Imagine finding a dime or quarter in your pocket worth more than your car—or even your house. Sounds far-fetched? Not for some lucky collectors. A handful of rare coins have shocked the numismatic world with six-figure price tags, thanks to unique errors, low mintages, or historical quirks. Let’s take a closer look at four standout coins—and how to spot them in your own collection.
1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is one of the crown jewels of American coinage. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, it features Lady Liberty donning a winged cap—a symbol of free thought—and a fasces with an olive branch on the back, representing strength and peace.
What makes this dime so special? It was minted in Denver with a production of just 264,000 coins. That’s a tiny number, making it incredibly rare.
Even more desirable are examples with sharp “full bands” on the fasces. In pristine condition, these dimes can sell anywhere from $20,000 to well over $200,000.
1945 Micro S Mercury Dime
At first glance, the 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime might not seem out of the ordinary. But look closely at the mintmark on the back—it’s unusually small. This subtle error occurred when a different, smaller punch was used at the San Francisco Mint.
Though not as rare as the 1916-D, the Micro S is still highly collectible. In higher grades, this coin can command between $300 and $3,000 or more, especially when that tiny “S” is crisp and clear.
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
Now here’s a modern rarity that’s nearly the stuff of legend. In 1975, all San Francisco proof dimes were supposed to carry the “S” mintmark. But somehow, a couple of them slipped out without it.
Only two examples of the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime are known to exist. One sold for a staggering $456,000 in 2019. Another, tucked away in a family vault for decades, hit the auction block in 2024 and sold for $506,250. With only two known, it’s one of the rarest—and most valuable—dimes in existence.
1976 Bicentennial Quarters
Most Americans have seen the 1976 Bicentennial quarter with its iconic colonial drummer and the dual year “1776–1976.” But not all of them are ordinary.
Some of these quarters were minted in 40% silver for special collector sets. High-grade silver proofs have fetched as much as $19,200 at auction. And it gets better—error versions exist too. Coins struck on dime planchets or with double strikes can sell for thousands, depending on condition and rarity.
| Coin Name | Year | Estimated Value | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury Dime (1916-D) | 1916 | $20,000 – $200,000+ | Very low mintage; full bands boost value |
| Micro S Mercury Dime | 1945 | $300 – $3,000+ | Smaller-than-normal “S” mintmark |
| No-S Roosevelt Dime | 1975 | $456,000 – $506,250 | Missing mintmark on proof; only 2 known |
| Bicentennial Silver Quarter | 1976-S | $1,000 – $19,200 | 40% silver composition in proof sets |
| Bicentennial Error Quarters | 1976 | $500 – $5,000+ | Struck on wrong planchets or with doubling errors |
Final Thoughts
These dimes and quarters prove that real treasure doesn’t always come in gold bars or buried chests. Sometimes, it jingles in your pocket or hides in an old coin jar.
So next time you’re sorting through spare change or flipping through a forgotten coin album, take a second look—your next big find might just be smaller than you think, but worth a whole lot more.
FAQs
What is the rarest Mercury dime?
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is the rarest in the series.
What’s special about the 1975 No-S dime?
It lacks the ‘S’ mintmark and only two are known.
How much is a silver Bicentennial quarter worth?
Silver proofs can fetch up to $19,200 at auction.
What does a Micro S dime look like?
It has a smaller-than-usual ‘S’ mintmark.
Are Bicentennial quarters valuable?
Most aren’t, but silver and error versions can be.
