Coin collecting has always been a fascinating hobby, but every once in a while, certain coins capture the imaginations of collectors due to their extreme rarity and value. This article explores five remarkable dimes and a special Bicentennial quarter that are rumored to be worth $900 million collectively. Each coin has a unique story, rooted in history, design, or minting error, which elevates its value far beyond its face value.
Barber
The 1894-S Barber Dime is often considered the “holy grail” of American coins. Only 24 of these dimes were minted at the San Francisco Mint, and just nine are believed to still exist. This rare dime, designed by Charles E. Barber, stands out because of its mysterious origins and limited mintage.
Theories abound about why so few were produced. One popular story is that a Mint superintendent had several dimes struck for his daughter, who spent some on ice cream, unknowingly putting these valuable coins into circulation. The coin’s scarcity and rich backstory make it highly desirable, with pristine versions selling for millions of dollars at auction. Owning one would be like winning the lottery!
Mercury
Next up is the 1916-D Mercury Dime, the first in the iconic Mercury dime series. Only 264,000 of these coins were struck at the Denver Mint, making it the rarest of all Mercury dimes. Adolph A. Weinman’s design of Liberty wearing a winged cap symbolizes freedom of thought, while the reverse side shows symbols of unity and peace.
Many of these dimes entered circulation, meaning finding one in excellent condition is rare. Depending on its condition, the 1916-D can be worth anywhere from several thousand to over $100,000. Its significance in American coin history and the low mintage has ensured its place as one of the most coveted coins for collectors.
Liberty Seated
The 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime is another rarity, especially for those who appreciate the rich history of the Carson City Mint. What makes this dime extraordinary is the absence of arrows around the date, a feature that was soon added to mark a change in weight standards. The Carson City Mint produced a limited run before the design was updated, and only a handful of these “No Arrows” dimes exist today.
With Lady Liberty seated on a rock, the obverse design is classic, while the reverse shows a wreath encircling “ONE DIME.” Its rarity and minting error make this coin incredibly valuable, often selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on its condition and history.
Buffalo
While not a dime, the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel deserves a spot due to its remarkable overdate error. The Denver Mint mistakenly struck the date “1918” over “7,” creating a visible double date. This overdate error is one of the most famous in American coin history.
James Earle Fraser’s design of a Native American on the obverse and a bison on the reverse adds to the coin’s appeal. The story behind its creation makes it highly valuable, often fetching over $100,000 at auctions in pristine condition. It’s a perfect example of how a simple minting error can dramatically increase a coin’s worth.
Lincoln Cent
The 1969-S Lincoln Cent (Doubled Die Obverse) might be a penny, but its value is anything but small. This rare coin features a significant doubling on the obverse, most notably on the date and inscriptions like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Only a few examples of this error were ever found, making it a highly prized coin for collectors.
The pronounced doubling makes it easy to spot, even with the naked eye. Depending on its condition, this penny can sell for tens of thousands to over $100,000. Its combination of a noticeable minting error and limited numbers makes it one of the most valuable pennies ever minted.
Bicentennial
Finally, there’s the rare Bicentennial quarter, minted in 1975-1976 to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary. The coin’s reverse features a unique design of a Colonial drummer, and the obverse retains the familiar portrait of George Washington. While most Bicentennial quarters hold little value, certain error versions or those in uncirculated condition can be worth thousands—or potentially even millions—at auction.
Collectors particularly seek out proof or silver versions of these quarters, as well as any with minting errors like doubled dies. The historical significance of the Bicentennial, combined with the rarity of error versions, makes this quarter a sought-after piece among collectors.
| Coin | Mintage | Unique Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 24 originally minted | Very low mintage, mystery origin | Up to $1.5 million in auctions |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 264,000 | First in series, lowest mintage | $1,000 to over $100,000 |
| 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Dime | Very few exist | No arrows, transitional piece | Hundreds of thousands of dollars |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | Unknown | Overdate error | $50,000 to $100,000 |
| 1969-S Lincoln Cent (Doubled Die) | Limited | Doubled die on obverse | Tens of thousands of dollars |
| Bicentennial Quarter | High | Rare error and proof versions | Thousands to millions |
These five rare dimes and the Bicentennial quarter are more than just coins—they are pieces of American history that carry immense value due to their scarcity, design, and the intriguing stories behind them. Each represents a unique moment in numismatic history, proving that sometimes, small pieces of metal can be worth fortunes.
FAQs
How many 1894-S Barber Dimes exist today?
Only nine of the 24 originally minted are known today.
Why is the 1916-D Mercury Dime so valuable?
It has the lowest mintage of its series, with just 264,000 made.
What makes the 1873-CC No Arrows Dime rare?
Its lack of arrows around the date marks it as a unique mint error.
How did the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel error happen?
The Denver Mint reused a 1917 die, creating a double date.
Why is the 1969-S Lincoln Cent valuable?
It features a prominent double strike on the obverse.
