Jump to: Types of Silver Dimes | What dimes are worth money? | 1946-P Roosevelt Dime | 1944-P Mercury Dime | 1964-D Roosevelt Dime | Pre-1917 Dimes | 1906-P or 1907-P Barber Dime | Doubled Die Roosevelt Dime
Introduction
The Coinage Act of 1792 introduced the first American coins to circulation in the United States. They included copper cents and half cents, silver dimes, and half dimes. Bigger denominations, such as the dollar and the eagles would be introduced later on. Since their release, these coins carry on over two centuries of history. In view of that, these pillars of American coinage have had plenty of examples minted and in circulation.
Taking the case of dimes, these ten-cent coins are to this day part of our daily lives. As a result, they might pass by unnoticed in our pocket change. However, there are some valuable dimes in circulation.
In this article, we will show you how to identify which dimes are worth money. We will also show what makes them valuable, and how much they can be sold for.
Types of Silver Dimes - How to Identify a One Dime Coin
The Draped Bust Dime
Draped Bust dime. Source: USA CoinBook
The United States Mint released these dimes in circulation from 1796 to 1807. It featured a portrait of Lady Liberty facing right on its obverse and a bald eagle on its reverse. Draped Bust dimes were minted with no value indication on their verses.
Capped Bust
Capped Bust dime. Source: USA CoinBook
The dime followed a thorough change in design during 1809, as the Capped Bust variety was introduced, lasting until 1837. The coin’s obverse featured the profile of Lady Liberty facing left, while the reverse displayed a bald eagle grasping three arrows and an olive branch. This dime is the only variety to feature its face value in cents.
Seated Liberty
Seated Liberty dime. Source: USA CoinBook
Starting in 1837, the Seated Liberty variety influenced many of its successors. This dime featured Lady Liberty sitting on a rock on its obverse, along with the coin’s value written on the reverse. It introduced the popular 90% silver and 10% copper metal composition, which lasted until 1965. This variety was minted until 1891.
Barber Dimes
Barber dime. Source: USA CoinBook
Named for its designer, Charles Barber, the Barber dime lasted from 1892 to 1916. While it kept the reverse of its predecessor, the obverse featured a Greek-inspired portrait of Lady Liberty. This dime holds one of the rarest examples for coin collectors, the 1894-S Barber Dime.
Winged Liberty Head Dime
Winged Liberty dime. Source: USA CoinBook
Also referred to as the Mercury dime, the Winged Liberty was designed by Adolph A. Weinman. This variety is known for its distinct obverse, featuring Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap with wings on its sides. It featured a fasces and an olive branch in its reverse. It was minted from 1916 to 1945.
Roosevelt Dimes
Roosevelt dime. Source: USA CoinBook
In 1946, honoring the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the ten-cent coin had an overhaul in design. The dime’s obverse features a portrait of the 32nd U.S President, while the imagery on the reverse displays a torch, an arrow, and an olive branch.
To this day, the dime carries on the Roosevelt design, though its metal composition changed after the Coinage Act of 1965. The 90% silver 10% copper distribution was replaced by 91,67% copper and 8,33% nickel, maintaining similar weight but replacing the coin’s precious metal content.
Naturally, through many years, the dime has circulated in U.S territories and there are many examples minted both in and out of circulation. It can take a long time to examine every ten-cent coin in your pocket change.
However, some valuable coins stand out as more likely to appear in circulation.
You can also check our article on What Quarters are worth Money?
Knowing these valuable dimes can be a great way to save some of our precious time, energy and money. They are:
1946-P Roosevelt Dime
The current design for the ten-cent coin was introduced almost 80 years ago in 1946. For this reason, the 1946-P Roosevelt dime holds both numismatic and precious metal value, given its silver and copper composition. According to PCGS, this example’s price varies from $3 to $6 in worn conditions and up to $14 or more in uncirculated conditions.
1946-P Roosevelt Dime. Source: USA CoinBook
1944-P Mercury Dime
Winged Liberty dimes are a scarcer variety of the ten-cent coin. Some examples struck in lesser quantities can reach hundreds of dollars in value. However, in some years, namely 1944, the U.S Mint produced large quantities of the Mercury variety. Although relatively easy to see in circulation, they are generally worth $4 to $10 in worn conditions. Well-preserved examples can reach up to $200 to $1000 in biddings, according to PCGS.
1944-P Mercury Dime. Source: USA CoinBook
1964-D Roosevelt Dime
Similar to the 1946-P example, the 1964-D Roosevelt dime unites numismatic and precious metal values. It is the last U.S Mint issue before the change in composition removing their silver content. They are generally worth about $3 to $7 when circulated, and can reach $275 or more in uncirculated condition, according to PCGS.
1964-D Roosevelt Dime. Source: USA CoinBook
Pre-1917 Dimes
The classic dimes up until the introduction of the Mercury variety are scarce. In comparison with recent mintage, they were minted in lesser quantities, and are hard to find in circulation. Should you stumble upon a pre-1917 dime, they can be worth from a couple of bucks up to $200 or more.
1875 Seated Liberty Dime. Source: USA CoinBook
1906-P or 1907-P Barber Dime
To illustrate the case of pre-1917 dimes, a few examples can stand out. The famous Barber dime was minted in large quantities during 1906 and 1907 by the Philadelphia Mint. According to PCGS, their auction prices range from $7 to $40 in worn circulated condition, and from $225 up to $7000 in uncirculated condition.
1907-P Barber Dime. Source: USA CoinBook
Doubled Die Roosevelt Dime
While searching for valuable dimes, you can also stumble upon doubled die varieties, such as the 1963 Roosevelt example. These errors turn the coins into very rare collectibles, increasing in value depending on how radical their marks are. They may receive an added value of around $30, according to CoinBook.
1963 Doubled Die Roosevelt Dime. Source: USA CoinBook
Conclusion
Coins such as dimes are part of our daily life and often pass by unnoticed with no further thought... In this manner, getting to know the history behind their intricate designs and shiny details can be a way to better understand our society and its values.
Still, this experience can be even more rewarding by stumbling upon some coins that hold some value in currency. After all, some extra bucks can also be a great way to feel rewarded. We hope this list is helpful when looking for valuable dimes.
If you are looking to buy some 90% silver dimes, check out the ones we have in our inventory. You can find them on $5 face rolls or $100 face bags. Talk to our sales representatives at 1(800)294-8732 in case you need any assistance, or send us an email at sales@sdbullion.com. We will be happy to help you.
