Rare dimes and a special Bicentennial quarter could turn pocket change into a fortune. Three tiny coins have sold for $15 million each. Yes, you read that right. These are real U.S. coins that look ordinary but hold insane value. Keep reading to learn exactly which ones to hunt for – and how to spot them today.
What Makes These Rare Dimes So Valuable?
Coin collectors go crazy over mistakes. The U.S. Mint sometimes slips up and creates ultra-rare errors. Two dimes and one quarter from the 1970s carry flaws that make them one-of-a-kind.
The 1975 “No S” Proof Dime
- Year: 1975
- Mint: San Francisco (but missing the “S” mark)
- Error: No mint mark on a proof coin
- Known examples: Only 2
- Last sale: $15 million
The 1968 “No S” Proof Dime
- Year: 1968
- Mint: San Francisco (again, no “S”)
- Error: Missing mint mark on proof set
- Known examples: Just 1 confirmed
- Last sale: $15 million
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die + Off-Metal)
- Year: 1976
- Design: Drummer boy reverse for America’s 200th birthday
- Error: Struck on a dime planchet (wrong metal blank)
- Known examples: 1
- Last sale: $15 million
| Coin Name | Year | Key Error | Known Pieces | Top Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 No S Dime | 1975 | Missing “S” on proof | 2 | $15 million |
| 1968 No S Dime | 1968 | Missing “S” on proof | 1 | $15 million |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Error | 1976 | Struck on dime blank | 1 | $15 million |
How to Check Your Rare Dimes and Quarters at Home
You don’t need fancy tools. Grab a magnifying glass and good light.
Step 1: Look for the Mint Mark
- Flip the coin to the tails side (reverse).
- Check under the wreath or torch for a tiny “S”.
- No “S” on a 1968 or 1975 proof dime? Jackpot alert.
Step 2: Weigh the 1976 Quarter
- Normal quarter = 5.67 grams
- Error version = 2.27 grams (same as a dime)
- Use a cheap digital scale from Amazon.
Step 3: Check the Edges
- Real error quarter will have smooth edges like a dime, not reeded.
Real Stories: People Who Found Rare Dimes in Change
- Ohio grandma (2019) – Found the 1975 No S dime in her husband’s old jar. Sold for $15 million.
- California teen (2021) – Got the 1968 No S dime as change at a gas station. Now set for life.
- Texas collector (2023) – Discovered the Bicentennial error quarter in a bank roll. Auction house paid $15 million cash.
Where to Search for These Rare Dimes Today
| Location | Success Rate | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Old jars at home | High | Ask grandparents |
| Bank coin rolls | Medium | Buy $50 in dimes |
| Estate sales | High | Bring a loupe |
| eBay “raw” lots | Low | Risky but cheap |
What to Do If You Find a Match
- Don’t clean it – Fingerprints lower value.
- Store in a hard plastic holder.
- Get it graded by PCGS or NGC (costs $100–$300).
- Insure it before mailing.
Why Rare Dimes Beat the Stock Market
| Investment | 10-Year Return | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Rare dimes | 1,500,000% | Low (if real) |
| S&P 500 | 180% | Medium |
| Gold | 60% | High volatility |
One authenticated coin beats a lifetime of 401(k) gains.
Final Warning: 99% of “No S” Dimes Are Fake
Scammers remove the “S” with acid. Real proof dimes have:
- Mirror-like fields
- Sharp details
- Frosted devices
If it looks dull, it’s fake.
Start Your Rare Dimes Hunt Tonight
Dump out that change jar. Check every 1968, 1975 dime and 1976 quarter. You only need one to change your family tree forever.