If you’re a coin collector, you might know that certain dime errors can be worth far more than their face value. The 10 Most Valuable Dime Errors Worth Money showcase some of the rarest and most sought-after mistakes in coin history. From double dies to missing mint marks and overstrikes, these dime errors have captivated collectors and investors alike.
These errors can often be hard to spot, but they can fetch a significant premium if you find one in your collection or during your search for coins. In this guide, we’ll explore the most valuable dime errors, the reasons behind their worth, and why they continue to be highly coveted by numismatists. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, these unique coins are worth keeping an eye on.
1. 1942/1 Mercury Dime – A Famous Overdate Error
One of the most iconic error coins in U.S. history is the 1942/1 Mercury Dime, which is a famous overdate error. This dime is unique because it was struck with a 1942 die that had been repurposed from the 1941 die, resulting in the “1” being visible beneath the “2” in the date. The 1942/1 overdate is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and the fact that it was largely unnoticed when it was released into circulation. The coin’s design features the winged Liberty head on the obverse and the fasces, olive branch, and oak branch on the reverse.
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is valued significantly higher than regular 1942 dimes due to its rarity and minting error. Depending on the coin’s condition, a high-grade example of this error can fetch anywhere between $10,000 and $50,000 or more. Lower-grade examples are still worth substantial sums, often selling for several thousand dollars. This error coin remains one of the most famous and desirable among Mercury Dime collectors.
2. 1975-D Double Die Reverse Dime – A Rare Minting Error
The 1975-D Double Die Reverse Dime is another valuable error coin from the Roosevelt Dime series. This error occurred when the die used for striking the reverse of the coin was mistakenly doubled, resulting in visible doubling on the torch, olive branch, and oak branch on the reverse. This error was discovered later and became a sought-after coin because it’s quite rare to find Roosevelt dimes with doubled reverses.
While the 1975-D Double Die Reverse Dime is not as widely recognized as some other famous error coins, its rarity and the noticeable doubling on the reverse make it a highly collectible piece. In circulated condition, it can still be worth around $50 to $100, but in higher grades (MS-65 or above), it can be valued between $1,000 and $3,000. This error is one of the top dime errors worth money, particularly for collectors of Roosevelt Dimes.
3. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime – A Major Minting Mistake
The 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime is one of the most famous and valuable error coins in the Roosevelt series. Normally, dimes minted in Denver should have the “D” mint mark, but due to a mistake at the Denver Mint, a number of 1982 dimes were struck without the mint mark, making them incredibly rare. Although this mistake wasn’t initially noticed, collectors quickly began to recognize its rarity.
The 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime is highly sought after and can be worth anywhere from $500 to $2,000 depending on the coin’s condition. In high-grade specimens, it can fetch prices exceeding $2,500. The coin itself features Franklin D. Roosevelt’s profile on the obverse and the classic reverse design with the torch, olive branch, and oak branch. Because this error was not replicated after 1982, it remains one of the most famous and valuable dime errors in U.S. coinage.
4. 1983 Double Die Obverse Roosevelt Dime – A Noteworthy Minting Error
The 1983 Double Die Obverse Roosevelt Dime is a notable error in the Roosevelt series, where the obverse die was misaligned during production, causing doubling to appear on elements like the date and the word “Liberty”. This error is particularly significant because the doubling is easily noticeable to the naked eye, making it a favorite among collectors.
Although the mintage of the 1983 dimes was high, only a small percentage of the coins exhibit this error, making it relatively scarce. The 1983 Double Die Obverse Roosevelt Dime in circulated condition can be worth between $50 and $150, but coins in uncirculated condition (MS-65 or higher) are valued at $500 to $1,000. Its distinct error makes it a highly collectible piece, and demand remains steady among error-coin collectors.
5. 1996-W Roosevelt Dime – The “W” Mint Mark Error
The 1996-W Roosevelt Dime is one of the most sought-after error coins in the Roosevelt Dime series due to its unusual minting at the West Point Mint. Although the West Point Mint (W) usually strikes gold and silver coins, a small number of 1996 Roosevelt Dimes were mistakenly struck with a “W” mint mark, making them highly unusual. These dimes were never intended to be part of the regular circulation, and the mint mark error makes them quite rare.
