Have you ever thought that further changes in your pocket may be worth a fortune? Some rare dims and Bicentennial Quarter bring millions on auctions, gathering the coin to gather an exciting and potentially attractive hobbies. Let’s find out these valuable coins and how to identify them in your change.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime
1894-S Barber Dime is one of the most rare and valuable dimes. Only 24 were produced, and less than 10 still exist today.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Extremely low mintage of just 24 coins.
- Only a few have been found in near-perfect condition.
- One sold for over $1.9 million at auction.
How to Find It:
- Check old coin collections and inherited coin sets.
- Inspect any dimes from 1894 with an ‘S’ mintmark.
- Consult professional numismatists for authentication.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime
1916-D Mercury Dime is one of the most sought after people because of its low minutes and historical significance. Of these, only 264,000 coins were extracted, making it one of the most rare crimes in American history.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Less than 265,000 were minted.
- High demand among collectors.
- A pristine example can fetch over $250,000.
How to Find It:
- Look for Mercury dimes from 1916 with a ‘D’ mintmark on the reverse.
- Check inherited coin collections.
- Visit coin shows and auctions specializing in rare dimes.
3. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was issued to commemorate America’s 200th anniversary. While most of these quarters are common, a few rare error versions have sold for staggering amounts.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Some were struck on 90% silver planchets.
- Certain error coins feature missing or doubled design elements.
- A rare example reportedly sold for over $10 million.
How to Find It:
- Check your 1976 quarters for unusual markings or silver composition.
- Use a magnet; silver quarters won’t stick to a magnet.
- Look for double die errors, which can significantly increase value.
4. 1942/1 Mercury Dime
This rare overdate error dime was created when a 1941 die was mistakenly repurposed for 1942, causing a visible overdate on the coin.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Unique overdate error makes it highly collectible.
- Less than 10,000 estimated to exist.
- In top condition, it can be worth over $120,000.
How to Find It:
- Look closely at the date on any 1942 Mercury dimes.
- Check for a faint “1” under the “2” in the date.
- Have it appraised if you suspect you have one.
How to Check If You Have One of These Rare Coins
If you think you might have one of these valuable dimes or Bicentennial Quarters, follow these steps:
- Check the Date & Mintmark: Compare the year and mintmark to the valuable varieties listed above.
- Inspect for Errors: Look for doubling, missing mintmarks, off-center strikes, or unusual metal compositions.
- Use a Magnifying Glass: Some minting errors are only visible under magnification.
- Weigh the Coin: Silver quarters and dimes weigh more than their copper-nickel counterparts.
- Get It Authenticated: Have your coin professionally graded by PCGS or NGC for an accurate value assessment.
Final Thought
Rare Dimes and Bicentennial Quarters may be worth a fortune if you know what to see. Whether you are looking for your pocket change, an old collection or through a flea market can be an incredible discovery from being informed of rare coin values. So start checking your change – you can catch a hidden treasure!
FAQ’s
Why is the 1894-S Barber Dime worth so much?
There were only 24 made and less than 25 remaining today.
What is 1916-D Mercury Dime Worth?
It ranges from thousands to $70 million depending on the condition.