Coin collecting is not just a hobby, it’s like a treasure hunt! Some coins today are worth much more than their face value. These include two rare dimes and a bicentennial quarter-one of which could be worth as much as $15 million. So, let’s know about the history and value of these rare coins that may still be in your pocket.
Mercury Dime
Among the most sought-after coins by collectors are the 1916-D Mercury dime. Printed in Denver, this dime was one of the several series of the Mercury dime that were printed from 1916 to 1945.
The front side features a woman whose head is adorned with a crown of wings, representing freedom of thought.
What makes this dime so rare?
The Denver Mint only produced 264,000 of these coins, which was the lowest production of this entire series. Because of its scarcity, a good condition 1916-D Mercury dime can be worth thousands of dollars, and is very valuable among coin collectors.
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a Mercury dime, locate the small “D” mintmark on the back, under the olive branch. If you’re holding an example of 1916-D, you just may have unearthed a treasure!
1945 Micro S Mercury Dime
Another rare coin in the Mercury dime series is the 1945 Micro S Mercury dime. Unlike the 1916-D, this coin was not rare due to a low production run, but rather due to a printing error.
The dime was printed at the San Francisco Mint, and some of the coins carried a small “S” mintmark, which later became known as the Micro S variety. The mistake, though an error, made the coin extremely valuable to collectors. The 1945 Micro S Mercury dime can fetch hundreds to thousands of dollars based on its condition.
If you have a 1945 Mercury dime, look closely at the shape of the mint mark—a tiny “S” could be a treasure!
Bicentennial Quarter
One of the most interesting coin mistakes in history is from the 1976 Bicentennial quarter. They were minted to honor 200 years of American independence and feature a man playing a drum instead of the usual eagle on the reverse.
But why did this quarter sell for $15 million? A rare printing error caused a 1976 Bicentennial quarter to be printed on a 1941 Canadian quarter. Somehow a 1941 Canadian coin got mixed into the works and this is a mistake in a class by itself.
This is considered one of the most extremely rare coins and is said to be possibly still in circulation, making it the most valuable coin you could ever find in your holiday coin stash. Though the probability of finding this specific quarter is highly improbable, it is proof that sometimes printing errors can turn ordinary coins into treasures.
How To Spot Rare Coins:
- Examine the mintmark: Some mints’ coins are way rarer than others.
- Be on the lookout for errors: Weird designs, off-center strikes, or double prints can make it an error and add some extra value to it.
- Examine the date: Some years have very few coins made; therefore, that can make it more valuable.
- Magnifying glass: In case you think that some minor details, like the Micro S mintmark, are too hard to notice, use a magnifying glass for spotting.
Now the next time you change your holiday coin take a closer look! You could have a very rare coin which is worth some serious money!.
| Coin Name | Year | Mintmark | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury Dime | 1916 | D | Up to $50,000+ |
| Mercury Dime (Micro S) | 1945 | S | $200 – $1,000+ |
| Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Error (1941 Canadian) | $15 Million |
These rare coins are a reminder that treasures can be hidden in plain sight. If you are a seasoned collector or just starting to collect, make sure to watch your coins—you never know when you might come across a treasure!
FAQS:
Why is the 1916-D Mercury dime so scarce?
This was the smallest mint run of the entire series of Mercury dimes with only 264,000 pieces produced.
How can I tell if I have a 1945 Micro S Mercury dime?
Look for the small ‘S’ mint mark on the back, just below the torch.
Is that $15 million Bicentennial quarter the real deal?
Yes, it was mistakenly printed on a 1941 Canadian quarter.
Are these coins still in circulation?
This is unlikely, but some collectors have found valuable coins in their change.
Where can I sell rare coins?
You can sell them at coin dealers, auction houses, or online marketplaces.