Nov 16th, 2022 · 7 min read
Dimes, the ten-cent US coins, are known for their small size, but some dimes have prices that are far from being small by a great deal. The idea of finding dimes worth money is exciting because you could literally be sitting on or flipping your next payday.
While this may come across as surprising to unsuspecting owners, experienced coin collectors would surely find it easier to identify rare dimes as the valuable collectibles that they are.
There are different features that make certain dimes special. Some are very rare and can almost never be found in circulation, while others show up once in a while. The question, though, is: how do you even recognize these dimes when you see them?
To somewhat even the playing field, this article gives premium information on finding, identifying, appraising, and selling rare dimes worth money.
A List of Dimes Worth Money That Can Be Found in Circulation
Generally, US dimes made after 1964 are not worth much more than face value. However, those made before then are valued at higher prices than their face value. What’s the story?
Well, the earlier coins were predominantly made of silver up until the 1965 Coinage Act. This Act replaced silver for making dimes with a nickel and copper combination.
Asides from dates, there are other errors found on dimes that make them valuable. There is also the factor of grading the dime, whether circulated, uncirculated, very worn, or lightly worn.
The dimes mentioned in this list are not necessarily rare dimes worth thousands of dollars, but they fetch a decent amount of cash. If you’re looking out for valuable dimes that you can ‘happen upon’, these coins can be found in circulation and are worth more than face value.
These dimes are basically made from 90% silver. They are characterized by the image of lady liberty in a full profile or bust form. They could be:
They are classic dimes that are quite difficult to find in circulation, and their scarcity makes them pretty valuable. You should feel lucky when you find any of these dimes, as they could be worth $2-$100. The price usually depends on their condition and could exceed this range.
These dimes were made between 1916/1917 to 1945. The dime designers added a wing on Lady Liberty’s head, and they were called the Winged Liberty Head dimes. This is one of the distinguishing characteristics of these dimes. They’re now called Mercury dimes because people mistook Lady Liberty for Mercury (the speedy roman god) with her added wings. These dimes are scarce but show up once in a while. Most Mercury dimes are usually well-worn (low grades) and tend to be worth about $2-$5, with some up to the thousands.
The Roosevelt dimes minted before the Coin Act have premium silver content and can be worth much more than their face value. They are characterized by the image of President Roosevelt, as their name implies. They are pretty common; hence the only valuable ones from that period are those that are worn. The particular grade of the coin can be checked by getting an appraisal by Coinfully. They are usually worth between $1-$2.
These dimes were minted without an ‘S’ mark and made in the San Francisco Mint between the 1960s to 1980s. They seem similar to the Philadelphia Mint dimes made pre-1980. However, unlike the business-strike dimes that carry face value, these No-S Roosevelt dimes are only in proof sets.
They are pretty rare and can be worth a lot of money ranging from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars.
West Point Mint carries a ‘W’ mintmark on these special dimes. The Roosevelt dime had its 50th anniversary in 1996, and this ‘W’ marked it. While they were only shared as 1996 uncirculated sets, some were removed and circulated. The former is worth about fifteen dollars, while the latter is worth five to ten dollars.
Most times, people are rarely searching for the Roosevelt dimes with double dies (light or drastic). Careful searching for these scarce collectibles could reward you with a dime worth $25-$50 and more. While some double dies require a lot of magnification, some can be seen with the naked eye. The clearer this error is, the more valuable the dime.
A Comprehensive List of Rare Dimes Worth Money
The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and are the organizations that certify coins and proclaim them to be in mint state. Some of the most valuable coins are those that survive to date in mint condition (including coloration). Rare dimes worth money usually fall into this category.
However, many of them could be rare for other reasons like silver content, and small production quantity. These coins range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. It also runs into millions for some very rare dimes. In a bid to assist newbie coin collectors and extremely lucky coin owners, listed below are rare dimes worth money arranged by their year or production.
Tips on How to Look For Valuable Dimes
For dimes in circulation, there are things you can do that have proved fruitful over time.
For rare dimes, you can add the tips for valuable dimes in circulation to the ones mentioned below.
How To Sell Dimes For Money
If you just found some valuable dimes to sell or you plan to sell your dime collection for money, what do you do?
Well, it’s pretty simple.
The American Numismatic Association advises buyers and sellers to get an appraisal from a certified ANA dealer. A proper appraisal would help you keep your prices reasonable and avoid getting lowballed. Once you’ve settled on a price, don’t go for less.
Valuable dimes can be sold with little to no stress through online platforms. One such platform is Coinfully. It is a certified American Numismatic Association Partner that offers free appraisals and the best prices for your valuable coins. Your coin collection deserves nothing less than the best price possible.
Wyatt McDonald President & Co-Founder of Coinfully. A student of numismatics and trained in the ANA Seminar in Denver, Wyatt is the face of Coinfully and a true expert. After spending a decade buying coins over the counter at a coin shop, he knew there had to be a better way, for everyone involved.
Think you’re onto something big with your collection? Let’s talk…