It’s easy to overlook small change, especially dimes—they’re light, slim, and often forgotten at the bottom of your pocket or jar. But what if that ordinary-looking dime was actually worth thousands of dollars? Some rare dimes are still in circulation, and finding one could mean a surprising payday. Let’s explore three of the most valuable dimes that could still be out there—and how to spot them.
1. 1968-S No S Roosevelt Dime
This error coin is a favorite among collectors. The 1968-S No S Roosevelt Dime was supposed to be minted with an “S” mint mark to indicate it came from San Francisco. However, a small number were mistakenly struck without this mark. These dimes are rare and can sell for $15,000 or more depending on condition. Check any 1968 dimes carefully—if you find one without an “S” mint mark and it’s proof-like, it could be the real deal.
2. 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime
The 1982 No P Dime is another well-known minting error. A batch of dimes produced in Philadelphia that year was struck without the “P” mint mark. This mistake makes these coins quite rare, with values reaching $300 to $1,000 or higher in uncirculated condition. Since 1982 was the first year dimes from Philadelphia had a mint mark, this coin stands out in history—and in collector demand.
3. 1942/41 Mercury Dime
This rare overdate error occurred when a 1942 die was mistakenly struck over a 1941 die, creating a unique doubling of the year. Known as the 1942/41 Mercury Dime, this coin is beloved among collectors and can fetch up to $15,000 in mint state. It’s identifiable by looking closely at the date, where parts of the “1” from 1941 can be seen underneath the “2” of 1942.
Don’t Dismiss Your Dimes
The next time you get change from the store or clean out an old drawer, take a closer look at your dimes. What may seem like an ordinary coin could be one of the rarest and most valuable pieces still in circulation. The 1968-S No S Dime, 1982 No P Dime, and 1942/41 Mercury Dime have made lucky finders thousands of dollars richer. You might be next—so check those coins!
FAQ’s:
1. How do I know if my 1968 dime is valuable?
If it’s a 1968 dime that looks like a proof coin (mirror finish) but lacks the “S” mint mark, you may have the rare No S proof dime. These should be professionally appraised.
2. What makes the 1982 No P Dime special?
It’s the first time the Philadelphia Mint was supposed to use a “P” mint mark on dimes. A few were accidentally struck without it, making them rare and collectible.
3. How can I spot the 1942/41 Mercury Dime?
Look closely at the date. If you notice what looks like a doubled date—especially a “1” beneath the “2”—you could have a valuable overdate error coin.
4. Are these rare dimes still in circulation today?
While rare, it’s possible. Some have been found in pocket change or inherited collections. It’s always worth checking!
5. What should I do if I find one of these rare dimes?
Avoid cleaning the coin and take it to a professional coin dealer or submit it to grading services like NGC or PCGS for authentication and value assessment.