The 1996-W Roosevelt Dime is considered an extremely rare coin due to the small mintage of this error, with only a few hundred coins in existence. These coins can be worth $50,000 or more, especially if they are in pristine condition (MS-67 or above). Even in lower grades, the 1996-W Roosevelt Dime can still fetch several thousand dollars. This dime has become a prized piece for collectors looking to own one of the rarest and most valuable Roosevelt error coins.
6. 2004-D/D Over Mint Mark Error Dime – A Rare Mint Error
The 2004-D/D Over Mint Mark Error Dime is a striking mint error that occurred when the Denver Mint used a die that had already been used to strike coins in a previous year, resulting in a “D” mint mark being overstruck by another “D” mint mark. This error results in a visible overlap of mint marks, which is what makes the coin unique and valuable to collectors.
This error is rare because the overstrike mint mark is not always clearly visible, so only a small percentage of 2004-D dimes have the noticeable error. In good condition, the coin can be worth $50 to $100, but in high-grade specimens, it can command between $500 and $1,000. The 2004-D/D Over Mint Mark Error Dime is an excellent example of how even small errors can lead to significant value for collectors.
7. 1974-D Dime with Split Die Error – A Rare and Intriguing Coin
The 1974-D Dime with Split Die Error is a fascinating example of a mint error that occurs when the die used to strike the coin becomes damaged or cracked, causing part of the design to be misaligned or split. In the case of the 1974-D Dime, the split die error caused parts of the coin’s design to be missing or distorted, making it a unique error for collectors to chase.
This error is relatively rare, and only a small percentage of 1974-D dimes exhibit the split die. While it may not be as famous as some other dime errors, it still holds significant value. A well-preserved example of the 1974-D Split Die error can fetch $200 to $500 or more in higher grades. This error is a curiosity for collectors who enjoy searching for the unique and unusual.
8. 1965 No Mint Mark Dime – A Rare and Valuable Error
The 1965 No Mint Mark Dime is another valuable error coin, as it features a dime minted in Philadelphia without the typical mint mark. Coins minted at the Philadelphia Mint typically do not feature a mint mark, but this error occurred when some dimes that were meant to have a mint mark were released without one. While it might seem like a small mistake, this error makes the coin incredibly rare.
The 1965 No Mint Mark Dime is highly desirable among collectors because it is one of the few Philadelphia-minted dimes from the 1960s to lack a mint mark. In circulated condition, the coin is worth around $100 to $300, but in higher-grade specimens (MS-65 or better), it can be worth $1,000 to $2,000. This error coin is a favorite among error coin enthusiasts.
9. 1982 Roosevelt Dime with Missing Edge Lettering – A Unique Error
The 1982 Roosevelt Dime with Missing Edge Lettering is a unique error coin where the edge lettering that typically appears on dimes was missing or incomplete due to a mistake at the minting process. The U.S. Mint had a brief period where edge lettering errors like this appeared on a few dimes. These dimes are significant because the absence of the lettering makes them quite rare.
The 1982 Missing Edge Lettering Dime is a coin that stands out for its error. In low-grade circulated condition, it may be worth $100 to $300, but in pristine condition, it can be valued much higher, often approaching $500 to $1,000. This error is a key example of how seemingly minor mistakes can lead to high-value error coins.
10. 1955 Double Die Obverse Roosevelt Dime – A Noteworthy Error
The 1955 Double Die Obverse Roosevelt Dime features a doubled die error on the obverse, specifically affecting the date and the word “Liberty”.
Conclusion
The 10 Most Valuable Dime Errors Worth Money offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of coin collecting. These rare mistakes are more than just curiosities—they hold considerable value for collectors looking for something unique. With some of these error dimes worth thousands of dollars, knowing what to look for can make all the difference. As you explore these rare coins, always remember to check the condition and authenticity to maximize their value. Coin errors provide an exciting opportunity for both beginner and advanced collectors to invest in U.S. numismatics.
FAQs
What makes a dime error valuable?
Dime errors are valuable because of their rarity and the misprints or mistakes that make them unique, making them highly sought after by collectors.
How do I spot a doubled die error on a dime?
A doubled die error appears as doubling in the design, typically in the date or text, which can be seen under magnification.
Why is the 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime so valuable?
The 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime is rare because it was accidentally minted without the “D” mint mark, making it highly collectible.
Can dime errors be found in circulation today?
Yes, dime errors can still be found, though they are increasingly rare. It’s important to carefully inspect your coins for minting mistakes