The jingle of coins in pockets might contain more value than their face would suggest. Among the most commonly overlooked treasures in circulation are certain dimes and those distinctive Bicentennial quarters produced for America’s 200th birthday celebration.
For the patient treasure hunter willing to examine pocket change, these small pieces of history occasionally yield significant returns.
Valuable Dimes Worth Searching For
1916-D Mercury Dime Perhaps the most famous rare dime, the 1916-D Mercury features exceptionally low mintage figures. The Denver mint produced only 264,000 examples before shifting production to war materials. Today, even heavily worn specimens command $1,000+, while mint-state examples regularly fetch $10,000-$20,000 at auction. The distinctive “D” mintmark appears on the reverse, near the base of the fasces.
1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate This fascinating error occurred when a 1942 digit was punched over a 1941 date, creating a visible “1” underneath the “2.” Two varieties exist – Philadelphia and Denver mintages – with the Philadelphia version being significantly rarer. Sharp-eyed collectors occasionally find these in circulation, where they might bring $500+ even in worn condition. The overdate appears most visible under magnification with angled lighting.
1968-S No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime When San Francisco accidentally produced dimes without the “S” mintmark, they created an instant rarity. Most examples were caught before release, making them exceptionally scarce in circulation. A worn example discovered in pocket change might bring $300+, while uncirculated specimens can exceed $7,500. Careful examination of 1968 dimes might reveal this elusive variety.
1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime Similar to the 1968 error, Philadelphia accidentally produced some 1982 dimes with no mintmark through a die preparation error. These remain actively sought by collectors, with circulated examples typically bringing $50-$150 depending on condition. The relative recency means examples occasionally surface in pocket change.
1996-W Roosevelt Dime Produced exclusively for collectors in mint sets, some 1996-W dimes eventually reached circulation through collectors spending their sets or collections being broken up. Finding one in change represents a genuine stroke of luck, as they typically command $150+ even in worn condition. The “W” mintmark appears to the left of Roosevelt’s bust.
Silver Roosevelt Dimes (1946-1964) While not individually rare, any Roosevelt dime dated 1964 or earlier contains 90% silver, giving it intrinsic value exceeding face value. These silver dimes typically trade based on silver content (approximately $1.50-$2.00 in average condition at current metal prices), though exceptional examples or certain dates command premiums.
1949-S Roosevelt Dime While not exceptionally valuable in worn condition, this date becomes surprisingly scarce in higher grades. Uncirculated examples discovered in old bank rolls might bring $100+, making them worth setting aside when found. The distinctive “S” mintmark appears near Roosevelt’s neck.
Bicentennial Quarter Values
The distinctive 1976 quarters featuring the colonial drummer on the reverse and dual-date (1776-1976) on the obverse were produced in massive quantities, making most examples worth only face value. However, several varieties command significant premiums:
1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter Produced specifically for collectors, these 40% silver quarters occasionally enter circulation when collections are broken up or spent. They feature distinctive deep cameo contrast and the “S” mintmark, typically commanding $5-$15 when found in circulation.
1976-S Doubled Die Obverse Some San Francisco Bicentennial quarters show distinct doubling, particularly visible in the lettering and Washington’s hair details. This variety can bring $40-$100+ in circulated condition when authenticated. Close examination with magnification reveals the doubling most clearly.
1976 No Mintmark Transitional Error During the transition between regular and Bicentennial designs, some quarters were struck on wrong planchets or with mismatched dies. These transitional errors, extremely rare in circulation, can bring hundreds or even thousands depending on the specific error type. Authentication remains essential for these scarce varieties.
Authentication Considerations
When discovering potentially valuable coins in circulation, several factors affect accurate identification:
Lighting conditions significantly impact visible details
Magnification (7-10x) proves essential for overdate and doubling verification
Weight and ring tests help identify silver content
Diameter and thickness measurements help identify improper planchets
Professional certification becomes necessary for high-value specimens
Most importantly, familiarizing yourself with common characteristics of genuine examples provides the best protection against disappointment. Reference images from reputable sources like PCGS or NGC help develop the eye for authentic varieties.
Value Fluctuations
Market values for these coins fluctuate based on several factors:
Current precious metal prices affect silver content value
Auction results from major sales influence market perception
Hobby trends periodically increase interest in specific series
New discoveries occasionally change rarity assessments
Condition remains paramount in determining final value
For most collectors, the thrill of discovery outweighs potential monetary value. The careful examination of pocket change connects modern collectors with America’s rich numismatic heritage while occasionally yielding financial rewards.
Dimes and Bicentennial Quarter
The patient examination of everyday pocket change occasionally reveals overlooked treasures. While genuine rarities remain elusive, the possibility of discovering a valuable dime or Bicentennial quarter variation makes the humble act of checking change a potentially rewarding hobby.
Whether pursuing this hobby casually or systematically, the knowledge of what to look for transforms ordinary transactions into treasure-hunting opportunities.