Top 100 Rarest Dimes Worth Money (Most Expensive)

In the world of rare coins, few pieces command more respect—or higher prices—than America’s rarest dimes. These small silver coins, easily overlooked in everyday transactions, represent some of the most extraordinary stories in United States numismatic history. From unique survivors of 19th-century mint disasters to mysterious coins that officially don’t exist, the nation’s most valuable dimes have achieved legendary status among collectors.

The transformation from an ordinary ten-cent coin to an invaluable treasure hinges on three critical factors: extraordinary scarcity, profound historical importance, and pristine condition. Some are literally one-of-a-kind survivors from batches meant to be destroyed. Others represent the earliest American coinage experiments, while a few owe their fame to modern minting accidents that created instant rarities.

The astronomical prices these dimes achieve—ranging from hundreds of thousands to over $3.6 million—reflect their status as tangible connections to pivotal moments in American history.

Looking for rare Dimes from other years?

• Auto Coin Appraisal Tool: Best Coin Identifier App
• (1946-Present):  Top 100 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money List
• (1916 – 1945):  Top 70+ Most Valuable Mercury Dimes Worth Money
• Misprint Dimes: Rare Dime Errors List with Pictures

 

 

The Rarest Dimes Worth Money

1. 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime

Record Price: $3,600,000 (PCGS MS65, Heritage Auctions 2023)

This coin is absolutely unique – it’s the only known survivor of its kind in existence. Originally, 12,400 1873-CC No Arrows dimes were minted at the Carson City Mint in late February 1873, but the Coinage Act of 1873 soon required all “old style” No Arrows dimes to be melted.

The coin likely survived because it was reserved for inspection by the Assay Commission, which met in Philadelphia in February 1874 to review the previous year’s gold and silver production. It was the final coin needed to complete Louis Eliasberg’s collection – the only complete collection of U.S. coins ever assembled.

The coin has an illustrious ownership history, passing through legendary collectors including William H. Woodin (who later became President Roosevelt’s Treasury Secretary), Charles M. Williams, and Louis Eliasberg. It sold for $3,600,000 at Heritage Auctions in January 2023, making it one of the most valuable dimes ever sold.

As noted by renowned numismatist Q. David Bowers, this coin represents “the rarest Carson City Mint coin” and is “truly memorable, not only for being the only known example of its issue, but for being a superb gem”. Its perfect MS65 grade, combined with absolute uniqueness, places it among America’s greatest numismatic treasures.

 

2. 1870-S Liberty Seated Half Dime

Record Price: $3,120,000 (PCGS MS64, Heritage Auctions 2023)

The 1870-S Liberty Seated Half Dime graded MS64 by PCGS with CAC certification is one of the most extraordinary coins in American numismatic history, selling for $3,120,000 at Heritage Auctions in January 2023. This coin represents the ultimate numismatic mystery – according to official U.S. Mint records, no 1870-S half dimes were ever produced, yet this genuine example exists as the sole survivor.

The coin’s legendary discovery occurred in early 1978 when it was found in a dealer’s “junk box” at an Illinois coin show, initially purchased as a common type coin before its true significance was realized. This discovery shocked the numismatic world, as the San Francisco Mint had six pairs of half dime dies ready for production in 1870 but supposedly never used them. The prevailing theory suggests it may have been struck for inclusion in the cornerstone of the old San Francisco Mint building, which was under construction that year.

As the only known example of its kind, this coin is rarer than the famous 1804 dollars or 1913 Liberty nickels. Its investment performance reflects this extraordinary rarity – from its initial 1980 sale price of $425,000 (calculated using a unique formula based on an 1804 Dollar auction result) to over $3 million in 2023. Through legendary collectors including Martin Paul, Jay Parrino, Bob Simpson, and Tom Bender, this “impossible” coin has become the ultimate prize for advanced collectors, representing tangible proof of the hidden mysteries within American coinage history.

 

3. 1894-S Proof Barber Dime

Record Price: $2,160,000 (PCGS PR66BM, Heritage Auctions 2025)

This coin sold for an extraordinary $2.16 million with a PR66BM grade, placing it among the most valuable coins ever auctioned. The PR66 designation indicates a high-quality Proof coin with minimal flaws under magnification, while “BM” likely refers to “Brown Medal” finish—a special surface treatment creating a distinctive bronze appearance.

The $2.16 million price puts this coin in elite company alongside legendary pieces like the 1933 Double Eagle ($6+ million) and 1804 Silver Dollar ($3.5+ million). Only a handful of coins have broken the $2 million barrier at auction, indicating this specimen possesses extraordinary rarity—likely one of fewer than ten known examples.

