Imagine finding a coin in your pocket that’s worth more than just a few cents. In fact, some coins still in circulation today are worth thousands, and in rare cases, even millions of dollars. This article highlights two rare dimes and one special Bicentennial Quarter that are still out there and could be worth a lot of money if you’re lucky enough to find them. Keep reading to learn more about these valuable coins and how you can identify them.
The $15 Million Bicentennial Quarter
What Is the Bicentennial Quarter?
The Bicentennial Quarter was made in 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States. Unlike regular quarters, the back of this coin has a special design featuring a drummer boy, which makes it unique. While most of these quarters are worth only 25 cents, one specific Bicentennial Quarter is valued at an astounding $15 million.
Why Is It Worth So Much?
This particular Bicentennial Quarter is worth so much because it’s an error coin. Error coins are coins that have a mistake on them, such as a misprint or a defect made during production. In this case, the $15 million quarter has a rare minting mistake and is also in mint condition, meaning it has no wear or damage. These factors make it extremely valuable to collectors.
Two Rare Dimes Worth Thousands
1894-S Barber Dime
One of the rarest dimes ever made is the 1894-S Barber Dime. Only 24 of these dimes were minted, and today, just nine of them are known to exist. This dime is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and in some cases, it can sell for over $1 million, depending on its condition.
1916-D Mercury Dime
Another rare dime is the 1916-D Mercury Dime. It was the first year this design was used, and very few were made with the “D” mintmark, which indicates it was produced in Denver. In excellent condition, this dime can be worth more than $100,000. Collectors are always on the lookout for this rare piece of history.
| Coin | Year | Type | Estimated Value | Key Features/Reason for Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Quarter | $15,000,000 | Minting error, rare, pristine condition |
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | Dime | $1,000,000+ | Only 24 minted, 9 known to exist, extremely rare |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | Dime | $100,000+ | Rare “D” mintmark, first year of design, limited mintage |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny | 1909 | Penny | $100,000+ | Rare “VDB” initials, low mintage from the San Francisco Mint |
| 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel | 1937 | Nickel | $120,000+ | Minting error (missing buffalo leg), very rare |
| 1921 Peace Dollar | 1921 | Silver Dollar | $150,000+ | First year of issue, limited production, highly collectible |
| 1873 Doubled Die Indian Head Cent | 1873 | Penny | $100,000+ | Doubling error on the date, highly valuable |
How to Spot a Valuable Coin
Finding one of these rare coins might seem like finding a needle in a haystack, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few tips for spotting valuable coins:
- Check the Date: Older coins, especially those made before 1965, are more likely to be valuable.
- Look for Errors: Minting errors can make a coin much more valuable, so check carefully for any unusual designs or defects.
- Mintmarks Matter: Some coins with certain mintmarks, like the “D” or “S,” are worth more because they were made in smaller numbers.
- Condition is Key: Coins in mint or near-perfect condition are always worth more than those that are worn or damaged.
FAQs
Why is the Bicentennial Quarter worth $15 million?
The $15 million Bicentennial Quarter is valuable because of a rare minting error and its excellent condition. Error coins like this are highly sought after by collectors, making them worth significantly more than their face value.
What is an error coin?
An error coin is a coin that was made with a mistake during production, such as a misprint, missing design elements, or incorrect metal usage. These errors make the coin rare and valuable to collectors.
How can I tell if I have a rare Bicentennial Quarter?
Look for signs of minting errors, such as unusual markings or imperfections, and check the coin’s condition. Coins in mint or near-mint condition are worth more. You can also take your coin to a professional appraiser for a proper evaluation.
What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime valuable?
The 1894-S Barber Dime is valuable because only 24 of these dimes were minted, and fewer than 10 are known to exist today. In top condition, it can be worth over $1 million.
Why is the 1916-D Mercury Dime special?
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is rare because it was produced in limited quantities during the first year of this design, and only a few were made with the “D” mintmark. In excellent condition, it can sell for more than $100,000.
Finding a rare and valuable coin in your pocket change might sound like a dream, but it does happen! With the $15 million Bicentennial Quarter and two rare dimes still in circulation, there’s always a chance that you could come across one. Keep an eye out for unique dates, mintmarks, and errors on your coins, and you might just strike it rich. Whether you’re a coin collector or just curious about your spare change, it’s always worth checking those dimes and quarters carefully.
