We track the most valuable dime varieties that quietly hide in jars and coin rolls — and these three have been known to sell for five‑ and even six‑figure sums!
🔍 1. 1919‑S Mercury Dime (MS‑66)
- Key Feature: Minted at Denver (“S”) during post‑WWI era
- Why It’s Valuable: Low mintage plus excellent preservation
- Auction Record: Sold for $132,000 in MS‑66 (Heritage, 2024) the-sun.com+8the-sun.com+8the-sun.com+8en.wikipedia.org+6the-sun.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6pinterest.com+6thesun.co.uk+6nypost.com+6
🔍 2. 1916‑D Mercury Dime (Full Bands)
- Key Feature: Strong dual‑band detail on reverse (“fasces”)
- Why It’s Valuable: Dramatically low survival rate (246K minted), premium for “full band” strike
- Recent Sale: A PCGS‑61 full bands type fetched $20,400 nypost.com+2the-sun.com+2the-sun.com+2
🔍 3. 1968 Roosevelt “No S” Proof Dime
- Key Feature: Proof dime struck without “S” mint mark
- Why It’s Valuable: Mistaken error on the reverse die
- Auction Record: Approx. $25,200 (unusual but well‑documented sale) nypost.com+3the-sun.com+3thesun.co.uk+3the-sun.com+1thescottishsun.co.uk+1
🧬 Why These Dimes Command High Prices
✔️ Scarce Mint Errors or Low Mintage: Strange markings or extremely limited supply
✔️ High‑Grade Collector Condition: Mint State coins favored by registry collectors
✔️ Ice in the Jar Potential: Often hiding unnoticed in circulation
✅ Collector Action Guide
- Check mintmarks on the reverse or obverse (based on era)
- Look for design quirks: e.g., full bands, missing mint marks
- Compare photos to online certified examples (PCGS, NGC)
- Get high-grade pieces certified for top-tier sale price
📈 Market Insight
- 1919‑S MS‑66: $100K–$132K record high youtube.com+13the-sun.com+13thescottishsun.co.uk+13en.wikipedia.orgthe-sun.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2
- 1916‑D full bands: $20K+ range nypost.com+2the-sun.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2
- 1968 No S Proof: $25K+ documented sale nypost.com+3the-sun.com+3thesun.co.uk+3
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