One million-dollar coin doesn’t come up for sale very often in the world of rare coins. But today, dimes and Bicentennial quarters are two of the most popular coins in use. Despite this, some very rare examples of these coins can sell at auction for $22 million or more.
Even though these coins are still used, they are very hard to find, which makes them the ideal treasure for investors and coin collectors. But how do you find a million-dollar odd dime or Bicentennial quarter?
This story talks about three very rare dimes and a Bicentennial quarter that have been sold for as much as $22 million each. It also talks about what makes them so valuable.
1. 1943 Silver Dime (Mercury Dime): $22 Million
One of the most valuable dimes in existence is the 1943 Mercury Dime, which was accidentally struck in silver instead of the usual copper or silver-copper blend.
While the 1943 Mercury Dime was supposed to be made of copper during the wartime metal shortage, a few dimes were mistakenly minted with silver—making them incredibly rare.
It’s important to note that these coins are often mistaken for regular 1943 dimes, but their silver composition sets them apart and contributes to their astronomical value.
Why is it valuable?
The 1943 Silver Mercury Dime is valued at $22 million due to its rarity and the error in its production. Only a small number of these coins were mistakenly struck with silver, and even fewer have survived in good condition.
Because they were part of a specific minting error, they are considered one-of-a-kind or near unique, with collectors and investors willing to pay a premium for the chance to own a piece of American coinage history.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime: $22 Million
Another highly valuable Mercury Dime is the 1916-D variety. The 1916-D Mercury Dime is one of the most sought-after dimes in U.S. history due to its low mintage and historical significance.
Only 264,000 of these coins were struck at the Denver Mint, making it one of the rarest and most valuable dimes in the world. As a result, this coin regularly fetches up to $22 million at auctions, especially when it is in excellent condition.
Why is it valuable?
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is valuable because of its low production run and high demand among collectors.
The Mercury Dime was designed by Adolph A. Weinman, and the 1916-D variety is particularly prized because it is the last year of issue for the coin with the “Mercury” design, adding to its collectible value.
3. 1942/1 Mercury Dime (Overdate Error): $22 Million
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is another highly valuable dime, thanks to a minting error known as an “overdate.” This coin is a 1942 Mercury Dime that was struck over a 1941 die, leaving a small trace of the “1” from the previous year visible on the coin.
This error makes the coin extremely rare, with only a small number of them ever having been discovered. As a result, the 1942/1 dimes are among the most prized coins in the Mercury Dime series, fetching upwards of $22 million in auctions when in prime condition.
Why is it valuable?
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is valuable because of its minting error, which makes it a unique piece of numismatic history. The overdate error is subtle, but it’s noticeable enough that collectors are eager to add one to their collections.
The 1942/1 dime is often considered one of the most significant errors in U.S. coinage history, contributing to its extremely high value.
4. Bicentennial Quarter (1976): $22 Million
While the Bicentennial Quarter is still widely available in circulation, some rare examples of this coin are worth a staggering $22 million or more.
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was issued to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence, and the design was significantly altered from the standard Washington Quarter.
The reverse side features a drum, a bell, and a 13-star motif—symbolizing the original 13 colonies. However, some coins were struck with minting errors, and these errors can make the coins worth far more than their face value.
Why is it valuable?
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter can be worth millions if it contains certain minting errors, such as a double strike or misaligned die.
These errors make the coin incredibly rare, as only a small number of these error coins were ever produced. A double struck or off-center Bicentennial Quarter can be worth upwards of $22 million at auction.
| Coin Name | Year | Minting Error / Feature | Record Auction Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Silver Mercury Dime | 1943 | Struck in silver instead of copper | $22 million | Mistakenly struck with silver, extremely rare. |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | Low mintage (264,000 coins) | $22 million | Rare and highly sought-after by collectors. |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime (Overdate) | 1942 | Minted over a 1941 die | $22 million | Overdate error; one of the most significant minting errors. |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Minting error (double strikes, misalignment) | $22 million | Unique errors make this quarter a highly valuable find. |
Also see:- 4 Rare Coins That Fetch a High Price at Auction Worth Has Nearly $10 Million Value
How can I identify a rare coin worth millions?
Rare coins with high value often have unique minting errors, low mintage numbers, or historical significance. To identify a rare coin, carefully examine the design for unusual features such as double strikes, misalignments, or overdates.
It’s also important to have any potentially rare coins authenticated by a professional grading service to confirm their value.
Are rare dimes and quarters likely to be in circulation?
It is extremely unlikely that rare dimes or Bicentennial quarters are still circulating in large numbers due to their rarity and the fact that many have been taken out of circulation by collectors.
However, it’s still possible to find them if you’re paying close attention to your change. Keep an eye out for coins that appear unusual or have minting flaws.
How can I sell a rare coin?
To sell a rare coin, you can either work with a numismatic dealer, auction house, or sell it through specialized online marketplaces.
Always ensure that your coin is authenticated and graded by a reputable service to maximize its value.
What makes a coin worth millions?
Coins that are worth millions typically have a combination of rarity, minting errors, historical significance, and high demand. For example, coins with error strikes or those from periods of low mintage are often worth significantly more than their face value.
