1912 Dime Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

If you’ve come across a 1912 dime, you might be wondering what it’s actually worth. The short answer: it depends. 1912 Dime Value ranges from around $11 for a well-worn circulated coin all the way to over $1,000 for a well-preserved example — and rare Proof versions can fetch even more. The key factors that determine value are the mint mark, the coin’s condition (or “grade”), and its relative rarity.

Known to collectors as the Barber Dime, it was designed by U.S. Mint engraver Charles E. Barber and produced from 1892 through 1916 — making any 1912 example over 110 years old and a genuine piece of American history.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, understanding what drives the 1912 dime value is the first step to knowing what you really have.

 

1912 Dime Value By Variety

The table below breaks down 1912 Dime Value by type and grade, so you can quickly find where your coin stands.If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Dimes Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1912 Dime Worth Money

The chart above tracks the top auction results for 1912 dimes from 2008 to present, and the price gap between grades is far wider than most people expect. The top spot belongs to the 1912-S MS67 (CAC), which sold for $21,150 in 2014 — the highest recorded price for any circulation-strike 1912 dime. This result reflects a combination of factors: the 1912-S has a substantially smaller production run than the Philadelphia and Denver issues, and in MS66 it already becomes a condition-rarity, with only one or two pieces graded finer. When a coin sits at the intersection of low survival rate and top grade, auction prices tend to break well above standard estimates.

The Philadelphia and Denver issues tell a similar story. In MS67, the population of 1912 Philadelphia dimes drops sharply, with fewer than a dozen certified by PCGS and none graded finer. For the Denver issue, only one PCGS MS67 example has appeared in recent decades — though it has surfaced in three separate auctions, which can give a misleading impression of availability. This scarcity at the top grades directly explains why both the 1912 MS67 ($12,925) and 1912-D MS67 ($7,344) command prices well beyond standard MS65 valuations.

Proof coins follow a different logic. The 1912 Proof dime was produced in a limited run of 700 pieces, making any surviving example a genuinely scarce collectible. The PR68 example reached $11,163, while the PR67+ CAM — the sole finest example of the 1912 proof dime with original toning and no significant marks — brought $12,925. The CAM designation indicates the coin was among the first struck from a freshly polished die, which produces sharper device contrast and is directly tied to its premium.

Taken together, the chart illustrates a consistent pattern: grade and verified rarity, not just age, are what drive top-tier 1912 dime values at auction. For collectors, this means the difference between an MS65 and an MS67 is rarely a matter of appearance alone — it represents a real and measurable scarcity that the market prices accordingly.

 

History of the 1912 Dime

The 1912 dime was struck during one of the more turbulent years in early twentieth-century American history. The coin was issued during the presidency of William H. Taft, a period marked by deep divisions within the Republican Party and mounting public pressure for economic and political reform.

The 1912 presidential election saw three major candidates — Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson — contest a bitterly divided race, with Roosevelt’s split from the Republican Party ultimately handing Wilson a landslide electoral victory. The dime passed through pockets and cash registers against this backdrop of political upheaval, functioning as everyday currency at a moment when the country’s direction was genuinely uncertain.

The coin itself belonged to the Barber series, which had been in continuous production since 1892. By 1912, the series was entering its final years, as it would be replaced by the Mercury Dime in 1916. Though some criticized the design for being unimaginative, it remained in use for nearly 25 years — a longevity that owed more to institutional inertia than public enthusiasm. By the time the 1912 issue entered circulation, calls for a new design were already well established, and the Mint had begun planning a broader aesthetic overhaul of American coinage.

These coins were heavily circulated, which means that very few have survived the years in excellent condition. Decades of daily use took a predictable toll, and later events further reduced the available pool of high-grade survivors. The surge in silver prices during the 1970s and 1980s led to large-scale melting of silver coinage across many collections, removing coins that might otherwise have entered the numismatic market. What remains today is a population shaped by both the wear of active circulation and subsequent attrition — which is a key reason why high-grade 1912 dimes command the premiums they do at auction.

