Coin collecting is more than just a hobby; it’s a journey through history. Among the various coins, dimes hold a special place for many collectors due to their intricate designs and historical significance. Let’s explore nine rare dime varieties that every collector should know about.
1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest and most coveted coins in American numismatics. Only 24 specimens were minted, and fewer than 10 are known to exist today. This dime was produced at the San Francisco Mint and is shrouded in mystery. Some theories suggest these dimes were struck as special gifts, while others believe they were created as a test run. Regardless of its origins, the 1894-S Barber Dime’s rarity makes it extremely valuable, often fetching millions at auctions.
1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is another highly sought-after coin due to its low mintage. Only 264,000 of these dimes were produced at the Denver Mint. The Mercury Dime, designed by Adolph A. Weinman, features a depiction of Liberty wearing a winged cap. The 1916-D is considered a key date in the series, making it a must-have for serious collectors. Its value varies greatly depending on condition, but even worn examples are worth a significant amount.
1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate occurred when the U.S. Mint mistakenly struck some 1942 dimes over 1941-dated dies. This error resulted in a visible “1” beneath the “2” in the date. Overdate errors are fascinating for collectors because they represent a moment in time when something went awry in the minting process. The 1942/1 overdate is rare and commands a premium price, especially in higher grades.
1946-S Roosevelt Dime with Micro S Mintmark
Some 1946-S Roosevelt Dimes were struck with a “micro” S mintmark, significantly smaller than the standard size. This mintmark variety is rare and highly desirable among collectors. The Roosevelt Dime series began in 1946, honoring the recently deceased President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The micro S variety adds an extra layer of intrigue and rarity, making it a prized possession for numismatists.
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
In 1975, a small number of Roosevelt Dimes minted at the San Francisco Mint were mistakenly struck without the “S” mintmark. These No-S dimes are incredibly rare and valuable. The absence of the mintmark occurred during the production of proof sets, intended for collectors. As a result, the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime stands out as a significant error coin that collectors eagerly seek.
1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime
Similar to the 1975 No-S dime, the 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime is another intriguing mint error. A small number of these dimes were struck without the “P” mintmark, which denotes the Philadelphia Mint. This error occurred during a transitional period when the mint began adding the “P” mintmark to dimes. The rarity and historical context of this error make the 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime a valuable addition to any collection.
1996-W Roosevelt Dime
The 1996-W Roosevelt Dime was issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt Dime series. This coin is notable for being the first and only Roosevelt Dime minted at the West Point Mint, denoted by the “W” mintmark. It was included in special mint sets and is highly prized by collectors due to its unique origin and limited mintage. The 1996-W dime symbolizes a milestone in the series and holds significant numismatic value.
2009-S Roosevelt Dime with a Special Finish
In 2009, the U.S. Mint released special collector sets featuring dimes with a unique satin finish. These dimes are distinguishable from regular circulation strikes by their matte appearance, which gives them a distinctive look. The special finish was intended to enhance the appeal of the coins in collector sets. Due to their limited production and unique appearance, the 2009-S Roosevelt Dimes with a special finish are sought after by collectors.
2015-P Roosevelt Dime with a Reverse Die Clash
A die clash occurs when the obverse and reverse dies come together without a planchet (coin blank) between them, leaving an impression of one die on the other. Some 2015-P Roosevelt Dimes were struck with a die clash on the reverse, resulting in raised lines or marks on the coin’s surface. These die clashes are rare and add an interesting aspect to coin collecting, as they showcase a minting error that left a permanent mark on the coin.
