place to find rare dimes!
- Check rolls of dimes for old and valuable pieces — You can buy a roll of dimes for from your nearest financial institution for $5 (the face value of the 50 dimes in the roll). Searching rolls is how I’ve found many scarce and valuable coins!
- Search the reject bins of CoinStar machines — These devices which convert loose change into cash (or cash vouchers) are found in grocery stores, big-box retail chains, and other places. They have provided jackpots for many keen-eyed collectors.
- Don’t forget your friendly coin dealer — You can cherrypick some excellent finds at a coin shop — because, sometimes, rare coins are hiding in plain sight! That’s especially the case with less-obvious rare coins — like some of the obscure Liberty Seated dime varieties.
- Look through old proof sets for the no-S dimes — You really don’t stand a good chance of finding these in pocket change, but you have a legit hope of finding them after combing through bunches of old proof sets. You’ll find bins of these at coin shops, flea markets — even at yard sales and estate sales.
Here’s my video about rare dimes that you can find in pocket change:
I’m the Coin Editor here at TheFunTimesGuide. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. I’m a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) and have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. I’m also the editor at the Florida United Numismatists Club (FUN Topics magazine), and author of Images of America: The United States Mint in Philadelphia (a book that explores the colorful history of the Philadelphia Mint). I’ve contributed hundreds of articles for various coin publications including COINage, The Numismatist, Numismatic News, Coin Dealer Newsletter, Coin Values, and CoinWeek. I’ve authored nearly 1,000 articles here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins (many of them with over 50K shares), and I welcome your coin questions in the comments below!
