5 Rare Dimes and a Bicentennial Quarter Worth $25 Million Each – Still Circulating in the Market

by Zoha
Published On:
1894-S Barber dime

The world of coin collecting is filled with stories, mysteries, and hidden treasures—especially when it comes to rare dimes and special edition quarters. Some of these coins are worth a fortune today, not just for their metal content, but for their scarcity, history, and the stories they tell.

Let’s take a look at five of the most valuable American dimes and a very special Bicentennial quarter that continue to fascinate collectors.

Barber

The 1894-S Barber dime is the crown jewel of U.S. dime collecting. Only 24 were minted in San Francisco, and today, just nine are known to still exist. Why were so few made? That’s part of the mystery. Legend has it the Mint Superintendent ordered them to balance accounting books.

This dime has sold for over $2 million at auction, thanks to its extreme rarity and the intrigue surrounding its origin. If you ever come across one, you’re looking at one of America’s most prized coins.

Mercury

Next up is the 1916-D Mercury dime. Only 264,000 were made at the Denver Mint—an unusually low number for this type of coin. Why so few? Most resources that year were focused on making quarters instead.

It’s a beautifully designed coin featuring Adolph Weinman’s Winged Liberty, and collectors go wild for high-grade examples. Prices easily exceed $100,000, and pristine specimens have reached close to $200,000.

Carson

The 1873-CC No Arrows Seated Liberty dime comes from a mint that already sparks excitement—Carson City. Only 12,400 of these dimes were minted before a law changed the coin’s weight, which led to melting down and destroying many of them.

Now, fewer than 20 are known to survive. If you have a high-quality one, it could be worth over $300,000. This dime is a perfect blend of Old West history and extreme rarity.

Draped

Let’s go even further back in time to the 1797 Draped Bust dime with 16 stars. The 16 stars were meant to represent all the states in the Union at the time. Back then, the mint was still figuring things out, and coins from this era are incredibly hard to find in good condition.

One of these dimes in excellent shape can approach $500,000 at auction. Even well-worn versions are worth a small fortune. For collectors of early American coinage, this is a dream piece.

1975 No S

This next one is a modern surprise—the 1975 No S Proof dime. Meant to be struck at the San Francisco Mint, this coin was released without the “S” mint mark by mistake. How it happened remains a mystery, but the result is one of the rarest modern U.S. coins.

Only a few are known to exist, and they sell for over $100,000 in top condition. This dime shows that even recent coins can be worth a mint—if you know what to look for.

Bicentennial

Finally, the 1976 Silver Bicentennial quarter is a beloved piece of American commemorative coinage. Issued to celebrate 200 years of independence, these quarters came with a unique dual date (1776-1976) and a colonial drummer on the back.

Most Bicentennial quarters were copper-nickel and made for circulation, but the San Francisco Mint created special silver-clad versions containing 40% silver. These were only sold to collectors and came in both proof and uncirculated formats.

TypeTypical Value Range
Proof (in original packaging)$15 – $30
Uncirculated (high grade)$15 – $30
Exceptional (MS-68+)$200+

Rare high-grade examples, especially those with stunning toning or deep mirror-like finishes, have sold for hundreds of dollars. While not quite in the million-dollar club, these coins are a great entry point for collectors who want something beautiful and historically meaningful.

Whether you’re a serious collector or just someone curious about coins, these dimes and quarters prove that small change can sometimes be a big deal. Always keep your eyes open—you never know when a rare coin might slip through your fingers.

FAQs

How many 1894-S dimes still exist?

Only nine are known to exist today.

Why is the 1975 No S dime valuable?

It’s a rare proof coin missing its mint mark.

What’s special about the 1976 Bicentennial quarter?

It features a dual date and colonial drummer design.

How much silver is in the 1976 quarter?

The special version contains 40% silver.

How much is a 1916-D Mercury dime worth?

Over $100,000 in well-preserved condition.

Zoha

Zoha is a seasoned finance writer who specializes in topics like stimulus checks, social security, and pension schedules. With years of experience covering financial news and government assistance programs, he helps readers navigate the complexities of benefits, retirement planning, and public policies. Known for his in-depth research and commitment to accuracy, Zoha delivers practical insights and trustworthy advice, making finance and government schemes easy to understand for everyone.

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