The valuable coin that most of us can imagine is probably the dime, but some are actually worth some serious money. These dimes can be expensive for a number of reasons including their rarity, historical significance, and condition. Here are 10 of the most expensive dimes ever made, and why they are worth such a lot.
1. 1860-O Seated Liberty Dime (MS67)
Only 40,000 dimes were produced in New Orleans in 1860, the lowest mintage of any New Orleans Seated Liberty dime.
Today, only 400 examples are thought to exist.
Value
Low-grade (G2): $700.
Mint State (MS64): Sold at auction for $192,000 in 2022.
Top Grade (MS67): In PCGS, the estimated value now is $225,000.
2. 1843-O Seated Liberty Dime (MS66)
Only 150,000 dimes were made in New Orleans that year, a sharp decline from the previous year.
Only four mint-state specimens are known, the highest graded MS66.
Price
Selling price last 1996 $29,700
Estimated by PCGS at current market value to be $250,000
3. 1916-D Mercury Dime Full Band (MS67)
Mintage was a mere 264,000 pieces in Denver. One of the rarest of the Mercury dimes.
Has a designation as “Full Bands”, where the reverse is sharply struck.
Price
Estimated MS67 Full Bands: Price to be more than $200,000.
4. 1797 Draped Bust Dime, 16 Stars (MS66)
This issue bore 16 stars to symbolize the states that existed then.
Only one MS66 specimen has been reported; it is therefore extremely rare.
Price
Sold in 2015 for $199,750
PCGS estimate now: $275,000.
5. 1797 Draped Bust Dime, 13 Stars (MS65)
The 13-star type was adopted after the first few states to avoid crowding the coin when new states joined the union.
Only 50 are thought to be extant today, and only five are known in mint state.
Value
MS65 Specimen: Realized $402,500 at auction in 2006.
Likely to be worth more today.
6. 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime, Proof (PR68)
A proof coin accidentally made without the “S” mint mark at the San Francisco Mint.
Only two known to exist, one of the rarest modern dimes.
Value
One brought $456,000 in 2019.
7. 1822 Capped Bust Dime, Proof (PR66+ Cameo)
One of only two known proof examples from the year 1822.
Has a cameo effect, which makes it even more attractive.
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 only 22,000 coins minted.
Less than 100 mint state examples exist.
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
Rarity: Limited mintage numbers and survival rates drive value.
Condition: Higher grades (like MS66+ or PR68) exponentially increase worth.
Historical Significance: Early mintages or transitional designs are especially desirable.
Unique Errors: Coins like the 1975 No S Proof Dime owe their value to rare minting mistakes.
Ranging from early Draped Bust designs to modern errors, these dimes prove that the smallest coin can hold lots of valuable excitement. Whether a seasoned collector or just starting, knowing what makes these coins unique can guide your quest for numismatic treasures.