Proof versions of the Barber dime were produced for collectors throughout the series, continuing a tradition of proof coinage that dated back to the mid-nineteenth century. These pieces were struck from specially prepared dies and intended for presentation rather than circulation, and they survive in significantly better condition than their circulated counterparts. The 1912 proof dime, including the scarce Cameo variety, represents the top tier of the issue and has achieved auction results well into four figures in recent decades.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money List (Year Chart)

 

Is Your 1912 Dime Rare?

Not every 1912 dime is equally rare — mint mark and grade make a significant difference, and knowing where your coin ranks matters before you buy or sell. Use the CoinValueChecker App to instantly check your 1912 dime’s rarity ranking alongside thousands of other U.S. coins, so you always know exactly what you’re holding.

 

Key Features of the 1912 Dime

The 1912 dime is part of the Barber coinage series, produced at three U.S. mint facilities — Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. By 1912, the series had been in continuous production for 20 years, and it would remain in circulation until 1916 when it was replaced by the Mercury dime.

The Obverse of the 1912 Dime

The obverse features Lady Liberty facing right and wearing a cap with a laurel wreath. On the wreath is a headband inscribed “LIBERTY.” The minting date is inscribed at the bottom, underneath Lady Liberty’s neck, and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” wraps along the rim. At the base of Liberty’s neck, a small “B” initial identifies the designer.

The Reverse of the 1912 Dime

The reverse features a wreath of corn, oak and maple leaves, and wheat, framing the words “ONE DIME” at the center. At the bottom of the wreath is a bow.

Notably, the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” was omitted from the dime’s design, although it appears on the Barber Quarter and Barber Half Dollar of the same era. For dimes minted outside of Philadelphia, the mint mark appears below the bow at the bottom of the wreath.

Other Features of the 1912 Dime

The 1912 Barber dime was struck in 2.5 grams of 90% fine silver and measures 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Rainbow toning, when present, is caused by the natural oxidation of the silver content over time and can significantly affect the coin’s value at auction. Strike quality varies by mint facility, and cherrypicking is generally advised to find an example with sharp strike and attractive surfaces.

Also Read: Top 70+ Most Valuable Mercury Dimes Worth Money (Chart By Year)

 

1912 Dime Mintage & Survival Data

The data in the chart tells a clear story about availability and attrition across the 1912 dime issues.

The Philadelphia issue had the largest output of the three mints and carries an estimated survival of around 40,000 coins — yet that represents a survival rate of just 0.21%, reflecting how thoroughly these coins were spent and worn down in daily circulation. PCGS alone has graded over 900 mint state examples, mostly in the MS62–MS65 range, which confirms that while circulated survivors are common, high-grade specimens are a different matter. The Denver issue follows a similar pattern, with an estimated 25,000 survivors from a smaller original output.

The 1912-S has a substantially smaller mintage than the Philadelphia and Denver issues and commands a premium over the other two, especially in higher grades. Its estimated survival of 15,000 coins actually translates to a slightly higher survival rate of 0.44% — likely because collectors recognized its relative scarcity earlier and set more examples aside before heavy wear occurred.

The proof issues present an entirely different picture. With only 700 pieces produced, an estimated 650 are believed to have survived — a 92.86% survival rate that reflects their intentional preservation from the moment of striking. These were never intended for circulation, and most passed directly into collections. The PR CAM variety, a subset of the same 700-piece proof run, has an unknown survival count, as CAM designation was applied retroactively by grading services and not all examples have been submitted or identified.

Also Read: Roosevelt Dime Coin Value (1946-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1912 Dime Value

Your 1912 dime’s value depends on its mint mark, grade, and any errors — small differences that can mean big money. Use the CoinValueChecker App to identify exactly what you have and what it’s worth in seconds.

 

1912 Dime Value Guides

The 1912 dime was produced across three mint facilities, resulting in five distinct types that collectors recognize today. Each carries its own scarcity profile and value range, making it important to identify exactly which version you have before assessing worth.

