Most Valuable Rare Dimes Worth Money: An Overview

Throughout U.S. history, dimes are more than just small denominations of currency. They reflect the story of a growing American nation. The most valuable dimes in existence today are masterpieces. Each of them has its own history and design that are beloved among collectors. 

You may have heard about the early Draped Bust series, the Carson City mintmarks, or rare Roosevelt dimes worth money. They have rather high (sometimes even extremely high) prices at auctions, and are some of the most desirable pieces in numismatics.

If you have ever wondered what dimes are worth money, or perhaps even had one and wondered, “Could this be expensive? How to check old coin value​?”, you will find our article useful. We will reveal the 100 most valuable dimes to look for, including key dates, mint errors, and rare variations that can be expensive and make you rich. 

Disclaimer: Coin values are updated twice per year, so it is advisable to consult the latest resources or databases like the USA Coin Book for the most current valuations and dimes worth money list by year. 

Mint Marks: Indicated by letters such as CC (Carson City), O (New Orleans), S (San Francisco), D (Denver), etc.

10 Most Valuable Dimes Overview

1. 1873-CC Seated Liberty: No Arrows

Value: $3,613,855

The "No Arrows" designation refers to the absence of small arrows flanking the date on the obverse, a design choice that was changed mid-year to signify a reduction in the coin’s silver content. Only a handful of these coins exist today, with most lost to history.

The design, created by Christian Gobrecht, portrays Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and a staff with a liberty cap. This represents the United States’ strength and vigilance. The reverse features a simple yet elegant laurel wreath encircling the denomination "One Dime." Coins with the "CC" mint mark were minted in Carson City, Nevada, during a time when the region was at the heart of America’s silver boom when silver rare dimes worth money existed.

2. 1874-CC Seated Liberty 

Value: $302,655

Another Carson City coin is a highly sought-after one with a story of the Old West. Carson City coins are rare due to the small output of this mint. Only a few hundred of these coins are believed to have survived, and most are in poor condition.

The 1874-CC shares the classic design. However, its "CC" mint mark is rather desirable. Collectors love these symbols of the Wild West era, where silver mined in Nevada fueled the nation’s economy.

3. 1872-CC Seated Liberty 

Value: $269,696

What year dimes are worth money? 1872 (and 1965 dimes, too, by the way, although not so much). It is another rarity from the Carson City Mint. The early 1870s saw limited production of dimes at this facility, and most of the coins struck were heavily circulated. So, very few are in mint condition. The 1872-CC is one of the hardest-to-find dimes from the Carson City Mint, especially in high grades.

This coin was minted during a period when the United States was recovering from the Civil War, and silver coins were being hoarded or melted. The scarcity of Carson City dimes reflects the challenges faced by the mint in producing enough coinage for the Western economy.

4. 1871-CC Seated Liberty 

Value: $169,703

This is one of the earliest coins minted at Carson City and remains a coveted prize for collectors of Western coinage. Few surviving examples are in good condition. 

Like its counterparts, this dime features the Seated Liberty design and the "CC" mintmark. It is a snapshot of the United States’ westward expansion.

This coin has fetched a dime worth upwards of $169,000.

5. 1843-O Seated Liberty 

Value: $116,143

It is from the New Orleans Mint, another facility known for its limited mintage and distinctive mintmark. Coins from New Orleans are loved for their Southern heritage and their role in coinage during the mid-19th century.

The 1843-O follows the traditional design but carries the distinctive "O" mintmark, signifying its origin. These coins were minted during a time when the U.S. economy was expanding, and the Southern states were important in trade and commerce.

6. 1797 Draped Bust: 13 Stars

Value: $114,894

It is one of the earliest examples of US dimes worth money. With only 13 stars on its reverse, this coin represents the original 13 colonies. It was produced just a few years after the establishment of the U.S. Mint. So, it is obvious that it may be so expensive. 

The Draped Bust design by Robert Scot features a bust of Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and a simple wreath on the reverse. This coin is a reflection of the young nation’s economic aspirations.

7. 1803 Draped Bust 

Value: $102,348

What dimes are worth money else? The 1803 Draped Bust Dime is another coin from the early years of the U.S. Mint. Its low mintage and connection to America’s formative years make it a collector’s piece.

The obverse features the Draped Bust portrait of Liberty, while the reverse displays a wreath surrounding the denomination.

This achieved a price of $102,348, and still has a status as one of the most valuable dimes to look for.

8. 1804 Draped Bust: 14 Stars

Value: $102,348

The 1804 Draped Bust Dime with 14 Stars is an unusual variety from this early series. The extra star symbolizes a period when the United States was expanding, and its design reflects this optimism.

This coin has matched its 13-star counterpart in value, and sold for over $102,000 at auction.

9. 1804 Draped Bust: 13 Stars

Value: $90,051

It is highly wanted for its connection to America’s earliest coinage traditions. Its simple design appeals to collectors of classic U.S. coins.

This dime has been sold for $90,051. It is a sign of its rarity and historical value.

10. 1873-CC Seated Liberty 

Value: $89,617

This coin rounds out the top 10 and represents another Carson City coin. Its rarity and association with the Old West make it a favorite among collectors.

This coin has sold for nearly $90,000. This affirms its importance in U.S. numismatic history.

List of Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money

Here are valuable Roosevelt dimes in addition to those we have already discussed:

1. 1998-P Bonded Group Roosevelt (32 Fused Coins, 72.3g Total) - $9,200

2. 1975 No S Proof Type 2 Clad Roosevelt - $456,000

3. 1966 SMS Special Strike Type 2 Clad Roosevelt - $12,500

4. 1972-S Proof Deep Cameo Type 2 Clad Roosevelt - $8,400

5. 1951 Proof Deep Cameo Type 1 Silver Roosevelt - $23,500

6. 1999-D Roosevelt Type 2 Clad Regular Strike - $14,375

7. 1949 Type 1 Full Band Silver Roosevelt Business Strike - $13,200

8. 1983 No S Proof Deep Cameo Type 2 Clad Roosevelt - $10,560

9. 1956 Proof Deep Cameo Type 1 Silver Roosevelt - $19,975

10. 1954 Proof Deep Cameo Roosevelt - $9,400

Here is what proof coins mean in numismatics.

Interesting: Are there valuable Eisenhower dime examples? There are no official ones. The U.S. Mint has not issued an Eisenhower dime as part of its standard circulating coinage. It is possible to confuse the Eisenhower Dollar with other coins due to its size and color. However, it is distinct from the dime in both denomination and design.

These were the old dimes worth money. However, the list does not end here. There are also many modern dimes worth money that you may want to have. Their values may reach millions of dollars, as they are true pieces of American heritage. We will tell you about the most valuable dimes in circulation in our future articles. 

Sources:

1. https://www.usacoinbook.com/most-valuable-coins/dimes/

2. https://coinfully.com/dimes-worth-money/