Have you ever wondered if the spare change rattling around in your pocket or coin jar could be worth a fortune? While most quarters and dimes are just loose change to most people, some rare U.S. coins could fetch millions—yes, millions—if they have the right traits.
Among the most famous is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, rumored to be worth up to 94 million dollars under certain rare conditions. Let’s look into some of the most valuable dimes and quarters you should look out for.
Table of Contents
1946-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1946-S Roosevelt Dime is a collector’s dream. Minted in San Francisco as the first coin to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt after his death, this dime marked the beginning of a new coin series.
The “S” mintmark beneath the date identifies its origin. Though millions were minted, only a few remain in pristine, uncirculated condition. If you’re lucky enough to find one without any wear, it could be worth thousands or even more to the right collector.
1968-S Roosevelt Dime
Another valuable Roosevelt Dime is the 1968-S, also from the San Francisco Mint. While not as old, it’s considered rare because of its low mintage numbers and limited circulation.
This dime wasn’t issued for general use but for collector sets, so finding one in everyday change is extremely rare. If you do spot an “S” mintmark and the coin looks sharp and clean, it might be worth having it professionally appraised.
1975 Roosevelt Dime
The 1975 Roosevelt Dime is easy to overlook because it looks just like any other dime. However, some extremely rare versions of this coin were minted without a mintmark at all. These mint-error dimes, particularly in mint state, can be very valuable.
If your 1975 dime has no mintmark and is in excellent condition, it could be a sleeper treasure worth far more than ten cents.
1916-D Mercury Dime
Now let’s talk about a true legend: the 1916-D Mercury Dime. This dime was minted in Denver and is one of the rarest and most valuable dimes in American numismatics. The obverse features Liberty wearing a winged cap, often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury.
If you’re lucky enough to find one with the “D” mintmark near the bottom left of the reverse, and it’s in decent condition, you could be looking at a five- or six-figure coin.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
This is the big one. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was released to celebrate America’s 200th birthday and is easily recognizable thanks to its Colonial drummer boy design and dual-date stamp: 1776–1976.
While millions were made, a few rare types—such as those with minting errors, special compositions like silver proofs, or unique die varieties—are considered ultra-rare.
Rumors in the collector world mention certain specimens being valued at as much as 94 million dollars, though that extreme figure applies only to the rarest versions in perfect condition or with extreme rarity factors.
Most Bicentennial quarters are worth face value, but rare versions with features like double dies or off-center strikes can fetch hundreds or thousands.
How to Spot a Rare Coin
You don’t have to be a coin expert to identify a potential treasure. Just follow these simple tips:
- Look for mintmarks: “S” = San Francisco, “D” = Denver, no mark = Philadelphia
- Check the design: Bicentennial quarters should show the drummer boy; Mercury Dimes show a winged Liberty head
- Condition matters: Coins with sharp details, minimal scratches, and no wear are much more valuable
- Check for errors: Missing mintmarks, double strikes, or off-center prints add serious value
Final Thoughts
That forgotten coin on your dresser or bottom of your purse might just be more than pocket change. Rare Roosevelt dimes, Mercury dimes, and Bicentennial quarters continue to capture the attention of collectors worldwide.
So, next time you get change from a store or clean out an old piggy bank, take a closer look—you might be holding a tiny piece of history worth a life-changing sum.
FAQs
Can a Bicentennial quarter be worth millions?
Yes, rare error versions can fetch millions at auction.
Where is the mintmark on a Roosevelt dime?
Look near the base of the torch on the reverse side.
What makes a 1975 dime valuable?
Dimes without a mintmark from 1975 are rare errors.
How do I know if my coin is uncirculated?
It will have no wear, full luster, and sharp details.
What’s special about the 1916-D Mercury Dime?
It’s one of the rarest dimes ever minted, especially in good condition.