Many extraordinary prices have come from rare coin collecting as an avocation, including $22 million each, for dimes and a Bicentennial Quarter.
There are other pieces of numismatic treasure that for collectors and even historians, their stories are powerful and appealing still. Let us dive into such extraordinary coins as well as those stories about amazing values.
Draped Bust Dime
The 1796 Draped Bust Dime is the very first dimes that were ever produced in the United States. It features Lady Liberty with flowing hair because it depicts the years of youth in the country. These coins are few and have a historical value, making them highly priced.
Liberty Seated Dime
Liberty Seated Dime is one of the rarest coins that were minted in 1874 in the Carson City Mint. Since the Carson City Mint has a connotation to the Wild West, Carson City coins end up being overpriced. The fewer number of pieces minted add worth to the Carson City Mint coins.
Mercury Dime 1942/1 Overdate
Unusually good minting errors led to the striking of 1942/1 Mercury Dimes, where 1942 was over-struck on the coin that originally bore the date 1941. Overdates like this are quite highly sought after in the numismatic world.
Barber Dime
One of the American legends is the 1894-S Barber Dime. Only 24 were minted, and only nine exist to this day, so the very high scarcity and the artistic detail add much to the piece.
Mercury Dime (1916-D)
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is also relatively rare and highly sought after, as the mintage was rather low due to the Denver mint. With winged headgear on Liberty, the coin forms a really pretty piece of money, certainly a collector’s dream.
Draped Bust Quarter
The 1804 Draped Bust Quarter is amongst the rarest coins of the early 19th century. History behind its creation and just a few pieces remaining make it priceless to a numismatist.
Liberty Head Nickel
Not that it is worth a dime, but the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel ranks among the most valuable coins ever produced in U.S. history, with just five known specimens. Its anonymous origins and rarity make this piece one of the most valuable American coins ever produced.
Lincoln Cent (1970-S Small Date)
The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent was a special date, in this case, due to the comparative smallness in size of its date, against the other normal dates. By that, alone, it ranks as a truly rare and desirable coin.
Bicentennial Quarter
As the United States was commemorating their 200th birthday year, in 1976 the Bicentennial Quarter started circulating. Those without features remain relatively common though.
| Coin | Year | Mint Mark | Notable Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draped Bust Dime | 1796 | None | First U.S. dime | $22 million |
| Liberty Seated Dime | 1874 | CC | Carson City mint | $22 million |
| Mercury Dime | 1942/1 | None | Overdate error | $22 million |
| Barber Dime | 1894 | S | Extremely low mintage | $22 million |
These coins are examples of the beauty of numismatics, where history, rarity, and artistry come together to create items of immense value.
For collectors and enthusiasts, the possibility of finding such a treasure in everyday circulation adds to the excitement of the hobby.
FAQS:
What makes the 1796 Draped Bust Dime so valuable?
It is one of the very first dimes ever made in the U.S. Its mintage was incredibly low, which adds to its value because of its historical significance.
What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime legendary?
Due to its extreme scarcity, as only 24 were minted and just nine are known to exist, this coin is highly coveted among collectors.
What makes the 1942/1 Mercury Dime special?
The 1942 date was stamped over 1941, creating a very distinctive overdate that is rare and valuable because of a minting error.