Dimes were some of the first forms of U.S. currency, initially being produced in 1796. Still, the design (and worth) of the standard U.S. dime coin has changed significantly since that time, with some dimes becoming incredibly valuable. But what dimes are the most expensive?
The most expensive dime is the 1873-CC Liberty Seated dime (no arrows). This Carson City dime is the only of its kind and was once a part of the Eliasberg collection. It sold for a jaw-dropping $3.6 million in January 2023.
Several of the most valuable dimes ever released by the U.S. Mint are worth far more than ten cents. This ranking will explore the rarest and priciest dimes of all time!
Here Are the Top 10 Most Expensive Dimes of All Time:
- 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime (No Arrows) – $3.6 million
- 1894-S Barber Dime – $1.997 million
- 1796 Draped Bust Dime – $881,250
- 1804 Draped Bust Dime (14-star reverse) – $632,500
- 1873-CC Arrows Liberty Seated Dime – $552,000
- 1872-CC Liberty Seated Dime – $480,000
- 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime – $456,000
- 1822 Cameo Capped Bust Dime – $440,625
- 1797 13-Stars Draped Bust Dime – $402,500
- 1938-S Mercury Dime – $364,250
10. 1938-S Mercury Dime – $364,250
Grade: PCGS MS68+FB CAC
Auction House: Legend Rare Coin Auctions
The 1938-S Mercury dime that sold for $364,250 in 2019 is one of the few coins that’s earned a Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC) sticker.
This green or gold sticker (placed on the exterior of the coin’s protective case) signifies that a coin has met the CAC’s strict grading quality criteria. In short, only the highest-quality coins get this sticker.
Few dimes earn a CAC sticker regardless of their release year or rarity. But at least one 1938-S Mercury dime has, a designation that significantly boosted its value. Like many other dimes, this specimen is considered the finest of its year and design.
9. 1797 13-Stars Draped Bust Dime – $402,500
Grade: NGC MS-65
Auction House: Heritage Auctions
Many numismatists (coin collectors) that specialize in collecting U.S. coins believe that the earliest 13-star dimes were struck in the early 1800s. In fact, 1804 13-Stars Draped Bust dimes are a favorite piece for many collectors.
But these 19th-century coins weren’t the first dimes to display 13 stars. In 1797, a rare few Draped Bust dimes were struck with 13 stars, making them instantly rare and unusual.
This coin sold for $402,500 in 2008, in no small part thanks to its rarity. But condition also played a role in this coin’s valuation, as it’s in a mint state thanks to careful storage and preservation.
Sure, this coin might not be in proof condition, and it does have a few signs of damage. Still, it’s crucial to note that the U.S. Mint was still in its early stages of production in 1797, so striking precision was still in its infancy, resulting in coins that weren’t always of the highest quality.
8. 1822 Cameo Capped Bust Dime – $440,625
Grade: PCGS PR-66 CAC
Auction House: Heritage Auctions
Standard circulation coins are often shiny and eye-catching when they first enter circulation. But few can compete with the two-toned look of cameo coins.
These coins, primarily reserved for uncirculated mint and proof coins, feature a bright, reflective relief paired against a darker background. This gives the coins a noticeable two-tone look that you don’t find with most in-circulation coins.
One of the earliest and oldest cameo coins produced by the U.S. Mint is the 1822 Capped Bust dime. The capped Liberty figure stands out beautifully from this coin’s darker, copper-toned background, as does the reverse-face eagle.
Only about five of these cameo coins were struck in 1822, making them some of the rarest dimes of all time. But the 1822 Cameo Capped Bust dime that sold for $440,625 in 2014 is undoubtedly the most valuable of these shimmering ten-cent pieces.
It might be more than two centuries old, but it remains in tip-top condition thanks to careful preservation and storage. The same can’t be said for other 1822 Capped Bust dimes.
