Here are some rare and expensive coins, which are not only historically important but their price is also surprisingly high. Some special dimes and 1976 Bicentennial Quarters have fetched such high prices in auctions that they have become one of the most sought after coins in the world.
Here we will know about ten such rare and precious coins whose total value is estimated to be around 75 million dollars.
1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is considered one of the rarest and most valuable coins of America. Its rarity is so high that only 24 coins were made and only a few coins are left today.
Key Features
- Minted: San Francisco
- Total Production: 24
- Coins currently known: Only 9
It is believed that San Francisco Mint Superintendent John Daggett had these coins made especially to gift to his close bankers. He also gave some coins to his daughter, one of which she spent to buy ice cream.
Today, if this coin is in good condition, it can be worth more than $2 million (about Rs 16.5 crore).
1916-D Mercury Dime
This dime made in 1916 is very rare and is considered the most important coin of the Mercury dime series. It was prepared at the Denver Mint.
Key Features
- First Mercury Dime Coin
- Total Production: 2,64,000
- Extremely Rare, Especially Uncirculated Coins
The low number of this coin has made it extremely important for collectors. If this coin is found in excellent condition, then its price can be more than 1 lakh dollars (about 83 lakh rupees).
1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate Error
This coin was produced by mistake at the Philadelphia Mint during World War II. The 1941 die was re-engraved as 1942, causing an overdate error.
Key Features
- Clearly visible “1” under the number “2”
- Made at the Philadelphia Mint
- Extremely rare, especially if found in good condition
If this coin is in good condition, it can be auctioned for thousands of dollars.
1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
This rare dime of 1975 was accidentally produced at the San Francisco Mint without the “S” mint mark. This mistake made this coin extremely valuable.
Key Features
- “S” mint mark missing
- Only two known coins available
- One coin sold for $ 4,56,000 (about Rs 3.8 crore) in 2019
This coin has been discovered only twice till date, so it is considered one of the rarest modern coins.
1968 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Similar to the 1975 coin, a similar thing happened in 1968, when the San Francisco Mint mistakenly issued some coins without the “S” mint mark.
Key Features
- Proof coin, but no “S” mint mark
- Issued in proof sets
- Rare, but not as rare as the 1975 version
This coin can be worth thousands of dollars, especially if it is in excellent condition.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
A special quarter coin was issued in 1976 to commemorate America’s 200th year of independence. While most quarters are only worth their original price, some special variants and error versions can be quite expensive.
1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter
This special edition was produced by the San Francisco Mint with a 40% silver alloy.
Key Features
- 40% silver content
- Brilliant proof finish
- More valuable in better condition
If this coin is found in good condition, it can be worth hundreds of dollars.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter on a Dime Planchet
Some coins were accidentally minted on the wrong metal plate (planchet), making them the wrong size.
Key Features
- Quarter design on a dime plate
- Large mint error
- Extremely rare
Coins with errors like these can sell for thousands of dollars.
1976-D Bicentennial Quarter Doubled Die Obverse
A double die error occurs when a coin is minted with a die that has already had an engraving error twice.
Key Features
- Double impression appears on date and lettering
- Minted at the Denver Mint
- Rare in excellent condition
A coin like this can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars.
1976 Aluminum Bicentennial Quarter
In the 1970s, the U.S. Mint began experimenting with metals like aluminum because the price of copper was rising.
Key Features
- Minted as an experiment
- Not officially released
- If this coin is found in a private collection, it could be worth millions of dollars
No such coin has been found in private hands so far, but if it ever is, it could be one of the most expensive coins in the world.
Conclusion
These coins are not just pieces of metal, but an important part of history. From the 1894-S Barber dime to the 1976 aluminum Bicentennial quarter, each coin has its own unique story.
FAQs:
Why are these dimes and Bicentennial quarters so valuable?
These coins are rare due to factors like low mintage, historical significance, unique errors, or being in exceptional condition, making them highly sought after by collectors.
What are the signs which indicate my possession of a rare coin?
Identify rare numerical dates and minting points in combination with specific mint errors which include double impressions and missing design details or off-center positioning. A professional coin grading service functions to validate the authenticity of coins.
Where can I sell a rare coin if I have one?
You can sell rare coins through online marketplaces, auction houses, or coin dealers. Professional coin grading services can help determine the best price.
How do I preserve my rare coins to maintain their value?
Protective holders should be used to store the components while bare-hand contact should be avoided and the components need a controlled environment to prevent damage or wear.