In the world of coin collecting, some coins aren’t just worth a few dollars—they can literally be worth millions. We’re looking into the fascinating universe of rare dimes and Bicentennial coins that make collectors go wild.
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just curious about the coins jingling in your drawer, these gems are worth knowing about.
Barber
Let’s kick things off with a legend—the 1894-S Barber Dime. Only 24 were minted, and just nine are known to exist today. It’s the kind of coin that gives collectors goosebumps.
Why it’s iconic: The coin was allegedly made as a gift for the San Francisco Mint director’s friends and daughter. One of those daughters was told to hold onto it—it could one day be worth a fortune. Guess what? He was right.
Value Today: Over $2 million
Rarity: Ultra rare (only 9 known)
Auction Highlight: Sold for $1,997,500 in 2016
Mercury
The 1916-D Mercury Dime stands as one of the most sought-after dimes from the 20th century. It marked the first year of the Mercury design and had a very limited mintage.
Why it’s rare: Only 264,000 were struck at the Denver Mint, and most went into circulation. Pristine versions? Extremely rare.
Value Today: $200,000+
Mint: Denver (D)
Key Detail: First-year design, low production
Roosevelt
Now here’s a modern marvel—the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime. Proof coins from San Francisco are supposed to have an “S” mintmark. But someone slipped, and a couple were minted without it.
Rarity Check: Only 2 confirmed to exist. That’s it.
Value Today: Up to $456,000
Auction Note: One sold for $456,000 in 2019
Overdate
Let’s talk about the cool error coin—the 1942/1 Mercury Dime. This one’s a product of a die being reused from 1941 and overstamped for 1942. You can actually see a “1” under the “2.”
Why it’s hot: Error coins are collector catnip.
Value Today: $500 to $10,000+
Availability: Uncommon but not ultra-rare
NoS
Another Roosevelt Dime makes the list: the 1968 No-S Proof Dime. It was supposed to have a San Francisco mintmark but was struck without it.
Known Specimens: About 12–15 known
Value Today: $10,000 to $20,000
Highlight: Rare mistake in modern coinage
Silver
The 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter takes us into the realm of patriotic treasures. Most 1976 quarters are common, but this 40% silver proof version is something else—especially in flawless condition.
Value Today: Up to $19,200
Why it’s special: High grade + silver content
Mint: San Francisco
Double
Errors make coins more desirable. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Double Die Obverse is a fun one—check the lettering for doubled impressions.
Value Today: $100 to $1,000+
Feature: Doubling is visible on the date and motto
Collectibility: A favorite among error hunters
Kennedy
Like its dime cousins, the 1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar No-S Proof missed its mintmark. A mistake turned it into a rarity.
Rarity Level: Extremely rare
Value Today: $10,000 to $20,000
What to look for: No “S” on a proof half dollar
Eisenhower
Let’s talk 1976 Eisenhower Dollar Type 2. There are two types, but Type 2—with bolder, more defined lettering—is less common and often more valuable.
Value Today: $50 to $1,000+
Why it’s valuable: Lower population, especially in uncirculated condition
Fun Fact: Type 2 lettering is sharper and clearer
Planchet
One of the wildest errors? The 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter Struck on a Clad Dime Planchet. It’s literally a quarter design squished onto a smaller dime-sized planchet.
Why it shocks: Odd size, weird detail mash-up
Rarity: Extremely rare—only a few confirmed
Value Today: $5,000 to $10,000+
Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Coin Name | Estimated Value (2025) | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | $2,000,000+ | Only 9 known |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | $200,000+ | Limited mintage |
| 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime | $456,000 | Only 2 known |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate | $500–$10,000+ | Error coin |
| 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime | $10,000–$20,000 | 12–15 known |
| 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter | Up to $19,200 | 40% silver proof |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Double Die Obverse | $100–$1,000+ | Uncommon error |
| 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar No-S Proof | $10,000–$20,000 | Rare mint error |
| 1976 Eisenhower Dollar Type 2 | $50–$1,000+ | Less common variety |
| 1976-D Quarter on Dime Planchet | $5,000–$10,000+ | Size/minting error |
If you’ve got a box of old coins lying around, it might be worth a peek—you never know what kind of treasure might be hiding in plain sight.
From century-old dimes to modern-day minting mistakes, the value of these rare coins isn’t just in their metal but in the stories they carry and the eyes they light up. Happy hunting!
FAQs
How many 1894-S Barber dimes exist?
Only 9 known specimens remain today.
Why is the 1975 No-S dime so rare?
It’s a mint error with only two known examples.
What is a double die quarter?
A coin with a doubled image due to die misalignment.
How can I identify a Type 2 Eisenhower dollar?
Look for sharper, bolder lettering on the reverse.
Are silver Bicentennial quarters valuable?
Yes, especially in perfect proof condition.
