Most people don’t give much thought to the coins in their pockets. But hiding among the nickels and pennies could be a dime or quarter worth thousands—or even millions. Rare minting errors, unique metals, and limited production runs have turned certain dimes and Bicentennial quarters into highly sought-after treasures.
Believe it or not, the total combined value of these rare coins has been estimated at over $75 million. The best part? Some of them might still be in everyday circulation, just waiting to be discovered.
Here’s a look at 10 of the rarest and most valuable dimes and Bicentennial quarters that you might already own.
1. 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
- Estimated Value: Up to $500,000
- Why It’s Rare: Missing the mint mark from the San Francisco Mint
- Key Traits: No “S” below the date, mirror-like proof finish
Only a couple of these error dimes are known to exist, making them extremely rare. If you spot a 1975 Roosevelt dime with no mint mark and a flawless surface, you could be holding half a million dollars.
2. 1894-S Barber Dime
- Estimated Value: $1.5 million–$2 million
- Why It’s Rare: Only 24 were minted, with fewer than 10 known to exist today
- Key Traits: “S” mint mark below the wreath on the reverse
This dime is one of the most legendary in American numismatics. While highly unlikely to be in circulation, it has turned up in private sales and could still be hidden in an old collection or estate.
3. 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime
- Estimated Value: $35,000–$50,000
- Why It’s Rare: Missing “P” mint mark on Philadelphia-minted coins
- Key Traits: No mint mark near the date
This rare error occurred during the transition to placing “P” mint marks on coins. It’s a favorite among collectors and sometimes surfaces in coin rolls.
4. 1976 Bicentennial Silver Proof Quarter
- Estimated Value: $10,000+
- Why It’s Rare: Limited mintage, especially in proof sets
- Key Traits: “S” mint mark and a silver tone, not copper-nickel
Proof versions of the Bicentennial quarter were made in silver for collectors. If you come across one in perfect condition, especially with an error, its value could be substantial.
5. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Double Die Obverse
- Estimated Value: $5,000–$25,000+
- Why It’s Rare: Doubling of the letters and date on the front
- Key Traits: Clear doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”
Double die coins are highly desirable, and Bicentennial ones are particularly valuable due to their patriotic design and limited mintage window.
6. 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime
- Estimated Value: Up to $50,000
- Why It’s Rare: Proof coin without a mint mark
- Key Traits: No “S” under the date, shiny mirror-like finish
This proof coin was supposed to have an “S” for the San Francisco Mint but was struck without it. Only a few exist, making it a key target for collectors.
7. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on Wrong Planchet
- Estimated Value: $15,000–$85,000+
- Why It’s Rare: Minted on a foreign coin blank or another denomination
- Key Traits: Odd size, weight, or metal color
Coins with these kinds of errors are extremely rare. A Bicentennial quarter struck on a dime or nickel planchet is a must-have for serious collectors.
8. 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate
- Estimated Value: $10,000–$30,000+
- Why It’s Rare: The “2” was struck over a “1” due to a die error
- Key Traits: Look closely at the date for overlapping numbers
This famous overdate error is easy to miss but incredibly valuable if found in good condition.
9. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Missing Clad Layer
- Estimated Value: $2,000–$7,000
- Why It’s Rare: Missing either the top or bottom layer of metal
- Key Traits: One side looks coppery, the other looks normal
This visually dramatic error makes for a unique and valuable coin—especially when it comes from a historic release like the Bicentennial series.
10. 1996-W Roosevelt Dime
- Estimated Value: $500–$1,000+
- Why It’s Rare: Only included in special collector’s sets
- Key Traits: “W” mint mark for West Point
Although not technically an error, this dime was not released into circulation and is often overlooked in mixed coin collections.
How to Check for Rare Coins in Your Change
You don’t need to be an expert to start searching for rare coins. Here are some simple steps:
- Use a magnifying glass to examine the date and mint mark.
- Weigh the coin—some errors are based on wrong planchet weights.
- Compare with known images online from trusted coin sites.
- Look for unusual colors or textures.
- Visit a coin dealer or submit your find to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
Final Thoughts: You Could Be Holding a Fortune
Rare coins aren’t always locked away in museums or private collections. Some still slip through into circulation, hidden in plain sight. Whether it’s an ultra-rare Roosevelt dime or a flawed Bicentennial quarter, the next coin you examine might just be worth a small fortune.
So check your change—$75 million in hidden treasures could be out there, waiting to be found.