• 1912 No Mint Mark Dime — struck at Philadelphia, the largest issue of the year and the most commonly encountered in circulated grades
• 1912-D Dime — struck at Denver, producing roughly half the mintage of the Philadelphia issue, making it moderately scarcer and typically commanding a 10–20% premium over Philadelphia coins in similar grades
• 1912-S Dime — struck at San Francisco, the scarcest of the three circulation strikes and the most valuable, with values rising sharply at higher grades due to lower original output
• 1912 Proof Dime — issued by the Philadelphia Mint in a run of 700 pieces, intended for collectors rather than circulation
• 1912 Proof CAM Dime — a subset of the proof issue distinguished by cameo contrast between the frosted devices and mirrored fields, and among the rarest and most valuable examples in the entire 1912 series

 

1912 No Mint Mark Dime Valve

The 1912 No Mint Mark dime, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, is the most accessible entry point into the 1912 Barber series — but “most common” doesn’t mean without value. With over 19 million placed into circulation, worn examples are available in large quantities and priced close to silver’s intrinsic value, making them a reasonable starting point for new collectors. That said, the picture changes considerably as grade improves. A well-worn Philadelphia example in Good condition typically trades between three and five dollars, while a pristine MS-65 or higher crosses the five-hundred-dollar threshold with ease.

The real story of this coin is what happens at the top of the grading scale. Even though the estimated price for a No Mint Mark dime in MS67 grade is around $2,250, auction results have exceeded that — one collector paid $8,050 for a 1912 Barber dime in this grade in 2005. That kind of result reflects a fundamental principle in numismatics: because these coins were heavily circulated and exchanged hands frequently, those that survived the years in excellent condition are genuinely difficult to find. High-grade survivors represent the small fraction that escaped the wear of daily commerce and later attrition from silver melt periods — which gives them real scarcity regardless of the original mintage.

From an investment and collecting standpoint, the No Mint Mark issue occupies an interesting position. It sits at a crossroads in American numismatics — common enough to be affordable for beginners, yet scarce enough in high grades to command serious premiums. For series collectors, it’s also a necessary piece: completing a full Barber dime set requires a Philadelphia example, and demand from that collector base provides consistent market support across all grade levels. A certified Mint State example has been known to sell for several thousand dollars at auction, and a certified grade not only confirms authenticity but also gives buyers confidence in quality, which can dramatically increase resale value.

The auction record for this issue tells its own story — take a look at the chart below to see how realized prices have moved over time.

Market activity for the 1912 No Mint Mark dime reflects steady collector interest across grades, and the data shows where demand is strongest right now.

 

1912-D Dime Valve

The 1912-D dime, struck at the Denver Mint, occupies what collectors often call the “middle ground” of the 1912 series — more scarce than the Philadelphia issue, more attainable than the San Francisco, and consistently underestimated in high grades. With roughly half the mintage of the Philadelphia issue and more than triple the San Francisco production, the 1912-D occupies a sweet spot for collectors seeking moderate scarcity. In circulated grades it’s accessible, but the real story begins in mint state.

With an ample mintage of almost 12 million coins, the 1912-D is common and readily available in most grades. In Mint State, it is most common in MS63 and MS64, though MS62s and MS65s are also well represented. Finding MS66 examples can be challenging, but they are great values. Above that, scarcity sets in sharply. MS67s are very rare — only one PCGS MS67 1912-D dime has appeared in recent decades, but it has appeared in three separate auctions, giving the impression that it is more common than it really is. That single coin tells the story of this issue’s condition rarity more clearly than any price guide can.

Collectors prize examples with bold, clear “D” mint marks and strong overall detail. Coins showing full design definition with minimal strike weakness carry significant premiums in today’s market. Strike quality is a real consideration for the Denver issue, and a well-struck example with original surfaces stands apart from the average survivor. For series collectors, the 1912-D is a required piece, and that baseline demand keeps the market active across all grade levels.

From an investment standpoint, the 1912-D presents a compelling case in the MS65–MS66 range, where genuine quality is still attainable without the extreme premiums that top-pop examples command. The auction record for this issue stands at $7,343.75, achieved by a PCGS MS67 example sold at Legend Rare Coin Auctions in December 2016 — a result driven entirely by the fact that no finer example is known to exist. For a coin with nearly 12 million produced, that kind of ceiling reflects just how unforgiving the survival odds were for high-grade Barber dimes.

