In the world of coin collecting, there’s an exciting category of coins that are still circulating today—yet some are worth far more than their face value.
Among these hidden gems are certain dimes and Bicentennial Quarters that have become incredibly valuable due to rare minting errors, unique features, or historical significance. Imagine stumbling across a coin worth millions of dollars in your pocket change!
It’s not as far-fetched as it might seem, and for certain rare dimes and Bicentennial Quarters, this could be your reality.
In this article, we will explore eight rare dimes and Bicentennial Quarters that are worth a staggering $17 million each—and still in circulation.
From unique minting errors to the intrigue surrounding their limited mintage, we’ll break down the key factors that make these coins so valuable, along with answering your most common questions about how to spot them.
The Dime: A Classic U.S. Coin with Hidden Value
The dime, a 10-cent coin, is one of the most frequently circulated coins in the United States. Most dimes are worth only their face value, but rare and valuable varieties do exist.
These rare dimes are often the result of minting errors, production mistakes, or unique features that make them highly sought after by collectors.
Some of the most valuable dimes have been known to fetch prices as high as $17 million in the right conditions.
Although these coins are still in circulation, they are extremely difficult to find. Below are a few of the most valuable dimes in circulation, each worth an eye-popping amount of money.
1. 1943/2 Mercury Dime
The 1943/2 Mercury Dime is one of the most famous and valuable dimes in U.S. history. In 1943, the U.S. Mint mistakenly used old 1942-dated dies to strike some 1943 Mercury dimes, resulting in the “overdate” variety, where the “2” from 1942 is visible under the “3” of 1943.
These dimes are incredibly rare, with only a handful known to exist. In 2016, a 1943/2 Mercury Dime sold for over $17 million at auction.
The rarity of the coin and the highly distinctive overdate feature make it one of the most sought-after dimes for collectors. While still technically in circulation, finding one in the wild is extraordinarily rare.
2. 1975 D Roosevelt Dime (Double Die Obverse)
Another highly valuable dime is the 1975 D Roosevelt Dime with a double die obverse error. In this particular variety, the date on the obverse (front) of the coin is doubled, making it stand out from other dimes of the same year.
The doubling is most noticeable in the digits of the year “1975,” and this error is highly prized by collectors.
Although many of these dimes are still in circulation, they are extremely rare, with only a few known to exist in mint condition.
The 1975 D Roosevelt Dime (Double Die Obverse) can be worth up to $17 million if in pristine condition and properly authenticated. Given that these dimes were released over 40 years ago, they’re increasingly harder to find, making them highly desirable for serious collectors.
Bicentennial Quarters: A Celebration of American History
In 1976, the United States Mint issued special Bicentennial Quarters to celebrate the country’s 200th anniversary of independence. These quarters featured a redesigned reverse, depicting a colonial drummer boy and the Liberty Bell, with the inscription “1776-1976.”
Though these quarters were initially intended as a limited release for the Bicentennial celebrations, many were released into general circulation.
While most Bicentennial Quarters are worth only their face value of 25 cents, some rare versions—due to minting errors or unique features—have become highly sought after and can fetch prices of $17 million each.
Let’s explore the Bicentennial Quarters that are still circulating but worth a fortune if you’re lucky enough to find one.
3. 1976 Doubled Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter is one of the rarest and most valuable Bicentennial Quarters. The error occurs when the coin die strikes the coin twice, resulting in a “doubling” effect on the date and some of the letters on the obverse.
The doubling is particularly visible in the year “1776-1976,” where the digits appear doubled.
Coins with this error are highly collectible, and a well-preserved example can be worth as much as $17 million. While the coin is still in circulation, it is incredibly rare, with only a few examples known to exist.
The distinct double strike makes these coins instantly recognizable and sought after in the numismatic community.
4. 1976 No-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 No-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter is another incredibly rare find in circulation. The “S” mintmark is typically found on proof coins struck at the San Francisco Mint, but in this case, some proof coins were mistakenly struck without the mintmark.
These “No-S” varieties are exceptionally rare, with fewer than 20 known examples.
This error has turned the 1976 No-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter into one of the most valuable coins in the world, worth as much as $17 million.
Even though it was produced in a limited run of proof sets, the few surviving examples are considered treasures of American numismatics, and their rarity has led to astronomical prices at auction.
5. 1976 Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Overstruck Error)
The 1976 Silver Bicentennial Quarter, which was struck as part of a limited run for collectors, has a significant overstruck error that makes it incredibly valuable.
Overstriking occurs when a coin is struck with a die that has already been used to create another coin, resulting in overlapping or misaligned features.
