Rare Dime Sells for $1,997,500 – Could You Have One in Your Collection?

In the coin-collecting world, a tiny sliver of silver can be worth a massive amount of history and a much larger price tag. One such treasure is the 1894-S Barber Dime, a dime that recently sold for an eye-popping $1.99 million and is estimated to be worth $1,997,500.

Despite its small size, this rare dime is one of the most valuable coins in U.S. history and chances are, you’ve never even heard of it. Let’s dive into the story of this extraordinary coin, what makes it so valuable, and a few other 19th-century dimes that could be hiding similar value.

The 1894-S Barber Dime: A Dime Worth Nearly $2 Million

There were only 24 Barber dimes struck in San Francisco in 1894, and fewer than 10 are known today. While the rarity of the coin is a part of its specialness, so too is the high-quality craftsmanship and unknown origin.

Key Features:

Obverse: Has a beautifully detailed image of Lady Liberty sculpted into the silver.
Reverse: Has a wreath surrounding the words “ONE DIME,” which is standard fare for Barber dime designs.
Finish: Struck with a proof-like luster, with a brilliant and highly polished look.

One of these extremely rare dimes popped up in 2016 and auctioned for a staggering $1.99 million. The very same coin is worth about $1,997,500 today a testament to its growing collector and historical value.

The Mystery Behind the 1894-S

The San Francisco Mint struck only 24 of these coins an astoundingly small number for any U.S. coin. The reason is still a mystery, but some possible explanations are:

A clerical or accounting error.
A special run for exclusive gifts.
A personal order made by the mint superintendent for his close friends.

Whatever the motivation, these coins were never released into circulation and are now numismatic royalty.

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Other Rare 19th-Century Dimes With Sky-High Value

Although the 1894-S Barber Dime is a standout, other dimes of the 19th century have also achieved significant value particularly those struck at the Carson City Mint (CC), for which production runs were limited.

The 1873-CC No Arrows Seated Liberty Dime

Prior to the introduction of new coin weight laws on April 1, 1873, a few Seated Liberty dimes were minted at Carson City without arrows next to the date the most important feature introduced later to signal the weight modification.

What Makes It Special?

Obverse: Shows seated Lady Liberty supporting a shield.
Reverse: Classic wreath design.
No arrows next to the date a very rare design feature.
There has only ever been one known specimen found.

That single surviving dime is now valued at $300,000 to $400,000.

Surviving “No Arrows” CC Dimes

Even other non-proof “No Arrows” dimes from the Carson City Mint are extremely valuable, with some selling for $250,000 to $300,000 depending on condition and scarcity.

These coins are highly prized as they reflect a critical turning point in U.S. Mint history and represent a limited era of coinage from Carson City.

Coin	Mint Year	Unique Features	Estimated Value
1894-S Barber Dime	1894	Proof strike, S mint mark	$1,997,500
1873-CC No Arrows Seated Liberty	1873	No arrows, Carson City mint	$300,000 – $400,000
1873-CC Seated Liberty (No Arrows)	1873	Survivors in fine condition	$250,000 – $300,000

What to Look For in Rare Dimes

Want to know if you’re sitting on a valuable dime? Here are some essential features to spot:

Mint Mark: Look under the wreath on the reverse side.
Arrows Next to the Date: A presence or absence could signal rarity.
Proof Finish: A mirror-like finish typically signifies special minting.
Year of Minting: 1873 and 1894 are particularly notable years.
Condition: Coins showing little wear are considerably more valuable.

The history of the $1,997,500 Barber Dime shows that at times, great riches are contained in small spaces. Although you probably don’t have one of these extremely rare dimes in your pocket, knowing the identifying characteristics and historical background of scarce coins can allow you to recognize value where others may not even glance.