The auction record chart below shows how realized prices for the 1912-D have moved over time, and where the real premiums tend to emerge.

For a closer look at how actively this coin trades across grade levels today, the market activity data below gives a clearer picture of current collector demand.

 

1912-S Dime Valve

The 1912-D dime, struck at the Denver Mint, sits in the middle of the 1912 series — more scarce than the Philadelphia issue, more attainable than the San Francisco, and consistently underestimated in high grades. In circulated grades it’s accessible and reasonably priced, but the story changes considerably as condition improves.

In Mint State, the 1912-D is most common in MS63 and MS64. Finding MS66 examples can be challenging, but they are great values. Above that, scarcity sets in sharply. MS67s are very rare — only one PCGS MS67 example has appeared in recent decades, but it has surfaced in three separate auctions, giving the impression that it is more common than it really is. Strike quality is also worth noting: a well-struck example with a bold “D” mint mark and original surfaces carries a real premium over the average survivor.

The auction record stands at $7,343.75, achieved by a PCGS MS67 example sold at Legend Rare Coin Auctions in December 2016 — a result that reflects the coin’s true condition rarity at the top of the grading scale. For series collectors, the 1912-D is a required piece, and that baseline demand keeps the market active across all grade levels.

The auction record chart below shows how realized prices have moved over time and where the real premiums tend to emerge.

For a closer look at current collector demand across grade levels, the market activity data below tells the full picture.

 

1912 Proof Dime Valve

The 1912 Proof dime occupies a distinct category from the three circulation strikes — it was never intended for everyday use. These proofs were sold directly to collectors in sets and represent a tiny fraction compared to the millions of business strike coins produced that year. With only 700 pieces struck, surviving examples have remained largely in collector hands since the day they were issued, which accounts for the remarkably high survival rate compared to any circulated issue.

Proof Barber dimes can usually be located for a price when desired, but cameo proofs are relative rarities in their own right and often trade for respectable four-figure prices. For standard proof examples, the assessed price range for a PR67 grade sits between $1,550 and $5,750 — a wide band that reflects how sensitive the market is to surface quality, eye appeal, and the presence or absence of hairlines from mishandling. Collectors prize proofs with no hairlines, full mirror surfaces, and strong eye appeal — coins showing even minor imperfections or cleaning typically sell for substantially less than pristine examples.

At the very top, the rarity becomes real. The scarce 1912 PR68 dime holds the auction record at $11,163, achieved in 2014 — a result that reflects both the exceptional preservation of that particular coin and the near-impossibility of finding a proof example with no detectable flaws at the highest grade levels. The Greysheet CPG values for the 1912 proof Barber dime series range between $310 and $17,000, underlining just how much grade and surface quality drive the outcome at auction.

From a collecting standpoint, the 1912 Proof dime offers something the circulation strikes cannot — a direct connection to the intentional preservation of numismatic history. These coins were struck with care, sold to collectors, and have largely stayed in collections ever since. That continuity of custodianship is part of what gives proof coins their lasting appeal and market stability.

The auction record chart below shows how realized prices for the 1912 Proof dime have moved across different grade levels over time.

For a closer look at how this issue currently trades among active collectors, the market activity data below reflects present demand.

 

1912 Proof CAM Dime Valve

The 1912 Proof CAM dime is a subset of the 700-piece proof issue, but it occupies an entirely different tier from its standard proof counterpart. The Cameo designation is awarded when a coin displays strong contrast between frosted, white devices and deeply mirrored fields — a characteristic that results from striking early in a die’s life, before repeated use begins to wear down the relief. Not every proof struck from a fresh die achieves true cameo contrast, which means CAM examples represent only a fraction of the already tiny proof population.

PCGS price guides show that cameo-designated proofs with strong contrast can bring double or triple the price of standard proofs in the same numerical grade. That premium is not speculative — it reflects genuine collector preference for the visual quality that cameo coins offer and the real difficulty of finding a well-preserved example with contrast still intact after more than a century. One PR67+ CAM example sold for $12,925 in 2013, surpassing even the standard proof auction record set the following year, which underlines how much the cameo designation shifts market expectations.

