It started as a simple cleanup—an old purse tucked away in the back of a closet, forgotten for years. But when one woman opened the small leather bag, she discovered something extraordinary: a coin that would leave professional collectors speechless. That rare dime, found among ordinary change, turned out to be worth tens of thousands of dollars. And she’s not alone—there are other rare dimes still out there, waiting to be found. Here’s what you should be looking for.
1894-S Barber Dime
Perhaps one of the most famous and valuable dimes in existence, the 1894-S Barber Dime is the stuff of numismatic legend. Only 24 were ever minted in San Francisco, and fewer than 10 are believed to exist today. If you were lucky enough to stumble upon one of these historic coins, you could be looking at a value exceeding $2 million. They’re nearly impossible to find—but the idea that one could be sitting in someone’s change collection is what keeps collectors searching.
1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime is a modern error that has fascinated collectors for decades. These proof coins were minted without the customary “S” mintmark indicating the San Francisco Mint. That missing letter transforms an otherwise common dime into a five-figure treasure, often selling for $15,000 to $25,000 depending on condition. If you’ve inherited old proof sets or stumbled upon unusual dimes in loose change, keep your eyes peeled for this subtle yet highly valuable error.
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
An even rarer variation than the 1968 error, the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is so scarce that only two confirmed examples are known to exist. These dimes are also missing the “S” mintmark and were part of special proof sets. If you happen to come across one—especially in a sealed proof set—it could easily fetch upwards of $400,000 at auction. It’s one of the most thrilling discoveries a casual coin owner could ever make.
The discovery of a rare coin in an old purse is a dream come true for collectors, but it’s a reminder for all of us to take a second look at the “ordinary” items we may be overlooking. Rare dimes, particularly those with mint errors or historic significance, could be hiding in drawers, jars, or, as it turns out, vintage handbags. Don’t miss your chance to uncover hidden value—your next great find might be just a zipper away.
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if my dime is rare?
Look for missing mintmarks, unusual designs, or dates that correspond with known rare issues like the 1894-S or No-S Roosevelt dimes.
2. Where should I look for valuable dimes?
Old purses, change jars, proof sets, and inherited coin collections are great places to search.
3. Are mint errors really valuable?
Yes. Errors like missing mintmarks can make coins exceptionally rare and valuable to collectors.
4. Should I clean old coins before selling?
No. Cleaning can damage the coin’s surface and significantly reduce its value.
5. Is it worth getting coins appraised?
Absolutely. A professional appraisal can confirm authenticity and help you understand your coin’s true value.
