5 Rare Dimes and Quarters Worth : Are you sitting on a fortune without even knowing it? Rare coins — especially certain dimes and quarters — can be worth staggering amounts of money. Some of these small pieces of change, easily overlooked in daily life, have fetched prices that rival luxury homes and sports cars. Here are five rare dimes and quarters collectively worth over $150 million. You might want to check your pockets, coin jars, or old collections — you could be holding a national treasure.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime – Worth Up to $2 Million Each
The 1894-S Barber Dime is the holy grail of American dimes. Only 24 were minted, and just nine are known to still exist. Originally struck in San Francisco, these dimes were likely minted as gifts for dignitaries or investors. One of them sold for $1.9 million in 2007, and collectors speculate that pristine examples could command even more today. If you come across one, consider yourself a millionaire.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime – Valued at Over $100,000 in High Grade
This dime marked the first year of the iconic “Mercury” design, but the Denver Mint produced only 264,000 of them — the lowest mintage of the series. While lower-grade versions might bring in a few thousand dollars, a mint-condition 1916-D Mercury Dime has been auctioned for over $100,000. Counterfeits are common, so authentication is crucial.
3. 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter (Struck on a 1941 Canadian Quarter) – $35,000+
This rare error coin is a collector’s dream. The U.S. Mint mistakenly struck some 1970-S proof quarters on silver Canadian quarters dated 1941. With only a few known examples, these quarters have fetched over $35,000. The giveaway? Look for traces of the underlying Canadian coin, especially around the rim and date.
4. 1942/1 Mercury Dime (Overdate Error) – Up to $75,000
This famous error coin was created when a 1941 die was accidentally re-used for 1942 production, resulting in a visible overdate — the “1” beneath the “2.” Both Philadelphia and Denver Mints produced the error. In mint state, these dimes can sell for $20,000–$75,000, depending on condition and mint mark.
5. 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters – Up to $85,000 for the Pair
These two coins marked the beginning of the Washington quarter series, and both had very low mintages — only 436,800 for the 1932-D and 408,000 for the 1932-S. While circulated examples are relatively affordable, uncirculated versions in top condition have sold for $40,000+ each. Together, a flawless pair could be worth more than $85,000.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs..)
Q1: How can I tell if I have a rare dime or quarter?
A: Start by checking the year, mint mark, and condition of the coin. Rare coins often have:
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Very low mintage years (e.g., 1894-S, 1916-D, 1932-D)
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Unique errors (like overdates or wrong metal strikes)
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Mint marks like D (Denver) or S (San Francisco) in specific years
Use a magnifying glass to spot fine details and compare with verified images from reliable numismatic websites.
Q2: Are error coins really that valuable?
A: Yes! Coins with minting errors — such as overdates, double strikes, or being struck on the wrong planchet — can be extremely valuable due to their rarity and uniqueness. For example, the 1970-S quarter struck on a 1941 Canadian coin sold for over $35,000.
Q3: What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime so special?
A: Only 24 were ever minted, and just 9 are known to exist today. That extreme rarity, combined with historical mystery, makes it one of the most valuable dimes in existence — worth up to $2 million. If you have one, you’re holding a multi-million-dollar coin.
These five coins are among the most valuable dimes and quarters ever minted, and together they’ve been appraised and sold for over $150 million. While the odds of finding one in your change are slim, it’s not impossible — people have discovered them in inherited collections, estate sales, and even old piggy banks.
Pro Tip: If you think you’ve found a rare coin, do not clean it. Cleaned coins can lose significant value. Instead, consult a reputable coin dealer or send it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
You never know — your spare change could be your lucky break. Happy hunting!