From a collecting standpoint, the 1912 Proof CAM dime sits at a crossroads of intentional scarcity and condition sensitivity. While proof Barber dimes can usually be located for a price when desired, cameo proofs are relative rarities in their own right and often trade for respectable four-figure prices. Surface preservation is everything here — even a single cleaning or a cluster of hairlines can eliminate the cameo designation entirely, removing the premium that makes these coins so desirable. The survival count remains unknown, and without a definitive census, the true rarity of high-grade CAM examples is difficult to establish with certainty.

The auction record chart below captures how realized prices for the 1912 Proof CAM dime have performed over time across different grade levels.

For a sense of how actively this issue trades in today’s market, the market activity data below reflects current collector demand.

Also Read: 16 Rare Dime Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1912 Dime Error List

The Barber dime series isn’t particularly coveted for its error coins — the lack of preservation at the time means that many error pieces simply disappeared into circulation without being set aside. That said, several error types have been documented on the 1912 dime, and knowing what to look for can make a real difference in what you’re holding.

1. 1912-S DDO FS-101

The 1912-S DDO FS-101 is a documented variety listed in the Cherrypickers’ Guide by Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton, the standard reference for U.S. coin varieties. The FS-101 designation identifies it as the primary doubled die obverse variety for this date and mint — the first and most significant in the listing sequence.

A doubled die occurs when the working die receives multiple, slightly misaligned impressions from the hub during the manufacturing process, transferring doubled design elements to every coin struck from that die. On the 1912-S DDO FS-101, the doubling is most visible in the word “UNITED” in the obverse legend. Under magnification, the letters show a clear secondary impression offset from the primary, which separates this variety from the mechanical or die-polishing artifacts that can sometimes mimic true doubled dies.

2. 1912 Dime Double Profile Error

The coin in the image above shows a visible secondary profile line running alongside Liberty’s face — a classic example of a die or strike doubling error on the 1912 dime. This occurs when the die shifts slightly between two impressions, or when the working hub imparts a misaligned secondary image onto the die itself.

When a working die receives multiple, slightly misaligned impressions from the hub during manufacturing, it transfers doubled design elements to every coin it strikes. On this example, the doubling is most visible along the jaw and cheek line of Liberty’s portrait, where the ghost of a second profile sits just inside the primary image.

The 1912-S dime has a documented doubled die variety affecting Liberty’s profile and surrounding details — identifying this variety requires careful examination with magnification, as doubling can appear subtle on circulated pieces. Even on a well-worn coin, a confirmed doubled profile can add a meaningful premium over a standard example, and professional attribution is recommended before assigning a value.

3. 1912 Dime Off-Center Strike Error

Off-center strikes occur when the planchet is not properly seated in the coining press, causing design elements to shift to one side with blank areas exposed on the other. The value of this error scales directly with the degree of misalignment — a minor offset adds modest interest, while a dramatic shift of 30% or more can multiply value significantly. Well-preserved examples with strong offsets have been known to fetch $100 or more depending on condition and how much of the date remains visible.

4. 1912 Dime Broadstrike Error

A broadstrike error occurs when the collar holding the planchet breaks, resulting in thinner dimes with a broader diameter. These coins often lose their round shape and can appear deformed, resembling a wax seal. The more dramatic the shape distortion, the more interest it generates among error collectors. Value varies based on the extent of the error and the overall condition of the coin.

5. 1912 Dime Clipped Planchet Error

A clipped planchet error happens when a portion of the coin’s metal is missing — as if it were cut off. This occurs when the metal strip is misaligned during the blanking process, causing the press to punch too close to the edge or an existing hole. The size, shape, and position of the clip all affect value, with large curved clips on higher-grade examples being the most sought after.

