8 Ultra-Rare Have you ever checked your spare change and wondered if a tiny coin could make you rich? Most of us don’t, but some lucky people have found rare dimes and bicentennial quarters worth thousands—even millions! Here are the top 8 most valuable ones that collectors are desperately searching for in 2025.
Why These Coins Are Suddenly Worth a Fortune
Old coins become valuable when very few were made, they have a minting mistake, or they’re in perfect condition. The rare dimes and especially the 1976 bicentennial quarters with errors can sell for life-changing money at auctions.
The Million-Dollar Dimes You Need to Look For
1. 1975 “No S” Proof Dime
- Year: 1975
- Mistake: Missing the “S” mint mark (should be from San Francisco)
- Highest price paid: $456,000
- Only 2 known examples!
2. 1968 “No S” Proof Dime
- Year: 1968
- Mistake: No “S” mint mark on a proof coin
- Record sale: $480,000
- One of the rarest modern dimes ever
3. 1982 “No P” Roosevelt Dime
- Year: 1982
- Mistake: Missing the “P” (Philadelphia) mint mark
- Top sale: Over $300,000 in perfect condition
4. 1894-S Barber Dime
- Year: 1894
- Mint: San Francisco
- Only 24 minted – just 9 known today
- Highest price: $1.9 million (yes, almost $2 million for one dime!)
The Bicentennial Quarter Everyone Is Hunting
5. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter – Double Die Obverse + Off-Metal Error
- The famous drummer boy quarter from America’s 200th birthday
- Rare versions were accidentally struck on silver planchets instead of copper-nickel
- One sold for $5.5 million in 2024 – the current record holder!
6. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter Struck on a Dime Planchet
- A quarter struck on a tiny dime-sized blank
- Looks super small and weird
- Recent sale: $180,000+
7. 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter – Major Die Break “Bug Eye” Error
- Huge crack on Washington’s eye that looks like a bug
- Graded examples: $35,000 – $95,000
8. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter – Full Drum Lines + Silver Planchet Combo
- Perfect clear lines on the drum + struck in 40% silver
- Top grade (MS-69): $125,000 and climbing
Quick Value Table – Rare Dimes & Bicentennial Quarters (2024-2025 Prices)
| Rank | Coin Name | Year | Key Feature | Recent Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | Only 9 exist | $1.9 million |
| 2 | 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Silver Planchet) | 1976 | Off-metal error | $5.5 million |
| 3 | 1968 No S Proof Dime | 1968 | Missing S mint mark | $480,000 |
| 4 | 1975 No S Proof Dime | 1975 | Missing S mint mark | $456,000 |
| 5 | 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime | 1982 | Missing P mint mark | $300,000+ |
| 6 | 1976-D Quarter on Dime Planchet | 1976 | Wrong size blank | $180,000+ |
| 7 | 1976-S Silver “Bug Eye” Quarter | 1976 | Major die break | Up to $95,000 |
| 8 | 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (MS-69 Silver) | 1976 | Perfect grade + silver | $125,000+ |
How to Check Your Coins Right Now (Step-by-Step)
- Grab a magnifying glass or use your phone’s zoom.
- Look at the date – focus on 1975, 1968, 1982 dimes and all 1976 quarters.
- Check for missing mint marks (look under the year or near Roosevelt’s neck).
- Feel the edge – silver quarters have a solid silver line, not the copper sandwich.
- Weigh it – a silver bicentennial quarter weighs 5.75 grams instead of 5.67 grams.
Final Warning: Don’t Clean Your Coins!
Never clean a rare coin! Cleaning can drop the value from $100,000 to $100 instantly. If you think you have one of these rare dimes or bicentennial quarters, take clear photos and contact a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Your coffee-jar change or old piggy bank could literally hold $7.5 million in total value from just these 8 coins. Start looking today – the next millionaire could be you!