While the specific coin type isn’t identified, this price suggests it’s an early American rarity—possibly a colonial-era piece, early federal issue, or a coin with unique minting errors that make it virtually one-of-a-kind in numismatic history. The combination of its pristine condition and historical significance makes it a true treasure for serious collectors.

 

4. 1792 Special Strike Bust Half Dime

Record Price: $1,410,000 (PCGS SP67, Heritage Auctions 2013)

The 1792 Half Disme was struck expressly for President George Washington to the extent of $100 worth, which he deposited in bullion for the purpose. Washington distributed them as presents, with some sent to Europe and others given to friends in Virginia. When speaking to the House of Representatives in November 1792, President Washington referred to these coins as “a small beginning”.

It’s believed that between 2,000-3,500 specimens were originally produced, with approximately 250-400 surviving today – about 10% of the original mintage. There is only one known Specimen Striking graded SP-67, making this the finest certified example of its kind. The SP67 grade indicates virtually perfect preservation with only the slightest imperfections visible under magnification.

The coin features Liberty’s head with “LIB. PAR. OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY” on the obverse and an eagle with “HALF DISME” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” on the reverse. These were struck using private facilities in John Harper’s saw maker cellar at the corner of Cherry and 6th Streets in Philadelphia, as the official Mint wasn’t fully operational yet.

Previous auction records show specimens selling for $1.32 million (MS67 in 2006) and $1.5 million (NGC MS68 in 2007), confirming this $1.41 million price as consistent with the coin’s extraordinary rarity and foundational importance to American coinage history.

 

5. 1796 JR-1 Draped Bust Dime

Record Price: $881,250 (PCGS MS67, Heritage Auctions 2014)

This exceptional coin realized $881,250 at auction, securing its position among the most coveted numismatic rarities. Its MS67 certification denotes “Superb Gem” status on the prestigious 70-point Sheldon scale—a designation reserved for coins displaying near-perfect surfaces, outstanding visual appeal, and only microscopic imperfections detectable under close examination.

The $881,250 price point suggests this is likely an extremely rare date, mint mark combination, or variety that commands premium pricing due to scarcity. Recent auction records show that coins reaching the $800,000+ range typically include significant rarities like pattern coins, early gold pieces, or key date specimens in exceptional condition.

Modern numismatic markets consistently reward museum-quality specimens, with institutional buyers, registry set competitors, and sophisticated investors recognizing MS67-grade rarities as proven store-of-value assets. Its status as potentially the finest or among the top certified examples creates “trophy” appeal—transforming it from merely rare to genuinely irreplaceable.

Check 1796 Dime History, Variety Price Chart & Errors List

 

6. 1804 14 Star Reverse Draped Bust Dime

Record Price: $632,500 (NGC AU58 CAC, Heritage Auctions 2008)

This coin achieved an impressive $632,500 at auction with an AU58 CAC grade, representing a significant premium that underscores both its rarity and exceptional quality. The AU58 designation indicates “About Uncirculated-58,” meaning this coin shows only the slightest traces of wear on the highest points, appearing nearly mint state to the naked eye. The $632,500 price point for an AU58 grade suggests this is likely an extremely rare date, mint mark, or variety – possibly an early American gold coin, key date double eagle, or scarce pattern piece.

The CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) sticker adds tremendous value, as CAC approval consistently commands substantial premiums over non-CAC certified coins, often 50-100% or more. CAC was founded by leading numismatic experts including John Albanese, and their GREEN label signifies coins meeting stringent grading standards beyond those of PCGS and NGC. The CAC sticker indicates this coin is solid for its grade or potentially undergraded, representing exceptional eye appeal and surfaces quality.

For an AU58 coin to command over $630,000, it must represent extraordinary scarcity – likely one of only a handful known to exist, or perhaps the finest certified example of a legendary rarity.

Check 1804 Dime History, Variety Price Chart & Errors List

 

7. 1872-CC Liberty Seated Dime

Record Price: $480,000 (PCGS MS63, Heritage Auctions 2022)

This exceptional coin represents a remarkable achievement in numismatic collecting, realizing $480,000 at auction despite carrying an MS63 grade. The MS63 designation indicates “Mint State-63” or “Select Uncirculated” condition, meaning the coin displays moderate contact marks and hairlines while maintaining strong mint luster and overall attractive appearance. What makes this price extraordinary is that MS63 is considered a mid-range mint state grade, yet this coin commanded nearly half a million dollars.

The substantial $480,000 price point immediately signals that this coin belongs to an elite category of American numismatic rarities. For any MS63-graded coin to reach such heights, it must represent either an extremely rare date, a major variety, or a key issue with profound historical significance. This price range typically encompasses early American gold rarities from the 1790s or early 1800s, key-date double eagles, rare pattern coins, or legendary issues with severely limited survival rates.

