Top 10 Most Valuable Dime Coins – Rare Collectibles That Could Be Worth a Fortune

Dimes might not immediately come to mind when you think of valuable coins, but some are worth staggering sums. Whether due to rarity, historical significance, or pristine condition, these dimes have captivated collectors and investors alike. Let’s look into the 10 most expensive dimes ever and what makes them so valuable.

1. 1860-O Seated Liberty Dime (MS67)

• Only 40,000 dimes were minted in New Orleans in 1860, the lowest mintage of any New Orleans Seated Liberty dime.
• Today, only 400 examples are believed to exist.

Value

• Low-grade (G2): $700.
• Mint State (MS64): $192,000 at auction in 2022.
• Top Grade (MS67): Estimated value now is $225,000 according to PCGS.

2. 1843-O Seated Liberty Dime (MS66)

• Only 150,000 dimes were minted in New Orleans that year, a steep drop from the previous year.
• Only four mint-state examples are known to exist, with the highest graded at MS66.

Value

• Last sold in 1996 for $29,700.
• PCGS estimates its current value at $250,000.

3. 1916-D Mercury Dime Full Band (MS67)

• Only 264,000 dimes were minted in Denver in 1916, making it one of the rarest Mercury dimes.
• Known for its “Full Bands” designation, which indicates a sharply struck reverse design.

Value

• MS67 Full Bands: Estimated value $200,000+.

4. 1797 Draped Bust Dime, 16 Stars (MS66)

• This design featured 16 stars to represent the number of states at the time.
• Only one mint-state MS66 example is known, making it exceptionally rare.

Value

• Last sold in 2015 for $199,750.
• Current PCGS estimated value: $275,000.

5. 1797 Draped Bust Dime, 13 Stars (MS65)

• The 13-star variant reflects a design change made to prevent overcrowding as more states joined the union.
• Only 50 examples are believed to exist today, with just five in mint state.

Value

• MS65 Example: Sold for $402,500 in 2006.
• Likely worth even more today.

6. 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime, Proof (PR68)

• A proof coin mistakenly struck without the “S” mint mark at the San Francisco Mint.
• Only two known examples exist, making it one of the rarest modern dimes.

Value

• One sold in 2019 for $456,000.

7. 1822 Capped Bust Dime, Proof (PR66+ Cameo)

• One of only two known proof examples from the year 1822.
• Features a cameo effect, making it even more desirable.

Value

• Sold for $440,625 in 2014.
• Estimated current value: $600,000 (PR66+ example).

8. 1796 Draped Bust Dime (MS66+)

• The first year the U.S. Mint produced dimes, with just 22,000 coins minted.
• Fewer than 100 mint state examples remain.

Value

• MS66+ Example: Sold for $372,000 in 2023.
• MS68 Example: Estimated value $1.25 million, though it has no recorded sale.

9. 1820 Capped Bust Dime, Proof (PR66)

• The existence of a proof coin from 1820 is a subject of debate among numismatists.
• Only one PR66 example has been certified by NGC.

Value

• Sold for $156,000 in 2019.
• Could appreciate in value as a unique anomaly.

10. 1796 Draped Bust Dime, MS68

• Another notable example from the first year of U.S. dime production.
• The only known MS68 Draped Bust dime, making it an unparalleled specimen.

Value

• PCGS Estimate: $1.25 million.

Key Factors

1. Rarity: Limited mintage numbers and survival rates drive value.
2. Condition: Higher grades (like MS66+ or PR68) exponentially increase worth.
3. Historical Significance: Early mintages or transitional designs are especially desirable.
4. Unique Errors: Coins like the 1975 No S Proof Dime owe their value to rare minting mistakes.

From early Draped Bust designs to modern errors, these dimes prove that small coins can hold immense value. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, knowing what makes these coins special can guide your search for treasures in numismatics.

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