6. 1912 Dime Lamination Crack Error

A lamination crack occurs when the metal planchet has an internal flaw — typically a foreign material, gas pocket, or impurity trapped within the silver alloy during the rolling process at the blank-strip stage. When the coin is struck, that internal weakness eventually causes a layer of metal to separate or crack along the surface, producing a raised or split line that can appear on one or both sides of the coin. Because the flaw originates in the planchet itself rather than the die, it is unique to that individual coin and will not appear on other examples from the same die.

On a 1912 Barber dime, a lamination crack running across both obverse and reverse is a genuine mint error and distinguishes the coin from ordinary post-mint damage such as scratches, which would appear as incuse (recessed) lines rather than raised or peeling ones. The value premium depends on how dramatic and clearly defined the lamination is — a crack affecting both sides with visible metal separation is more desirable to error collectors than a minor surface flake, and well-documented examples can attract meaningful premiums above the coin’s standard circulated value.

7. 1912 Dime Repunched Mint Mark (RPM)

Repunched mint mark varieties are highly sought by collectors.These occur when the mint mark was punched into the die more than once at a slightly different angle or position, leaving a doubled or overlapping impression visible under magnification. On the 1912-D and 1912-S issues, confirmed RPM varieties carry premiums over standard examples, particularly in higher circulated and mint state grades where the doubling remains sharp and easily visible.

 

Where to Sell Your 1912 Dime?

After determining what your coins are worth, you’re probably wondering about convenient online selling options. I’ve researched and compiled a guide to the best platforms, outlining their services, pros, and cons.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1912 Dime Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ about the 1912 Dime

1. What is a 1912 dime worth?

The value can range anywhere from just a few dollars based on silver content to more than $1,000 for a pristine, uncirculated coin. The difference lies in three main factors: its mint mark, its condition, and its rarity. Proof examples can reach well into four figures depending on grade and surface quality.

2. Which 1912 dime is the rarest?

The San Francisco mint had the lowest mintage in 1912, producing 3,420,000 dimes, making these the most expensive in the set. In high mint state grades, the 1912-S is a genuine condition rarity with very few examples known above MS66.

3. How do I find the mint mark on a 1912 dime?

Check for mint marks on the reverse side of the coin, below the wreath. The presence of a “D” indicates Denver and “S” indicates San Francisco. Coins without a mint mark were minted in Philadelphia.

4. Should I clean my 1912 dime before selling it?

No. Cleaning can ruin the coin’s natural toning and scratch the surface, which lowers its value significantly. Always bring it in as-is. Even a coin that looks dull or dark will be worth more uncleaned than one that has been polished.

5. Is the 1912 dime made of silver?

Each Barber dime is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, giving it a built-in value that far exceeds its face value of ten cents. Each dime weighing 2.50 grams contains 0.07234 troy ounces of precious metal.

6. Does getting my 1912 dime professionally graded matter?

A certified grade not only confirms authenticity but also gives buyers confidence in the quality, which can dramatically increase resale value. While an ungraded 1912 dime might sell for $10–$20, a certified Mint State example has been known to sell for several thousand dollars at auction.

7. What makes a 1912 dime valuable in high grades?

The dramatic price increases in higher grades reflect survival rates. Millions of these dimes circulated heavily during the early 20th century, with most showing significant wear today. Finding examples that escaped circulation entirely — or were preserved carefully from the start — requires patience and often substantial investment.

8. Are error 1912 dimes worth more?

Error coins significantly increase value: off-center strikes can fetch $300 or more, broadstrikes around $400, and varieties like repunched mint marks or doubled dies are highly sought by collectors. The more dramatic and clearly defined the error, the stronger the premium.

9. What is a 1912 Proof dime?

Besides millions of regular dimes minted in 1912, the Philadelphia Mint also issued 700 proofs. These pieces intended for collectors typically cost $200 to $15,000 nowadays, depending on quality and preservation levels. Proof coins were never released into circulation and survive at a far higher rate than business strikes.

10. How do I check the condition of my 1912 dime at home?

When evaluating a 1912 Barber dime, look for signs of wear particularly on Liberty’s cheek, as this area is most prone to damage. Coins in mint state condition are significantly more valuable than those that have been circulated. Examine the coin under good lighting with at least 5x magnification, and research sold prices rather than asking prices when establishing values.