Imagine walking through a parking lot, spotting a dime on the ground, and later discovering it’s worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars. It may sound unbelievable, but rare dimes are being found in unexpected places more often than ever. Why? Many people don’t recognize the value of these coins and unknowingly drop them or spend them like regular change. Here are three rare dimes that have been discovered in parking lots and how you can spot them!
1. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
Most dimes have a mintmark indicating where they were produced, but in 1982, a mistake at the Philadelphia Mint led to some coins missing their mintmark (“P”). These error dimes have been found in circulation, including in parking lots where people unknowingly dropped them. While worn examples sell for a few hundred dollars, a high-grade uncirculated version can fetch over $1,500!
2. 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime
Another rare and valuable minting error is the 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime, which was struck without the “S” mintmark on proof coins from the San Francisco Mint. These dimes are extremely rare, with only a handful known to exist. A lucky collector found one in a grocery store parking lot, and after authentication, it sold for over $25,000 at auction!
3. 1894-S Barber Dime
One of the rarest and most valuable dimes in U.S. history, the 1894-S Barber Dime, was originally minted in San Francisco with only 24 coins produced. Over time, many disappeared, making the remaining ones incredibly valuable. One of the most famous stories involves a collector who found an 1894-S Barber Dime in a parking lot, thinking it was just an ordinary old coin. After professional grading, the dime sold for over $2 million!
Rare dimes are being dropped, lost, or spent without a second thought, making parking lots, sidewalks, and vending machine areas unexpected treasure spots. Whether it’s an error coin, a missing mintmark, or a legendary rarity, these dimes can turn a simple walk outside into a life-changing discovery. Next time you see a dime on the ground, pick it up—you never know what it could be worth!
FAQ’s:
1. Why are rare dimes being found in parking lots?
Many people don’t check their coins carefully and accidentally spend or drop valuable dimes, leading to these rare finds in everyday places.
2. How can I tell if my dime is valuable?
Check the date, mintmark, and any possible minting errors. Compare your coin to known rare varieties using a coin value guide.
3. Should I clean my rare dime before selling it?
No! Cleaning a rare dime can significantly reduce its value. Keep it in its original condition.
4. Where can I sell a valuable dime?
Sell through coin dealers, major auction houses, or trusted online platforms like Heritage Auctions or eBay.
5. How should I store valuable dimes?
Use airtight holders, certified grading slabs, or protective coin albums to prevent damage and preserve their value.
