Think rare coins are only found at auctions or buried in treasure chests? Think again. Some of the most valuable coins in existence have turned up in the most unexpected places—including pocket change. Dimes are often overlooked because of their size and common appearance, but some rare versions have slipped into circulation unnoticed. Here are three rare dimes that have been found in circulation, and why you should start checking your change today.
1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime
One of the rarest Roosevelt dimes ever discovered, the 1968 No-S Proof Dime is missing the mintmark that should have appeared on all proof coins made in San Francisco. Somehow, a few made it out into the world without the “S” mintmark. These coins look nearly identical to regular dimes but are worth thousands. In 2024, one sold for over $45,000. The mistake was so subtle that it went unnoticed for years.
1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime
In 1982, the Philadelphia Mint made a major error—some dimes were struck without the “P” mintmark, something that hadn’t happened since the early 1900s. The 1982 No-P Dime looks ordinary at first glance, but this minting mistake has made it a favorite among collectors. In high grades, it can fetch $300 to $1,000 or more. One of the best things about this coin? Several have been found in everyday circulation.
1916-D Mercury Dime
One of the holy grails of dime collecting, the 1916-D Mercury Dime had a very limited mintage—only 264,000 were produced. That’s an extremely low number for a coin intended for circulation. What makes this dime special is the small “D” mintmark on the reverse, which is easy to miss. Despite being over a century old, examples still occasionally show up in circulation and can command prices over $15,000 in good condition.
The next time you get change back from a cashier, don’t ignore those dimes. That small silver coin could be worth thousands if it happens to be one of these rare varieties. All it takes is a little curiosity and attention to detail to potentially find a life-changing coin in your pocket. These three rare dimes are proof that hidden treasures still exist—and they might be closer than you think.
FAQ’s:
1. How do I know if my dime is rare?
Check the date and mintmark. Use a magnifying glass to look for missing or unusual features, and compare with known rare examples.
2. Where can I get a rare coin appraised?
You can take it to a local coin dealer or send it to a third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication and evaluation.
3. Can these rare dimes still be found today?
Yes, although rare, some have been found in circulation, coin rolls from banks, or even pocket change.
4. Is it legal to own rare error coins?
Absolutely. Error coins like the ones mentioned are legal to own and sell.
5. Should I clean a coin before getting it appraised?
No. Cleaning can damage the coin and significantly reduce its value. Always leave coins in their original condition.
