In the world of coin collecting, some coins stand out due to their rarity and historical importance. These coins, often dubbed the “holy grails” of coin collecting, can fetch astronomical sums at auction. Let’s look into two such rare treasures: the 1894-S Barber Dime and the No S Bicentennial Quarter. These coins have captivated collectors for decades, and their values continue to soar.
1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the most coveted coins among collectors, with only 24 ever minted. Of these, fewer than ten are known to still exist today. Minted in San Francisco in 1894, this coin features the classic Liberty head design on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse, characteristic of the Barber coinage series designed by Charles E. Barber.
What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime so valuable? It comes down to a combination of factors. First, its incredibly low mintage makes it extremely rare. Legend has it that the San Francisco Mint produced the 24 dimes as special gifts, with some being handed out to influential people at the time. Over the years, these dimes have become numismatic treasures. The age and rarity of this coin, combined with its historical background, drive its value to incredible heights.
In 2016, one of these dimes sold for a remarkable $2 million at auction, securing its place as one of the most valuable dimes in existence. Finding one of these rare dimes would be like stumbling upon a fortune.
No S Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial Quarter was minted in 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence. With its special design featuring a Revolutionary War drummer on the reverse and the dual date “1776–1976” on the obverse, this quarter is unique and instantly recognizable. Millions of these coins were produced, but there’s a rare version known as the “No S” Bicentennial Quarter that is truly valuable.
The “No S” version of this quarter is missing the San Francisco mint mark, which typically indicates the coin was part of a proof set—special coins minted for collectors. Only a few of these error coins are known to exist, making them incredibly rare and highly sought after. In 2013, one of these elusive No S Bicentennial Quarters sold for a jaw-dropping $1.3 million at auction, underscoring its value to collectors.
For collectors, owning one of these coins would be the ultimate achievement—a dream come true for anyone with a passion for numismatics. These coins aren’t just valuable; they are symbols of history, craftsmanship, and the allure of the rare and exceptional.
| Coin | Value | Notable Feature | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | $2 million | Only 24 minted, Liberty design | Less than 10 known |
| No S Bicentennial Quarter | $1.3 million | Missing San Francisco mint mark | Extremely rare |
These coins, though vastly different in age and design, share a common theme: rarity and unique features that set them apart from their more common counterparts. They have become some of the most sought-after coins in the world, coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
While the chance of finding one of these rare coins in circulation is incredibly slim, it’s not impossible. That’s what makes coin collecting so exciting—you never know when you might come across a hidden gem in your collection or your change.
FAQs
How many 1894-S Barber Dimes still exist?
Fewer than ten of the original 24 are known to survive today.
What makes the No S Bicentennial Quarter valuable?
Its rarity stems from the missing San Francisco mint mark, intended for proof coins.
How much did the most expensive 1894-S Barber Dime sell for?
In 2016, one sold for an astounding $2 million at auction.
Why is the No S Bicentennial Quarter so rare?
Only a handful were mistakenly released without the mint mark, making them valuable.
Are these coins still in circulation?
While highly unlikely, rare coins like these can sometimes be found in old collections.