7. 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime – $456,000
Grade: PCGS PR-68
Auction House: Heritage Auctions
The Roosevelt dime is the one we’d recognize today, as it features the profile portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt looking left toward “LIBERTY” on the obverse side. Nearly all of these dimes feature a small initial behind the profile, indicating where the coin was struck.
But in 1975, a small handful of dimes struck at the San Francisco Mint facility lacked any designation. These coins, called the “No S” Roosevelt dimes, are extremely limited. Only two have ever been discovered.
One of these two sold for $456,000 when it went to auction in September 2019. Its incredible rarity and near-flawless condition make it quite a valuable addition to any numismatist’s collection.
Still, with only two “No S” Roosevelt dimes are known to collectors, only the most fortunate (and wealthy) collectors can add this coin to their collections. After all, the chances of this dime going up for auction again within the next decade are quite low, and when it does, prospective buyers can anticipate much higher selling prices.
6. 1872-CC Liberty Seated Dime – $480,000
Grade: PCGS MS-63
Auction House: Heritage Auctions
The Carson City Mint operated from 1870 until 1893, making it one of the shortest-lived U.S. Mint facilities. Consequently, coins struck at this facility are considered comparatively rare, and as a consequence, quite valuable.
One of the most valuable of these Carson City coins is the 1872-CC Liberty Seated dime. In 2022, one of these dimes fetched $480,000 at auction.
One of the most significant factors impacting this dime’s value was its condition.
The design was in striking relief, showing minimal wear or smoothing. Few 1872 Carson City dimes are in mint condition, with this one being a notable exception. Because it’s the best-condition specimen of its year, this dime is a treasure for coin collectors.
Still, this Carson City dime isn’t the highest-priced of the bunch, as you’ll soon find out!
5. 1873-CC Arrows Liberty Seated Dime – $552,000
Grade: PCGS MS-65
Auction House: Heritage Auctions
The 1873-CC Arrows Liberty Seated dime deviates from the standard design for dimes struck between 1860 and 1891. The primary change is the addition of arrows pointing toward the year date at the bottom of the obverse side.
These arrows were added to signify the change in the U.S. dime’s official weight, and they only occurred on dimes minted in 1873 and 1874. Because of this, the 1873 Arrows Liberty Seated dime stands out from other late 19th-century dimes.
These coins are also comparatively rare. Still, their short strike duration isn’t the primary reason Caron City Arrows Liberty Seated dimes from 1873 are hard to find.
During that year, the value of silver skyrocketed. But the U.S. Mint’s inclusion of the precious metal when striking dimes didn’t change. Consequently, dimes minted this year were worth more than their listed denomination of ten cents.
Those fortunate enough to get their hands on these dimes often melted them down and sold them in their pure or semi-pure silver state, knowing they could get more money for the silver content than the listed worth of the dime. Because of this, few 1873 dimes survived into the 20th century.
As you might imagine, this rarity makes them quite valuable. In 2022, one of these Carson City dimes sold for $552,000.
4. 1804 Draped Bust Dime (14-star reverse) – $632,500
Grade: NGC AU-58
Auction House: Heritage Auctions
The Draped Bust dime underwent one notable design change after its initial 1796 release. This change came to the coin’s reverse (back) side, with the poised eagle in a wreath (called the Small Eagle) being changed to a seal-like eagle and shield (called the Heraldic Eagle).
But another notable change is the number of stars gracing the coin’s obverse (front) face. The original 1796 Draped Bust dime featured 15 stars, while later versions featured 13 stars (representing the original 13 colonies). But a rare few featured 14 stars.
The 1904 Draped Bust dime (14-star reverse) is one of these distinct dimes, and it’s far more valuable than most 15-star or 13-star Draped Bust dimes. In July 2008, this coin sold for $632,500.
Now, this dime isn’t in the best shape. It shows some obvious signs of wear, with significant smoothing around the left-side stars and reverse-side detailing.
However, due to its rarity, this dime continues to be one of the most valuable ten-cent pieces of all time.
