Dimes, the ten-cent coins of the United States, have long been a favorite among collectors. The 20th century, in particular, saw the minting of several dimes that are now highly prized for their rarity and historical significance.
In this article, we’ll explore seven of the most collectible dimes from that era.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime
Struck in 1894 at the San Francisco Mint, only 24 proof Barber dimes were minted, making it one of the rarest U.S. coins. Today, only nine are known to exist, with one selling for $1.9 million in 2007.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury dime, minted in Denver, has a low mintage of 264,000 pieces. Its scarcity and distinctive design have made it a favorite among collectors.
3. 1919 Winged Liberty Head Dime
A newly confirmed doubled die obverse for a 1919 Winged Liberty Head dime has the specialty collecting community excited. The coin shows strong doubling on portions of the letters of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
4. 1916-S Winged Liberty Head Dime
The 1916-S Winged Liberty Head dime is readily available today, though the Barber dime is the more expensive of the two. Still, both remain affordable in lower grades and even in Mint State.
5. 1900-O Barber Dime
In terms of its original mintage, the 1900-O Barber dime should not be scarce, and yet in higher grades, the coin can be rather expensive. This scarcity is due to the coin’s low survival rate in high grades.
6. 1916-S Barber Dime
The 1916-S Barber dime was one of two 10-cent coins struck at the San Francisco Mint that year. Both it and the 1916-S Winged Liberty Head dime are readily available today, though the Barber dime is the more expensive of the two.
7. 1975-S Proof Dime Without Mintmark
In 1975, the San Francisco Mint struck a small number of Proof Roosevelt dimes without that facility’s S Mint mark. These are the rare ones. One of these dimes sold for $349,600 in 2011.
| Coin Name | Year | Mint Location | Mintage | Value (Highest Auction Price) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | San Francisco | 24 Proofs | $1.9 Million |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | Denver | 264,000 | $1.4 Million |
| 1919 Winged Liberty Head Dime with Doubled Die | 1919 | Philadelphia | 5.4 Million | $100,000+ |
| 1916-S Winged Liberty Head Dime | 1916 | San Francisco | 508,000 | $100,000+ |
| 1975-S Proof Dime Without Mintmark | 1975 | San Francisco | Unknown | $349,600 |
These dimes represent some of the most sought-after coins among collectors, each with its unique history and rarity contributing to its desirability.
FAQs
What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime so valuable?
The 1894-S Barber Dime is extremely rare, with only 24 proofs minted and only nine known to exist today. Its scarcity and historical significance make it highly valuable among collectors.
Why is the 1916-D Mercury Dime considered a key date?
The 1916-D Mercury Dime has a low mintage of 264,000 pieces, making it scarce and highly sought after by collectors.
What is a doubled die obverse on a 1919 Winged Liberty Head Dime?
The 1919 Winged Liberty Head Dime with a doubled die obverse shows strong doubling on portions of the letters of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Why is the 1900-O Barber Dime scarce in higher grades?
Despite its original mintage, the 1900-O Barber Dime is scarce in higher grades due to its low survival rate in such conditions, making it expensive in higher grades.
Are 1916-S Barber Dimes common?
The 1916-S Barber Dime is readily available today, though the Barber dime is the more expensive of the two. Still, both remain affordable in lower grades and even in Mint State.