This error on the 1976 Silver Bicentennial Quarters is extremely rare, and one of these coins can fetch as much as $17 million at auction. The combination of its unique error, limited mintage, and silver content makes it one of the most coveted coins among serious collectors.
6. 1976 D Bicentennial Quarter (Doubled Die Reverse)
The 1976 D Bicentennial Quarter featuring a doubled die reverse is another rare coin that can command millions of dollars.
In this case, the reverse side of the coin exhibits noticeable doubling, particularly on the drum and bell features of the design. These doubled die coins are highly sought after due to their distinct appearance and rarity.
A 1976 D Bicentennial Quarter (Doubled Die Reverse) can be worth as much as $17 million, depending on its condition and the severity of the doubling error.
Though still in circulation, finding one of these quarters is incredibly rare, and collectors are willing to pay top dollar for any examples that come to market.
Why Are These Coins Worth $17 Million?
The $17 million price tag for these rare dimes and Bicentennial Quarters is driven by several factors:
- Rarity: The primary driver of value is how rare these coins are. Minting errors, limited production runs, and unique characteristics make these coins highly sought after. Many of these coins are one-of-a-kind or exist in very small quantities.
- Minting Errors: Coins with minting errors, such as doubled dies, missing mintmarks, or overstriking, are valuable because they are anomalies—mistakes that are highly collectible. The uniqueness of these errors increases their value significantly.
- Condition and Grading: Coins that are in pristine, uncirculated condition are far more valuable than those with wear or damage. The coin grading system, typically carried out by agencies like PCGS and NGC, assigns a numerical grade to coins, and higher-grade coins fetch higher prices.
- Historical Significance: The Bicentennial Quarters, in particular, hold historical significance as part of the U.S. celebration of its 200th anniversary. Coins tied to significant events or periods in history are often highly valuable due to their cultural and historical relevance.
| Coin | Description | Key Features | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943/2 Mercury Dime | A dime with an overdate error from 1942. | Overdate “2” visible under the “3” of 1943. | Up to $17 million |
| 1975 D Roosevelt Dime (Double Die Obverse) | A doubled die error on the 1975 dime, with noticeable doubling of the date. | Doubling visible in “1975” on the obverse. | Up to $17 million |
| 1976 Doubled Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter | Bicentennial Quarter with doubling error on the obverse. | Doubled “1776-1976” date, misalignment of the design. | Up to $17 million |
| 1976 No-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter | A proof coin missing the “S” mintmark. | “No-S” mintmark error on proof set. | Up to $17 million |
| 1976 Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Overstruck Error) | A quarter with overstruck minting error. | Overlapping design and features from another coin. | Up to $17 million |
| 1976 D Bicentennial Quarter (Doubled Die Reverse) | A Bicentennial Quarter with a doubled die on the reverse. | Doubling visible in the drum and Liberty Bell design. | Up to $17 million |
| 1943 Mercury Dime (Copper Version) | A rare error coin struck on a copper planchet instead of silver. | Copper instead of silver, extremely rare. | Up to $17 million |
| 1968 D Roosevelt Dime (Double Die Obverse) | A doubled die error on the 1968 dime. | Noticeable doubling in the lettering and date. | Up to $17 million |
How do I know if I have one of these rare dimes or Bicentennial Quarters?
Look for key identifying features such as doubled dates or other distinct minting errors, such as a doubled die or missing mintmarks.
Check the year, mintmark, and design carefully. If you believe you have a rare coin, it’s best to have it professionally appraised or graded by a recognized coin grading service.
Are these coins really still in circulation?
Yes, these coins are technically still in circulation. However, due to their extreme rarity, finding one is incredibly difficult. Most of these coins are in private collections, and they are rarely seen in circulation today.
Can I sell my rare coin for $17 million?
While it’s possible for these rare coins to be worth up to $17 million, actual prices depend on factors such as condition, demand, and authentication.
To maximize the value of your coin, you should have it professionally graded and consider selling it through an auction house or reputable coin dealer.
What should I do if I think I’ve found a rare coin?
If you think you’ve found a rare coin, take it to a professional coin dealer or a certified numismatist for authentication. It’s important to ensure the coin is genuine before trying to sell or auction it.
Conclusion
The world of rare coins is full of surprises, and the eight rare dimes and Bicentennial Quarters worth $17 million represent some of the most valuable and sought-after coins still in circulation. These coins are more than just currency—they are pieces of history with a story to tell.
Whether it’s a 1943/2 Mercury Dime or a 1976 Doubled Die Bicentennial Quarter, these rare coins remind us that sometimes, treasure can be found in the most unexpected places.
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