The $22 Million 1894-S Barber Dime: What Makes It So Special?

Juilia
6 Min Read

In the exciting world of coin collecting, some coins are so rare and special that they can be worth millions of dollars. This article looks at a few rare dimes and a unique Bicentennial quarter that have amazed coin collectors.

Barber Dime

The 1894-S Barber dime is a famous and highly sought-after coin. Minted in San Francisco, only 24 of these dimes were made, and now only nine are known to exist. There are many theories about why so few were made, including that they were created as special pieces or to fix the mint’s accounting.

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The coin shows Lady Liberty on one side and a wreath with the denomination on the other side. Because of its rarity and the mystery around its production, this dime can be worth up to $2 million in good condition, and an excellent one might fetch $22 million today.

Mercury Dime

The 1916-D Mercury dime, made in Denver, is another rare coin. It was the first year of this coin series, replacing the Barber dime.

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Though officially called the Winged Liberty Head dime, it is known as the Mercury dime because the portrait looks like the Roman god Mercury. Only 264,000 were made, and most were used, making high-quality examples very rare.

The back of the coin has fasces, which symbolize unity and strength, and an olive branch for peace. A 1916-D Mercury dime in perfect condition is very valuable and could be worth $22 million due to its rarity and importance as the first in the series.

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Roosevelt Dime

The 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime is a rare coin because of a minting error. In 1975, the San Francisco Mint made proof dimes without the “S” mark that shows they were struck there. These dimes are special because of their high quality and mirror-like finish.

Only two of these error dimes are known, making them extremely rare. One sold for over $300,000, and with their unique history, they might be worth $22 million if sold to a dedicated collector.

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Draped Bust Dime

The 1796 Draped Bust dime is a historic coin from the first year the U.S. made dimes. Designed by Robert Scot, it shows Liberty with flowing hair on one side and an eagle surrounded by a wreath on the other side. Only 22,135 were made, and even fewer are in good condition.

This coin’s age and historical importance make it very valuable. A high-quality Draped Bust dime could be worth $22 million due to its rarity and historical value.

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Bicentennial Quarter

In 1976, a special Bicentennial quarter was made to celebrate 200 years of the United States. It features a colonial drummer on one side and the dates “1776-1976” on the other. Most of these quarters were made in large numbers, but some rare ones are silver-clad proofs or uncirculated coins in special sets.

One very rare error coin from this series was struck on a silver planchet meant for half dollars. Only a few of these exist, and a perfect one could be worth $22 million because of its unique production error and historical value.

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The world of rare coins is fascinating and full of stories. The dimes and Bicentennial quarter mentioned show how valuable and interesting coins can be. Each coin’s story, rarity, and history contribute to its potential worth of $22 million or more.

1. Why are the 1894-S Barber dimes so valuable?

The 1894-S Barber dimes are valuable due to their extremely low mintage and the mystery surrounding their production. Only a few are known to exist, making them highly sought after by collectors.

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2. What makes the 1916-D Mercury dime special?

The 1916-D Mercury dime is special because it was the first year of the Mercury dime series, and only a limited number were made. Its rarity and historical importance make it very valuable.

3. Why is the 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime so rare?

The 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime is rare because it was produced without the “S” mint mark by mistake. Only two of these error dimes are known, making them very valuable.

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4. What is unique about the 1796 Draped Bust dime?

The 1796 Draped Bust dime is unique because it was the first dime ever produced in the U.S. Its age, historical significance, and limited number make it very valuable.

5. Why is the 1976 Bicentennial quarter valuable?

The 1976 Bicentennial quarter is valuable because some were struck on silver planchets intended for half dollars, making them rare. High-quality examples with production errors can be worth a lot of money.

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