5 Rare Dimes and Bicentennial Coins Worth $455 Million — Are They Still Hiding In Circulation?

It may sound unbelievable, but certain rare dimes and Bicentennial coins are worth extraordinary amounts — and some might still be circulating today.

Coin collectors and treasure hunters alike are always on the lookout for these elusive coins, which could fetch a combined value of more than $455 million. In this guide, we’ll uncover which coins to look for, what makes them valuable, and how you can tell if you have one.

Why Are These Coins So Valuable?

Rare coins gain their value due to a combination of:

Scarcity: Very few examples exist today.
Errors: Unique minting mistakes can make coins worth thousands.
Historical significance: Coins tied to special dates (like the Bicentennial) attract collectors.
Condition: Coins in pristine or uncirculated condition can be worth far more than their face value.

5 Rare Dimes and Bicentennial Coins to Watch For

Here are five of the most valuable dimes and Bicentennial coins collectors are hunting today:

Coin Name	Year	Unique Feature	Estimated Value
1894-S Barber Dime	1894	Only 24 minted; only 9 known to survive	$1.9 million
1916-D Mercury Dime (Full Bands)	1916	Highly detailed bands on reverse	$20,400
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof Coin)	1975	Missing mint mark ‘S’	$349,600
1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Double Denomination Error)	1976	Quarter struck on dime planchet	$9,200
1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Proof 70 Deep Cameo)	1976	Perfect condition silver proof	$19,200

Detailed Breakdown of Each Coin

1. 1894-S Barber Dime

The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint. Only 24 coins were originally minted in San Francisco. Today, just 9 examples are known to exist, making it a holy grail for coin collectors. The last known sale price topped $1.9 million.

2. 1916-D Mercury Dime (Full Bands)

The 1916-D Mercury Dime is desirable because it was minted in very small quantities — just 264,000 pieces — at the Denver Mint. A Full Bands designation means that the bands on the reverse of the coin are fully visible and sharply struck. Well-preserved examples sell for around $20,400.

3. 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime

An extremely rare error coin, the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime was mistakenly minted without the ‘S’ mint mark on proof coins. Only two verified examples are known to exist. One sold for an incredible $349,600. If another one were to surface, it could set an even higher record.

4. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Double Denomination Error)

The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, issued to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary, was mistakenly struck on a dime planchet in a few cases. These double denomination errors are highly sought after by collectors, with recent examples selling for approximately $9,200.

5. 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Proof 70 Deep Cameo)

The 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter is already valuable when struck in .400 silver. However, when it achieves a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo grade, its value skyrockets. Coins in this condition have sold for around $19,200.

Are These Coins Still in Circulation?

Yes — at least some of them might be.

Error coins like the 1975 No-S Dime and Bicentennial Quarter errors could easily have slipped into circulation unnoticed.
While it’s unlikely that an 1894-S Barber Dime would still be floating around, coins can turn up in old collections, estate sales, or coin rolls from banks.
Even relatively common Bicentennial Quarters can have hidden value depending on condition and errors.

How to Spot These Rare Coins

If you want to start searching your change, here’s what to look for:

Mint Marks

D = Denver Mint
S = San Francisco Mint
No mint mark on certain proof coins = extremely valuable

Coin Details

Look closely at the design elements: Full bands, doubled designs, or coins struck on incorrect planchets can indicate rare varieties.
Check the coin’s weight and size: If it seems off, it could be an error coin.

Condition

Mint state (MS) or proof state (PR) coins are worth the most.
The fewer scratches and blemishes, the higher the value.

Tips for Coin Collectors

If you think you’ve found a rare dime or Bicentennial coin, follow these tips:

Handle the coin carefully — avoid cleaning it or touching the face.
Get it graded by a professional grading service for an official evaluation.
Store it properly in a protective holder to preserve its value.

The next time you sort through your change jar, remember this: some rare dimes and Bicentennial coins are worth more than their weight in gold. With a total estimated value of $455 million, these coins represent one of the most exciting opportunities in modern coin collecting.

It’s entirely possible that one of these treasures could still be waiting to be discovered — even in your pocket. Keep your eyes open and happy hunting!

FAQs

How can I tell if my dime or quarter is valuable?

Check for unique features like missing mint marks, sharp design details, and unusual weight or size. If unsure, consult a coin expert or grading service.

Could I really find a million-dollar coin in my change?

While very rare, it has happened. Coins like the 1975 No-S Dime and Bicentennial Quarter errors could still be hiding in circulation.

Where can I sell a rare coin?

You can sell through professional coin dealers, auctions, or reputable online coin marketplaces. Always get your coin graded first to maximize its sale value.