Rare coins have amazing tales of hidden wealth. While most collectors focus on old coins, some rare dimes and Bicentennial Quarters are still in circulation and worth up to $70 million.
Although common, these coins have unique qualities or historical significance that make them among of the world’s most precious cash.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime
One of the most famous American coins is the 1894-S Barber Dime. Only 24 of these dimes were minted, and few remain.
Its scarcity makes it precious. One copy of this dime sold for $1.9 million in 2007, although rarer variants have been valued at $70 million depending on condition and history. Some continue circulate due to their change in appearance, but they are unusual in nature.
2. 1942/1 Mercury Dime
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is a famous “repunched date” error, where the date was stamped over a previous year. Due to a minting fault, few coins were made. The inaccuracy makes this dime worth up to $70 million, with uncirculated copies being the most valuable.
3. 1975-S Proof Roosevelt Dime: No Mintmark
The rare 1975-S Proof Roosevelt Dime without a mintmark was mistakenly struck in San Francisco and omitted the “S” mintmark. Most of these Proof Set instances are in collections. Rarely, a 1975-S Proof Roosevelt Dime without the mintmark might sell for $70 million.
4. 1964-D Roosevelt Die Crack Dime
The 1964-D Roosevelt Dime with a large die crack is another unusual dime. Collectors will pay more for a coin with this rare mistake. While most of these coins are only a few hundred dollars, rarer ones have sold for over $70 million at auctions.
5. 1996-W Roosevelt Dime
The 1996-W Roosevelt Dime was erroneously struck with the West Point Mint mark instead of Philadelphia or Denver for a commemorative series. These coins are unusual since so few were struck with this mistake. A 1996-W Roosevelt Dime with the West Point Mint mistake is worth $70 million or more.
6. 1976 Double Die Error Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter commemorated the US’ 200th anniversary. Despite mass production, coins with double die errors are rare and worth millions. Several strikes of the design double the picture or text, causing these mistakes.
Also See: 8 Rare Coins That Fetch a High Price at Auction: Worth Has Nearly $10 Million Value
7. 7619-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter
Due to its history, the 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter from San Francisco is a rare collector’s coin. A minting error caused a few of these coins to have a missing clad covering, increasing their rarity enormously. Some near-perfect quarters were sold for $70 million.
8. Washington Quarter, 1932
The 1932-D Washington Quarter, the inaugural Washington Quarter, is known for its limited mintage and historical significance. The 1932-D is rarer than most coins in this series due to its limited manufacture. A mint-condition sample is worth $70 million or more to collectors.
| Coin Name | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | $1.9 million to $70 million | Only 24 minted, extremely rare with some valued at $70 million depending on condition and history. |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime | Up to $70 million | A repunched date error where the year was stamped over a previous one, making it highly valuable. |
| 1975-S Proof Roosevelt Dime (No Mintmark) | Up to $70 million | Mistakenly struck in San Francisco without the “S” mintmark, rare and highly valuable. |
| 1964-D Roosevelt Die Crack Dime | Up to $70 million | Features a rare die crack; most are worth only a few hundred dollars, but rare variants fetch millions. |
| 1996-W Roosevelt Dime | $70 million+ | Erroneously struck with a West Point Mint mark instead of Philadelphia or Denver, making it extremely rare. |
| 1976 Double Die Error Bicentennial Quarter | Worth Millions | Double die error with doubled images or text; these rare mistakes make the coin valuable. |
| 7619-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter | Up to $70 million | Minting error led to a missing clad covering, increasing rarity and value. |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | $70 million+ | The first Washington Quarter, rarer due to limited mintage, making it highly sought after by collectors. |
What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime so valuable?
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest U.S. coins, with only 24 ever minted. Its scarcity and historical significance make it incredibly valuable, with some variants worth as much as $70 million.
Why is the 1942/1 Mercury Dime so sought after?
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is valuable due to a minting error known as a “repunched date,” where the 1942 date was stamped over a previous year. This error makes it a highly collectible item, worth up to $70 million.