Top 10 Most Valuable Dime Coins: Dimes may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering valuable coins, but some of these small pieces hold incredible value. Their rarity, historical significance, or flawless condition has made them highly sought after by collectors and investors. Here’s a look at the top 10 most expensive dimes ever minted and the unique features that make them so desirable.
1860-O Seated Liberty Dime (MS67)
- Details: Only 40,000 dimes were produced at the New Orleans Mint in 1860, the smallest mintage for a Seated Liberty dime from that location.
- Survivors: About 400 examples are believed to exist today.
- Value:
- Low Grade (G2): $700
- Mint State (MS64): Sold for $192,000 at auction in 2022
- Top Grade (MS67): Estimated current value is $225,000, according to PCGS.
1843-O Seated Liberty Dime (MS66)
- Details: With only 150,000 dimes minted in 1843, this issue saw a significant production decline from the previous year.
- Survivors: Just four mint-state examples are known, with the finest graded at MS66.
- Value:
- Last sold for $29,700 in 1996
- Current PCGS estimate: $250,000.
1916-D Mercury Dime Full Band (MS67)
- Details: Denver minted only 264,000 dimes in 1916, making this one of the rarest Mercury dimes. Its “Full Bands” designation indicates a sharply struck reverse.
- Value:
- MS67 Full Bands examples are valued at over $200,000.
1797 Draped Bust Dime, 16 Stars (MS66)
- Details: The 16 stars on this coin represent the number of U.S. states at the time.
- Rarity: Only one known mint-state MS66 example exists.
- Value:
- Last sold in 2015 for $199,750
- Current PCGS estimate: $275,000.
1797 Draped Bust Dime, 13 Stars (MS65)
- Details: This version was updated with 13 stars to reduce overcrowding on the coin as more states joined the union.
- Survivors: Fewer than 50 examples remain, with only five in mint condition.
- Value:
- MS65 example sold for $402,500 in 2006
- Likely worth even more today.
1975 No S Roosevelt Dime, Proof (PR68)
- Details: This proof coin was mistakenly struck without the “S” mintmark from the San Francisco Mint.
- Rarity: Only two examples are known, making it one of the rarest modern dimes.
- Value:
- One sold in 2019 for $456,000.
1822 Capped Bust Dime, Proof (PR66+ Cameo)
- Details: Only two proof examples of this dime exist, with a desirable cameo effect enhancing its appeal.
- Value:
- Sold for $440,625 in 2014
- Estimated current value for a PR66+ example is $600,000.
1796 Draped Bust Dime (MS66+)
- Details: The first year dimes were minted in the U.S., with only 22,000 produced.
- Survivors: Fewer than 100 mint-state examples are known.
- Value:
- MS66+ example sold for $372,000 in 2023
- MS68 example estimated at $1.25 million but has no recorded sale.
1820 Capped Bust Dime, Proof (PR66)
- Details: The existence of a proof version from 1820 remains debated among numismatists.
- Rarity: Only one PR66 example has been authenticated by NGC.
- Value:
- Sold for $156,000 in 2019
- Potential for appreciation due to its unique status.
1796 Draped Bust Dime, MS68
- Details: Another standout from the first year of U.S. dime production, this coin is the only known MS68 Draped Bust dime.
- Value:
- PCGS estimates its value at $1.25 million.
Key Factors Driving Value
- Rarity: Limited mintages and surviving examples elevate these dimes’ worth.
- Condition: High grades such as MS66+ or PR68 command premium prices.
- Historical Significance: Coins from early U.S. minting years or those with transitional designs are highly prized.
- Minting Errors: Unique mistakes, like the 1975 No S Proof Dime, add significant value.
From early Draped Bust designs to modern minting errors, these dimes showcase how small coins can yield enormous value. Whether you’re a veteran collector or a curious beginner, understanding what makes these coins special is the first step toward finding your own numismatic treasure.