Eight Rare Dimes and a Rare Bicentennial Quarter, Each Worth $70 Million, Are Still in Circulation

Coin collecting is a world full of hidden gems, and sometimes, these treasures might be closer than you think—perhaps even in your pocket. There are eight rare dimes and a bicentennial quarter, collectively valued at an astounding $70 million, still potentially circulating in everyday currency. Let’s look into the incredible stories and unique features of these elusive coins that continue to fascinate collectors.

Draped

The 1796 Draped Bust Dime is a relic from the earliest days of U.S. coinage. With very few left in circulation, this dime is not just a piece of money, but a symbol of American history. Featuring an intricate design of Lady Liberty with flowing hair, it is one of the most coveted coins for collectors. The rarity of the 1796 Draped Bust Dime adds to its allure, making it worth millions today. It’s a coin that transcends time and speaks to a different era in the nation’s history.

Liberty

Next, we travel to the American West with the 1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime. Minted in Carson City during the booming expansion of the U.S., this dime is rare, especially in circulated condition. Known for its scarcity, it carries a value far beyond its face value of ten cents. Collectors are drawn to the historical significance of this dime, linking it to the rugged pioneer spirit of the American frontier.

Mercury

During the turmoil of World War II, the U.S. Mint made an error that turned the 1942/1 Mercury Dime into a rare collector’s item. A die error resulted in the “42” being stamped over a “1,” creating a unique version of the coin. Despite the challenging conditions of the war, this dime serves as a symbol of resilience and ingenuity. Today, it’s one of the most sought-after Mercury Dimes, with its scarcity only adding to its value.

Barber

The 1894-S Barber Dime is another highly prized coin, minted in San Francisco with a very limited number of 24 pieces. Just a handful of these coins are known to exist today, making it one of the rarest U.S. dimes. The simple yet elegant design of Liberty wearing a laurel wreath adds to its desirability. For collectors, finding an 1894-S Barber Dime is akin to observing a piece of lost history.

Denver

The 1916-D Mercury Dime, minted in Denver, stands out for its limited production and its design by Adolph A. Weinman, who crafted the winged Liberty that appears on the coin. With a mintage much lower than other coins of the time, this dime is a favorite among collectors. Its distinctive design, combined with its rarity, makes it worth far more than its original value.

Draped

Switching from dimes to quarters, the 1804 Draped Bust Quarter is another coin that has reached legendary status. Valued at over $250,000, this quarter is not only rare but also carries the weight of early American history. Its detailed design and connection to key events, like the Lewis and Clark expedition, make it a highly prized piece.

Liberty

While not a dime or a quarter, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel deserves mention because of its extreme rarity and value. With only five known to exist, this nickel is a numismatic legend. The coin’s mysterious origins and the story of its creation have captured the imaginations of collectors worldwide, making it one of the most valuable coins ever produced.

Lincoln

Finally, we come to a modern rarity, the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent. While pennies are often overlooked, this one stands out due to its unique small date variation. It’s a reminder that even in the most common coins, rare gems can still be found. For years, collectors have been hunting for this elusive cent, which is still out there, hiding in plain sight.

Coin Name	Year	Mint Location	Known to Exist	Value
1796 Draped Bust Dime	1796	Philadelphia	Very Few	Millions
1874-CC Liberty Seated Dime	1874	Carson City	Scarce	Millions
1942/1 Mercury Dime	1942	Multiple	Few	Millions
1894-S Barber Dime	1894	San Francisco	<10	Millions
1916-D Mercury Dime	1916	Denver	Few	Millions
1804 Draped Bust Quarter	1804	Philadelphia	Very Few	$250,000
1913 Liberty Head Nickel	1913	Philadelphia	5	Millions
1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent	1970	San Francisco	Scarce	Thousands

Each of these coins tells a different story, linking numismatics with significant moments in American history. Whether it’s a dime that survived the Wild West or a quarter minted during the early days of the republic, these coins are more than just currency—they’re historical artifacts.

So, are these treasures still out there? It’s possible! Some of these coins could still be circulating, hidden in plain sight among everyday change. Whether you’re an avid coin collector or just someone who likes to keep an eye on their pocket change, you never know when you might strike gold—or, in this case, silver.

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