The market dynamics supporting this valuation reflect the extraordinary scarcity of early American gold coins in mint state condition. Historical records show that early eagles and rare double eagles often have survival rates of merely 125-175 pieces across all grades, making any mint state example exceptionally valuable. When collectors encounter such pieces, they understand they may not see another opportunity for years or decades, driving intense competition and premium pricing.

 

8. 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime

Record Price: $456,000 (PCGS PR68, Heritage Auctions 2019)

What should have been routine production at the San Francisco Mint in 1975 became numismatic history when proof dies lacking the mandatory “S” mintmark were accidentally used to strike an unknown quantity of dimes from the 2.8 million proof run. This manufacturing oversight created instant collectibles that would decades later sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The story begins with two California proof set buyers who unknowingly purchased sets containing these errors. Dealer Fred Vollmer recognized their significance, selling one set for $18,200 and this superior example for $38,550 in 1980. The coin’s journey continued through prominent hands, achieving $349,600 at its 2011 Stack’s Bowers debut before reaching $456,000 at Heritage.

The numismatic community’s hunger for this trophy piece was evident when it immediately changed hands privately for $516,000 just days after the Heritage sale. The second known example has also shattered records, realizing $506,250 in recent years. For Roosevelt dime specialists, these coins represent the ultimate prize – specimens so rare that their next auction appearance remains unpredictable, potentially spanning decades between offerings.

Check 1975 Dime History, Variety Price Chart & Errors List

 

9. 1802 Draped Bust Half Dime

Record Price: $456,000 (PCGS AU53, Heritage Auctions 2022)

The 1802 half dime was struck using only one known die pairing (LM-1), with the issue classified as Rarity-5, indicating extreme scarcity with perhaps 60 or fewer examples believed to exist in all grades. Nearly every known specimen suffers from damage or exists in low grade, making higher-grade examples exceptionally valuable.

This specific AU53 specimen boasts an illustrious ownership history, having passed through legendary collections including the Empire Collection (1957), the famous Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. Collection (1996), and most recently the Bender Family Collection. The coin’s journey through auction houses shows its steady appreciation: $329,000 in 2017 to $456,000 in 2022.

The 1802 half dime represents “an epic destination unto itself” for collectors, and this AU53 example represents exceptional preservation for the issue. For the legendary D. Brent Pogue Collection, an 1802 half dime was “the very final piece of the puzzle, the single early American date that had eluded them in a grade that met their lofty demand for quality”.

Check 1802 Dime History, Variety Price Chart & Errors List

 

10. 1822 Capped Bust Dime

Record Price: $440,625 (PCGS PR66, Heritage Auctions2014)

The 1822 Proof Capped Bust Dime from lot #30242 achieved $440,625 with a PR66 grade, representing an acquisition opportunity that occurs perhaps once in a generation. This coin belongs to an exclusive population of only three known specimens certified by PCGS, with this example ranking among the finest at the PR66 level alongside just one other piece of similar grade and a single PR63 survivor.

Created during the early experimental years of American proof coinage, this dime showcases Chief Engraver John Reich’s artistic vision when the Philadelphia Mint was still refining its proof-making techniques. Unlike modern proof production, these 1822 specimens were hand-crafted for presentation to government officials, foreign dignitaries, or for institutional archives rather than commercial sale. The extremely limited production explains why fewer than ten proofs were typically created annually during this period.

Authentication of early 19th-century proof dimes presents significant challenges even for seasoned experts, as the technical characteristics distinguishing proofs from exceptional business strikes were less standardized than today’s production. This authentication difficulty, combined with the passage of two centuries, makes any certified example precious beyond measure. The $440,625 price reflects not merely the coin’s rarity, but its position as a surviving artifact from America’s numismatic infancy – a tangible piece of history that bridges the gap between the nation’s founding era and the sophisticated minting operations that would follow.

 

Summary: The Most valuable dimes

That brings us to the end of our look at some of the most valuable dimes ever bought and sold. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about these fascinating coins.

With over 200 years of history, there are many different designs of dimes out there. But as always in coin collecting, it’s the rarest coins that are the most valuable.

Those are generally the examples in the finest condition. But with rare mintages, even coins in poor condition can be worth serious money to collectors. And while most of the spots on our list go to older dimes, even modern coins can be valuable.

If you’re considering spending a lot of money on a coin, look for one that’s been certified by an independent grading agency. There are a lot of fakes on the market – so if it looks too good to be true, it probably is!