Most people don’t think twice about the spare change sitting in their coin jars, but what if some of those dimes were actually worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars? Over the years, rare dimes have found their way into circulation, often going unnoticed for decades. Some feature minting errors, low mintage, or historical significance, making them incredibly valuable. If you have an old coin jar, it’s time to take a closer look—you could be sitting on a hidden treasure!
1. 1965 Silver Roosevelt Dime – A Rare Transitional Error
In 1965, the U.S. Mint switched from 90% silver to a copper-nickel clad composition for dimes. However, a few 1965 dimes were accidentally struck on silver planchets from the previous year. These rare transition errors are highly sought after, with confirmed specimens selling for over $9,000. You can check if your 1965 dime is silver by weighing it—a silver dime weighs 2.5 grams, while a standard clad dime weighs 2.27 grams.
2. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime – A Valuable Printing Mistake
In 1982, the Philadelphia Mint accidentally left off the “P” mint mark on a small number of Roosevelt dimes. Normally, dimes from this mint carry a “P” below the date, but this error coin does not. Because the mistake was quickly corrected, only a limited number of these dimes exist. Depending on its condition, an error-free 1982 dime can be worth $50 to $1,500, making it a surprising find in a coin jar.
3. 1942/41 Mercury Dime – A Rare Overdate Error
The 1942/41 Mercury Dime is one of the most famous U.S. minting mistakes. It occurred when a 1941 die was accidentally struck with a 1942 date, resulting in a unique overlapping effect. These dimes are rare and command high prices—even a well-worn example can sell for over $2,500, while an uncirculated version can fetch $100,000 or more. If you have any older dimes in your collection, it’s worth inspecting the date closely!
Your coin jar might be filled with more than just pocket change—it could hold a valuable hidden treasure! Rare dimes like the 1965 Silver Dime, 1982 No Mint Mark Dime, and 1942/41 Mercury Dime have sold for thousands, making them some of the most exciting discoveries in everyday coin collections. Before you cash in your dimes, take a moment to check for rare dates and errors—you might just uncover a small fortune!
FAQ’s:
1. How do I know if my dime is silver?
Dimes made before 1965 are 90% silver and weigh 2.5 grams. If a 1965 dime is silver, it was struck on the wrong planchet and will also weigh 2.5 grams instead of the standard 2.27 grams.
2. What is the most valuable dime ever sold?
The 1894-S Barber Dime is the rarest and most expensive, selling for over $1.9 million at auction.
3. Where can I sell a valuable dime?
Rare dimes can be sold at coin shops, auctions (eBay, Heritage Auctions), or through numismatic grading services like PCGS or NGC.
4. How can I tell if my 1982 dime is missing the mint mark?
Check below the date on your 1982 Roosevelt Dime—if there is no “P” mint mark, you might have the valuable error coin.
5. Can valuable dimes still be found in circulation?
Yes! While rare, valuable dimes still pop up in coin rolls, estate sales, and old jars of change. Checking your dimes carefully can lead to an unexpected and exciting discovery.
