Two Rare Dimes and a $15 Million Bicentennial Quarter: In the wide world of coin collecting, there’s nothing more thrilling for collectors than searching for rare coins that can make their hobby feel like a treasure hunt. Out of the many coins in circulation, some are especially unique and could be worth a lot more than you’d expect.
This article explores the fascinating tales of two extremely rare dimes and a Bicentennial quarter that are remarkably still in use. Each coin has a unique history that could captivate both collectors and those new to the hobby.
Two Rare Dimes and a $15 Million Bicentennial Quarter
Mercury
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is a highly prized coin among collectors because of its rarity and historical value. This coin was minted in Denver and is part of the Mercury Dime series, which ran from 1916 to 1945. The series is famous for its design, showing Liberty with a winged cap, which represents freedom of thought.
What makes the 1916-D Mercury Dime so rare is that only around 264,000 were ever made, the fewest in the entire series. Today, a well-kept 1916-D Mercury Dime can be worth tens of thousands of dollars, with the price depending on its condition. Its mix of scarcity and historical appeal makes it a must-have for serious collectors.
Micro
Another treasure for collectors is the 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime. What makes this dime special is the tiny “S” mintmark, caused by a minting mistake. The “S” shows it was made at the San Francisco Mint. While it doesn’t have a low number of coins made like the 1916-D, the unusual mintmark still makes it a sought-after piece for collectors.
Collectors highly value this dime because it’s rare and has an interesting story behind its unique feature. Depending on its condition, a 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime can be worth anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, showing how much value unusual details can add to a coin. This dime’s special characteristic makes it a fascinating piece for collectors who enjoy the oddities of minting history.
Bicentennial
The Bicentennial Quarter, made in 1975 and 1976, marks the 200th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence. While millions of these quarters were made and are pretty common, there’s one version that’s incredibly valuable: a Bicentennial Quarter that was mistakenly stamped on a 1941 Canadian quarter.
This unusual error happened when a 1941 Canadian quarter accidentally ended up in the minting process and got stamped with the Bicentennial design. The result is a coin that’s not only extremely rare but also has a legendary status in the coin-collecting world. Its value is estimated at about $15 million, making it one of the most valuable coins that might still be out there. This coin’s story adds a fascinating chapter to the already thrilling world of coin collecting.
| Coin | Year | Country | Value (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | USA | $10,000 – $50,000 | A rare coin with only 264,000 made; it’s valuable due to its historical importance. |
| 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime | 1945 | USA | $500 – $3,000 | This coin has a small “S” mintmark, which was a mistake, making it a unique collectible. |
| Bicentennial Quarter (Error Coin) | 1975/6 | USA | $15 million | An incredibly rare coin, made by mistake on a 1941 Canadian quarter; it’s one of the most valuable coins around. |
Conclusion
Coin collecting offers more than just a hobby; it’s an exciting journey into history with the potential for significant financial rewards. The tales of the 1916-D Mercury Dime, the 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime, and the $15 million Bicentennial Quarter highlight the fascinating world of rare coins still in circulation. These coins, with their unique stories and substantial value, continue to captivate both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.
Why is the 1916-D Mercury Dime so valuable?
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is highly valuable because only about 264,000 were minted, making it extremely rare. Its historical significance and scarcity can make it worth tens of thousands of dollars, depending on its condition.
What makes the 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime special?
The 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime is unique due to a minting error that resulted in a tiny “S” mintmark. Although not as rare as the 1916-D, its unusual feature makes it a sought-after collectible, with values ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.