1. The 1942/1 Mercury Dime
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is one of the most famous and valuable dimes in existence, known for its overdate error. The 1942 Mercury Dime was supposed to feature a 1942 date, but a 1941 die was used during the minting process. As a result, the coin shows both the “1” and “2” from the 1941 and 1942 dates. This overdate error is one of the most sought-after features for collectors of Mercury Dimes. The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is valuable due to the rarity of this minting error and the fact that it was produced in limited quantities. A well-preserved version of this coin can be worth over $25,000, depending on its condition. Coins with a higher grade or those with strong overdate visibility can fetch even higher prices.
2. The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is another rare coin that has become highly valuable in the coin collecting world. Typically, dimes are minted with a mintmark (such as “S” for San Francisco) to indicate where they were produced. However, a small batch of 1975 dimes were accidentally minted at the Philadelphia Mint without a mintmark. This mistake went unnoticed for years, and it is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. While the standard 1975 Roosevelt Dime can be found in circulation today, the No-S variety is incredibly rare and valuable. In fact, a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime in mint condition can sell for upwards of $100,000, making it one of the highest-priced dimes in the market.
Both the 1942/1 Mercury Dime and the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime are valuable due to their rarity, minting errors, and the high demand among collectors. These coins stand out because of their distinctive features that make them instantly recognizable and sought-after. Whether you are an experienced collector or just starting, knowing how to spot these rare dimes can help you build an impressive collection and potentially make a significant profit.