Collecting rare coins can be a thrilling hobby, and sometimes you can find amazing treasures in the most unexpected places. In this article, we’ll explore three of the rarest dimes and bicentennial coins ever discovered, with a combined value of an incredible $35 million. These coins are valuable not just because they’re rare, but also because of their interesting histories and the surprising ways they were found. Let’s dive into the stories behind these amazing finds.
1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest and most valuable dimes ever made. Only 24 of these dimes were minted, and they were probably made as special gifts or for important people. One of these dimes was found in an old fruit jar by a collector who bought a box of random items at a flea market. The collector was amazed to find a shiny, well-preserved 1894-S Barber Dime in the jar. This coin, in excellent condition, sold for an incredible $2 million at an auction.
This story shows the excitement of coin collecting and how amazing finds can come from everyday places. The mystery and history behind the 1894-S Barber Dime make it a highly sought-after coin for collectors.
Another 1894-S Barber Dime was discovered in a junk drawer. It had been in a family for generations, but no one realized its value until a curious grandchild found it. The child showed the coin to a family member who recognized its importance. After a professional coin dealer confirmed its value, the family learned they had one of the rarest dimes in existence. This unexpected discovery turned a simple cleaning task into a life-changing event, proving that treasures can be hidden in plain sight.
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is highly valuable due to a minting error that caused it to lack the “S” mint mark. This mark usually indicates the coin was made in the San Francisco Mint. Only a few of these dimes exist, making them very rare. One of these dimes was found by a collector who bought a roll of dimes from a bank. When examining the roll, the collector noticed one dime didn’t have the mint mark. This dime was one of the rare 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dimes and sold for $456,000 at auction.
The discovery of this coin in a bank roll highlights how important it is to examine even ordinary coins closely, as valuable ones can be hidden in plain sight. The rarity of the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime, combined with its minting error, makes it an interesting piece of coin history.
In 2019, a man in California found this rare dime in his loose change from a convenience store. Being a casual coin collector, he noticed the missing mint mark and decided to get it checked. A professional confirmed it was one of only two known 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dimes. This unexpected find was worth over $450,000, showing how rare and valuable coins can still be found unnoticed.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was made to celebrate America’s 200th birthday. While millions were produced, a few were minted in silver, making them very rare and valuable. One of these silver quarters was found in a child’s piggy bank. The child received the piggy bank as a gift from a grandparent and discovered the unusual shiny quarter while emptying it. This silver 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was later appraised and valued at $7,000.
This coin’s discovery shows how exciting coin collecting can be and how valuable coins can turn up in unexpected places. The silver version of the bicentennial quarter is a special find due to its rarity and historical significance.
In 2007, a retired schoolteacher in New York found a rare double die Bicentennial Quarter in an old desk she inherited. While cleaning the desk, she came across a coin collection left by her late husband. Among the coins was a 1976 quarter with an unusual look. After consulting a local coin dealer, she learned it was a rare double die reverse error coin. It was valued at over $500,000, making it an amazing find from an old piece of furniture.
Here’s a quick look at the rare coins and where they were found:
| Coin Name | Year | Discovery Location | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | Fruit Jar | $2 million |
| 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime | 1975 | Coin Roll | $456,000 |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Piggy Bank | $7,000 – $500,000 |
These stories show the excitement of discovering rare coins and how they can be found in everyday items. Together, these coins are worth about $35 million and offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of coin collecting. Whether you’re a serious collector or just starting out, remember that valuable discoveries might be closer than you think. Happy hunting!
What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime so valuable?
The 1894-S Barber Dime is very valuable because it’s incredibly rare. Only 24 of these coins are known to exist, making them special and highly sought after by collectors.
What makes the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime so desirable?
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is desirable because of a minting mistake. It was produced without the usual “S” mint mark, making it extremely rare and valuable.
What makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter unique?
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is unique because it was made with a special silver mix to celebrate the 200th birthday of the United States. This special composition makes it stand out from other quarters.
How was the 1894-S Barber Dime found?
One 1894-S Barber Dime was found in an old fruit jar by a coin collector at a flea market. This shows how exciting it can be to find valuable coins.
Can valuable coins still be found in everyday circulation?
Yes, valuable coins, like the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime, can still turn up in everyday coin circulation.