Rare Dimes Worth Up to $132K—Check Your Spare Change!

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Before you toss that loose change into a jar, take a closer look—some rare dimes are worth thousands, and a few could fetch over $130,000 at auction.

Coin collectors prize certain dimes due to their rarity, historical significance, and unique errors. If you’re lucky enough to find one in your collection, you could be holding a small fortune.

A Brief History of the U.S. Dime

The United States Mint introduced dimes in 1796 as small silver coins featuring Lady Liberty on one side and an eagle on the other. At that time, only 15 stars surrounded the design, representing the number of states in the Union. It wasn’t until 1837 that dimes included a “10 cents” denomination.

Fast forward to the early 20th century, sculptor Adolph A. Weinman designed what would later be called the “Mercury” dime. Featuring a winged Liberty on the obverse, this 1916 design mistakenly reminded many people of the Roman god Mercury, giving the coin its popular nickname. In 1946, Franklin D. Roosevelt replaced Lady Liberty on the dime, an image that remains to this day.

The 1919-S Mercury Dime – Worth Up to $132,000

One of the most sought-after Mercury dimes is the 1919-S edition. In May 2024, an MS66-graded version with “Full Bands” details sold for an astonishing $132,000 at auction.

“Full Bands” refers to the fasces—a bundle of rods and an axe—on the reverse side of the coin. If the middle bands are sharply defined and separated, the coin is considered of exceptional quality, making it highly valuable to collectors.

1951 Deep Cameo Proof Dime – A Hidden Treasure

A lesser-known but still valuable dime from 1951 can fetch over $17,000. This proof coin, minted in limited quantities (only 57,500 sets), has an eye-catching, deep cameo effect that enhances its visual appeal. Some versions also have a distinctive “burnt-orange” tone, which further increases collector interest.

1968 No-S Proof Dime – Worth Over $25,000

Another valuable dime to watch for is the 1968 proof coin missing the “S” mintmark. Normally, proof coins from that year were struck in San Francisco, but a rare error resulted in a few being produced without the mark. One such error coin, graded PR68, sold in 2023 for an impressive $25,200.

Similar mintmark errors have occurred in other years, including 1970, 1975, and 1983, but the 1968 no-S dime remains one of the most elusive and valuable.

Keep an Eye Out for Other High-Value Coins

While rare dimes can be worth a fortune, other coins—like specific nickels—can also bring in staggering sums. Some have sold for millions, making it worthwhile to check your spare change before spending it.

If you come across an old coin, it may be worth researching its history and condition. With a little luck, that small piece of metal in your pocket could turn into a life-changing discovery.

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