In the world of rare coinage, mere diminutives are nevertheless greatly endowed with value. Rare dimes, which were minted in very limited quantities or became rare because of minting errors, have become incredibly valuable from a collector’s viewpoint today.
In this article, we shall discuss five such really rare and, in fact, therefore highly valuable dimes, the total worth of which we estimate to be roughly over $9.3 million.
1894-S Barber
Standing as the rarest and most valuable of all, the 1894-S Barber Dime is extremely exceptional. The unique aspect of this coin is that in 1894, 24 dimes were minted at the San Francisco Mint, and today, only nine coins survive.
The legend holds that the superintendent of the San Francisco Mint gave three of these coins to his daughter, who used one of them to buy ice cream. Whether this story carries any truth is debatable, but it undoubtedly adds to the historic charm of the coin.
On the coin face is represented an image of Liberty, and the reverse is collegiate-wreathed. Because of its rarity, the auction price of the 1894-S Barber Dime in 2016 was nearly $2 million, thus setting a record as the most expensive dime ever auctioned off.
1796 Draped Bust

The 1796 Draped Bust dime is the very first dime of American history. It was designed by the well-known Robert Scott. On its obverse, Liberty, while on the reverse, it displays an eagle.
Most special about this coin is it accounts for the “Small Eagle Reverse,” a design used for merely two years (1796-1797) and abruptly changed in 1798. For that reason, this coin counts among those considered of utmost historical importance.
In 2016, a specimen of the coin in prime condition (graded MS-67) was sold for $1.32 million, and experts state that due to the increase in demand and historical importance, it can fetch up to $1.8 million today.
1873-CC No Arrows
The 1873-CC “No Arrow” Liberty Seated Dime remains even more enigmatic and rare in the coin world. That coin was minted in Carson City Mint (CC), but at the time, the US Mint had slightly increased the weight of the dimes. That is how all the dimes of the old weight were destroyed.
But in the process, one coin survived, which today passes by the name of the 1873-CC “No Arrow” Dime. Put up for auction in 2012, that coin was sold for $1.84 million. Experts think it may now be value up to $2.5 million, with demand for rare coins growing like never before. Its design depicts Liberty holding a pole and shield, adding to its historical significance.
1975 No S Roosevelt
As far as modern minting errors go, this coin is different from its 19th century predecessors. This coin, struck from the San Francisco Mint in 1975, was minted without the “S” mint mark, which was spectacularly erroneous.
There have only been two such coins known until now. Back in 2019, this coin was auctioned for 456,000 dollars, and as of today, it costs as much as 500,000 dollars due to increasing demand. To prove coin lovers, it is very special because proof coins rarely carry any errors, making it almost next to impossible to find an error.
1822 Capped Bust

The year of the 1822 Capped Bust Dime is one of the most collected coins out there. No “business strike” version had been produced during this year, and only three proof coins have been found in existence.
The last auction for this coin had happened in 2016, where the Proof-66 graded coin sold for $440,625. But now, experts say, in an auction, the coin could fetch not less than $2.5 million.
Coin design by eminent designer John Reich, on the obverse Liberty, reverse eagle. Its rarity and mysterious history really make it quite more valuable among collectors.
Conclusion
These five rare dimes are not just coins, but indeed true treasures in history. Each coin has an individualized story that has made it available for all coin collectors as an obsession.
Read More :- Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth $67 Million – Plus 4 Coins Valued Over $600K
These coins are increasingly blooming their price tags by the minute, and that’s not only because of their rarity but also increasing demand. If you have old coins in your drawer, chances are one of them is quite rare and could bring millions of dollars! Well, examine those old coins carefully-you never know, there may just be a priceless treasure hidden inside!
FAQs:-
What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime so special?
Only 24 were minted, and just nine are known to exist today, making it extremely rare.
What is unique about the 1822 Capped Bust Dime?
No regular versions exist, and only three proof specimens have been found.
How can I check if I own a valuable dime?
Examine the coin’s date, mint mark, and condition, or consult a numismatic expert.