Every time you pay for something and take your change in coins, that’s a bit of small fortunes without you actually realizing it. The world of coin collecting comes with some extremely interesting stories of these coins carrying values well over the millions mark. From high-profile mint errors to extremely few-edition run, let’s talk about a few of these most valuable sought-after coins in existence that can easily be lodged in your spares.
The Crown Jewel: 1894-S Barber Dime
Referred to as the “King of Dimes,” the 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the most prized coins in all of American coinage. In fact, there were only ever 24 struck, and fewer than nine known to exist today. The reason for this particular coin’s extreme rarity is quite a mystery and has been postulated to have been made strictly as presentation pieces for insiders in the San Francisco Mint.
Value: This 1894-S Barber Dime, with its pristine quality, can even sell for millions of dollars. The latest selling price of such a coin fetched nearly $2 million, turning it into every numismatist’s dream.
Why It Is Special: There is extreme rarity and a historical background to why the 1894-S Barber Dime will be the apple of the collector’s eye.
The Beloved Mercury Dimes
Mercury Dimes, designed by Adolph A. Weinman, are two of the most iconic pieces of American coinage, and these two stand out as collector favorites: the 1916-D and the 1942/1 error dime.
1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime had a limited mintage of only 264,000 coins, making it the rarest and most sought-after Mercury Dime. The obverse features Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought.
Value: Depending on the condition, a 1916-D Mercury Dime can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. In mint condition, it’s easily worth over $100,000.
What to Look For: Check for the “D” mintmark on the reverse, located near the bottom.
1942/1 Mercury Dime
This is an absolutely fascinating error coin with a highly recognizable minting mistake: A “1” stamped over a “2” in the date. Only 10,000 of these coins are believed to exist.
Price: The price for the 1942/1 Mercury Dime can go from $1,000 up to $30,000 in condition.
Look For: There is an obvious overdate most easily seen using magnification; therefore, studying your coins will be important.
Standing Liberty: A Quarter Worth Fortunes
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is another American coin with a rich history. Just 52,000 of these quarters were ever produced, and the design was later changed for the next year based on public criticism.
Value: In high grades, a 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more.
Why It’s Special: Its small mintage and historical significance make it one of the most valuable quarters in any collection.
Carson City Treasure: 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime
This is a rare piece of American history, minted in Carson City, Nevada. In 1873, the U.S. Mint changed the weight standard for dimes, adding arrows to coins struck after the adjustment. The 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime was produced before this change, with only 12,400 pieces minted.
Value: In fine condition, good examples can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Historical Significance: Coins from Carson City are in demand for the romance associated with the Old West and the boom days of silver mining, thus they are more highly collectible.
America’s Birthday Coins: Bicentennial Quarters
In 1976, the United States was celebrating its 200th birthday, and the Bicentennial Quarter was introduced to commemorate the occasion. The dual date on these quarters reads “1776–1976,” and the reverse design shows a colonial drummer. Most Bicentennial quarters are common, but there are some varieties and error coins that are worth a lot of money.
Value: Rare minting errors, such as double-die obverses or silver proofs, can be worth thousands of dollars.
What to Look For: The most valuable versions are proof coins struck in 40% silver or those with visible minting errors.
The New Orleans Legacy: 1895-O Barber Dime
The 1895-O Barber Dime, minted in New Orleans, is referred to as the “Crescent City rarity.” Only 440,000 were minted, making this dime relatively scarce. Finding one in near-mint condition is extremely difficult and adds significantly to its value.
Value: Depending on the condition, a 1895-O Barber Dime can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Why It’s Significant: The coin is a representation of New Orleans unique contribution to US coinage and remains a favorite among serious collectors.
The First Washington Quarter: 1932-D
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the initial issues of the quarters that bear the image of President George Washington. With a mintage of only 436,000 pieces at the Denver Mint, this quarter is considered a treasure among numismatists.
Value: In near-mint condition, a 1932-D Washington Quarter can fetch several thousand dollars.
What to Look For: Check the coin’s reverse side for the “D” mintmark to verify its authenticity.
Treasure Hunter Tips
If you’re inspired to check your change, here are some practical tips for spotting rare and valuable coins:
- Check Dates Carefully: Some years, like 1894, 1916, and 1932, are critical in determining a coin’s rarity.
- Examine Mint Marks: Pay attention to mint marks, such as “D” (Denver), “S” (San Francisco), and “CC” (Carson City). These can add significant value.
- Look for Errors: Minting errors, such as double stamps or off-center strikes, are worth investigating.
- Keep Coins in Good Condition: If you find a rare coin, avoid cleaning or damaging it. Even minor scratches can greatly reduce its value.
- Use a Magnifying Glass: This will help you identify small details, like overdates or doubled designs.
The Thrill of the Hunt
Though you might not hit the jackpot of finding one in your change, the thrill of the hunt is half the adventure. Every coin has a tale to tell and sometimes that story is worth small fortunes. Of course, don’t forget the coin’s condition can make the difference between an old date coin being worth peanuts or a lot of money; it’s essential to consult with a professional numismatist if you find a potentially valuable coin.
Next time you receive change, take a moment to inspect your coins carefully—you never know what piece of American history might be sitting in your hands.