2 Rare Dimes and a Rare Bicentennial Quarter, Each Worth $5 Million, Are Still in Circulation

In the world of coin collecting, finding a rare and valuable coin in everyday change is like striking gold. While most coins you come across may not hold much more than their face value, there are a few elusive ones that stand out—dimes and quarters worth an astonishing $5 million. Let’s take a closer look at three legendary coins: the 1894-S Barber Dime, the 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime, and the rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with a double die obverse.

Barber

One of the most famous and rarest coins in U.S. history is the 1894-S Barber Dime. With only 24 of these dimes ever minted, and just nine known to still exist today, its rarity makes it incredibly valuable. This coin was created at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Barber coin series, designed by Charles E. Barber.

The mystery behind its low mintage adds to its allure. Some speculate that a San Francisco banker requested these coins for his daughter’s collection, while others believe they were minted for a special proof set. Regardless of its origin, the 1894-S Barber Dime has earned legendary status among coin collectors, with its value soaring to $5 million. Its historical significance, combined with its limited numbers, makes it one of the most desirable coins for any serious collector.

Liberty

The 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime is another exceptionally rare and valuable coin. Less than ten of these dimes are believed to exist today. What makes this dime unique is its origin and how it became so rare. Minted in Carson City, Nevada, this dime was part of the Liberty Seated series.

The Coinage Act of 1873 played a pivotal role in its rarity. This law changed the weight of silver coins, which led to many pre-Act dimes being melted down. Those that had “No Arrows” indicating the change in weight were even rarer, as they represented coins minted right before the Act took effect. This dime’s historical relevance, scarcity, and connection to a major change in U.S. coinage have made it worth approximately $5 million.

Bicentennial

When we think of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, we generally picture a coin that is easy to find and not very valuable. However, one version of this quarter is anything but common. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with a double die obverse—a minting error that causes the design to be stamped twice—is worth a staggering $5 million.

This quarter was created to celebrate the 200th anniversary of American independence, and while millions were minted, only a few with this error are known to exist. The double die obverse happens when the die used in minting is slightly misaligned, creating a distinctive, blurry, double image. For collectors, this error coin is like finding a needle in a haystack, making it a highly sought-after treasure.

Coin Name	Year	Mint	Known to Exist	Value
1894-S Barber Dime	1894	San Francisco	9	$5 million
1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime	1873	Carson City	<10	$5 million
1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die)	1976	Multiple	Few	$5 million

Each of these coins has its own rich story, historical context, and unique features, making them more than just money. They represent key moments in U.S. history, minting practices, and the thrill of collecting rare treasures.

So, why are these coins worth millions? It all comes down to a mix of rarity, history, and demand. The fewer coins that exist, the more collectors are willing to pay. Add to that the fascinating stories behind these coins, and their value only increases. These coins may not turn up in your pocket change, but for serious collectors, they are the Holy Grail.

Coin collecting is as much about history as it is about investment, and these three coins prove just that. Whether it’s the mystery of the 1894-S Barber Dime, the historical significance of the 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime, or the lucky error of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, each coin tells a story of American history and minting practices.

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