🚨 Description
The coin in question is typically the 1894-S Barber Dime. It is the undisputed king of its series and one of the rarest coins ever minted in the United States.
Only 24 were ever struck at the San Francisco Mint, and today, only 9 are known to exist. The mystery of why so few were made—ranging from an accounting error of $2.40 to a special gift for a mint superintendent’s friends—has made this 10-cent piece a mythic icon.
[Value]
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Face Value: $0.10
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Current Record Price: $1,997,500 (approx. $2 million)
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Speculative Value: If a “Grade 70” (perfect) specimen were discovered or if the legendary “ice cream” dime (spent by a child in 1894) were found in pristine condition, experts estimate it could easily fetch $5 million to $15 million at a high-stakes auction due to inflation and collector demand.
[Call to Action]
Check your collections! While the odds are slim, the “9th specimen” was found in a junk box at a department store in 1957. Could the 10th one be in your attic? Save this post to remember the 5-step authentication protocol before you spend your change!
💡 Collector Tips
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Look for the “S”: The mint mark is on the reverse (back) side, below the wreath. If there is no “S,” it was minted in Philadelphia and is worth much less.
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Edge Check: Authentic Barber dimes are 90% silver. If you see a copper-colored line on the edge, it’s a modern clad coin or a fake.
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Proof Finish: All 1894-S dimes were struck as “Proofs,” meaning they have a mirror-like background and very sharp details.
📈 Market Value
The market for ultra-rarities is booming.
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1873-CC “No Arrows” Dime: Recently valued at $2.4 million.
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1894-S Barber Dime: Consistently sells for $1M – $2M depending on the condition (Grade).
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1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime: A modern rarity worth over $450,000.
4. 5-Step Authentication Protocol (Must Read!)
Before you head to an auction house, use this professional protocol to verify your find:
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Weight Verification: A genuine 1894-S dime must weigh exactly 2.50 grams. Use a jeweler’s scale.
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Magnet Test: Silver is non-magnetic. If your coin sticks to a magnet, it is a steel-based counterfeit.
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The “S” Mint Mark Inspection: Counterfeiters often “glue” an “S” onto a common 1894 Philadelphia dime. Use a 10x jeweler’s loupe to check for a seam or discoloration around the letter.
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Edge Reed Count: Genuine dimes have a specific number of “reeds” (ridges) on the edge. Compare it to a known authentic silver dime from the 1890s.
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Professional Third-Party Grading (TPG): Never attempt to clean the coin. Send it to PCGS or NGC. They are the only authorities whose certification can unlock a multi-million dollar price tag.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Whether it’s the 1894-S or a rare 1975 error, these “tiny treasures” prove that life-changing wealth can be smaller than a fingernail. While the $14 million mark is the “dream price” for the next major discovery, the reality is that the rare coin market is stronger than ever. Keep your eyes peeled—history might be hiding in your pocket!
Would you like me to research the specific “No S” Roosevelt dime error that people often find in 1970s proof sets?
