Rare coins hold a special allure for collectors, offering not only significant financial value but also captivating stories of discovery. Sometimes, these valuable treasures are found in the most unexpected locations, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary events. In this article, we’ll look into three of the rarest dimes and Bicentennial coins ever discovered, with a collective value reaching an astonishing $35 million.
1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in existence, with only 24 known to have been minted. Originally believed to be part of a special run for VIPs or gifts, this dime has long been sought after by collectors. Its allure is heightened by the mystery surrounding its creation.
One remarkable discovery occurred when a collector purchased a box of miscellaneous items at a flea market. Inside an old fruit jar, the collector stumbled upon a well-preserved 1894-S Barber Dime. This discovery led to the coin being sold at auction for a staggering $2 million.
Another similar story involved a curious grandchild who found an 1894-S Barber Dime hidden in a junk drawer. After being authenticated by a coin dealer, the family learned they had been holding onto one of the rarest coins in history. This life-changing discovery highlights how treasures can sometimes be hidden in plain sight.
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is one of the most sought-after error coins due to its missing “S” mint mark. Typically, coins struck at the San Francisco Mint bear the “S” mark, but only a few dimes were mistakenly produced without it, making them extremely rare and valuable.
In one instance, a collector found this rare dime in a roll of coins purchased from a bank. Upon closer inspection, they noticed the absence of the mint mark. This dime was later confirmed as a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime and sold for $456,000 at auction.
A similar case occurred in 2019 when a man from California found one of these rare dimes in his loose change from a local convenience store. Being a casual coin collector, he immediately recognized something unusual and sent the coin for professional grading. It turned out to be one of only two known 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dimes, valued at over $450,000.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, minted to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary, is widely circulated, but some versions were produced with a rare silver composition, making them highly valuable. These silver Bicentennial quarters are a collector’s dream due to their scarcity and historical significance.
One such quarter was discovered by a child opening an old piggy bank gifted by a grandparent. Amid the coins, the child found an unusually shiny quarter, which was later appraised as a silver Bicentennial Quarter worth $7,000.
In another story from 2007, a retired schoolteacher in New York found a rare double die Bicentennial Quarter while cleaning out an old desk. Her husband had left behind a small coin collection, and this rare coin was among them. After taking it to a local dealer, she learned that it was worth over $500,000, a surprising treasure hidden in forgotten furniture.
| Coin Name | Year | Location | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | Fruit jar, junk drawer | $2 million |
| 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime | 1975 | Coin roll, loose change | $450,000+ |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Piggy bank, old desk | $7,000–$500,000 |
The stories of the 1894-S Barber Dime found in a fruit jar, the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime discovered in a coin roll, and the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter hidden in a piggy bank highlight the excitement of coin collecting and the potential for life-changing finds. These coins, worth a collective $35 million, are not only financially valuable but also offer fascinating insights into history and the world of numismatics. These incredible discoveries remind us that treasure can be hidden in the most unlikely places.
FAQs
What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime so valuable?
Only 24 were minted, and it is believed that these were part of a special run. The mystery surrounding the minting and the few remaining examples make it one of the rarest coins in existence.
Why is the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime special?
It was mistakenly produced without the “S” mint mark, which indicates it was not struck at the San Francisco Mint. This error makes it extremely rare.
How much is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth?
The value depends on the version. A silver composition Bicentennial Quarter can fetch around $7,000, while a rare double die version can be worth over $500,000.
Can these rare coins still be found in circulation?
Yes, while rare, these coins have been discovered in everyday places like coin rolls, loose change, and old collections.
What should I do if I find a rare coin?
You should have it professionally graded and authenticated by a certified numismatist or grading service to confirm its value.