3. 1796 Draped Bust Dime – $881,250
Grade: PCGS MS-67
Auction House: Heritage Auctions
The Draped Bust dime was first struck in 1796. It was the first dime to be circulated, and nearly all 1796 dimes are considered valuable due to their historical significance and rarity.
That’s certainly the case with the 1796 Draped Bust dime that sold for $881,250 in 2014.
Despite the fact that it’s more than two centuries old, this dime remains in like-new condition. Unlike the other few 1796 Draped bust dimes, this specimen’s design remains in sharp relief, with virtually no smoothing or signs of damage. It’s considered the highest-quality 1796 Draped Bust dime in the world.
It also comes from the first die used to strike U.S. dimes! For this reason, this dime’s value stems from its unusually good condition and historical significance. That said, the next dime included in this ranking is worth two of these incredible early dimes.
2. 1894-S Barber Dime – $1.997 Million
Grade: PCGS Branch Mint PR-66
Auction House: Heritage Auctions
The 1894-S Barber dime is one of the priciest dimes in the world. One of these dimes, with a Mint PR-66 rating, sold for $1.997 million in January 2016.
The Barber dime gets its name from Charles E. Barber, an engraver employed by the U.S. Mint during the late 1800s. Barber designed three types of U.S. coins; the quarter, half dollar, and dime. The designs he created for these coins had strong French influences, with some callbacks to ancient Roman coins.
For example, the Barber dime (released between 1892 and 1916) featured a profile Head of Liberty wearing a laurel wreath (on the obverse side), reminiscent of how Roman emperors were illustrated and portrayed. The reverse side featured a floral wreath with “ONE DIME” inscribed in the coin’s center.
But design isn’t one of the most desirable aspects of these dimes. Instead, rarity and condition reign supreme.
The 1894-S Barber dime that sold for such a high price in 2016 is a fantastic example of how these factors impact a Barber dime’s value.
The San Francisco Mint only struck two dozen dimes during 1894, and all of these were gifted to high-profile investors and private collectors. Consequently, the average person couldn’t get their hands on an 1894-S Barber dime.
Because the San Francisco Mint only created 24 of these dimes, many are now lost to time. Others are in lackluster condition due to poor storage conditions.
But the 1894-S Barber dime in question was in exceptional condition. It’s considered the finest of the nine remaining specimens, making it the best and most valuable Barber dime in the world.
1. 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime (No Arrows) – $3.6 Million
Grade: PCGS MS-65
Auction House: Heritage Auctions
The most expensive dime is the 1873-CC Liberty Seated dime (no arrows). This dime sold for $3.6 million in January 2023. It previously sold for $1.88 million in 2012.
The Carson City Mint closed its doors in 1899, so U.S. coins featuring the “CC” mark are all antique specimens that are challenging to come by nowadays. But this dime is particularly rare. In fact, it’s one of a kind.
Although the Carson City Mint struck more than 12,000 arrow-free dimes in 1873, it’s believed that only one has survived the passage of time. This unique and historically significant coin is in mint condition, showing virtually no signs of wear (only a small scratch across the “CC” designation on the reverse side).
Even more interestingly, this coin was part of the Eliasberg collection. This collection was the most complete collection of U.S. coins ever amassed, with all the coins included in the collection being in mint, proof, or near-mint condition.
As a result, the 1873-CC Liberty Seated dime (no arrows) isn’t only a one-of-a-kind piece; it’s in abnormally good condition, making it exceptionally valuable. Considering its rarity and condition, this dime will likely become more valuable over time.
What’s the Most Expensive Dime of All Time?
The most expensive dime of all time is the 1873-CC Liberty Seated dime that sold for $3.6 million in January 2023. This dime is the only of its kind, and it’s in superb condition, especially considering its age.
The 1873-CC Liberty Seated dime is also historically significant, especially to the numismatic community. After all, it was once part of the infamous Eliasberg collection.
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