Have you ever checked your pocket change and wondered if it’s worth more than just a few cents? You’re not the only one. Some people have paid huge amounts of money for old or rare coins. A group of rare dimes and Bicentennial quarters is said to be worth around $455 million. It’s possible you may already have one of these coins without knowing it. Let’s look at five coins that could be hiding in your home—and might make you rich.
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime – Worth Over $500,000
In 1975, the U.S. Mint made a mistake. A few dimes were made without the “S” mintmark from the San Francisco Mint. These coins were never supposed to be given to the public. Only two are known to exist. One of them sold for $516,000 at auction.
What to check: Look for a 1975 dime with no mintmark under the date. Ask a coin expert to check if it’s real.
1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime – Value: $50,000+
Another rare coin is the 1968 No-S Roosevelt dime. Like the 1975 version, this dime also does not have the “S” mintmark. Only a few of these were made. Collectors will pay a lot of money to own one.
What to check: A 1968 dime with no mintmark under the date. It should also look very shiny—like a mirror. That means it’s a proof coin.
1916-D Mercury Dime – Value: Up to $200,000
The 1916-D Mercury dime is one of the most wanted U.S. coins. Only 264,000 were made. That’s a very small number, so finding one is very rare. Clean, untouched coins have sold for as much as $200,000.
What to check: The date should say 1916. On the back of the coin, look for a tiny “D” near the bottom left. Be careful—many fakes exist. It should be checked by a pro.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter (No Mintmark or Double Die Error) – Value: Up to $75,000
To celebrate 200 years of U.S. independence, special quarters were made in 1976. Most are common, but a few had errors. Some have letters that were printed twice (called a double die), and others are missing mintmarks. These rare ones can be worth thousands.
What to check: Look for doubled letters in the words “Liberty” or “In God We Trust.” Also check if the mintmark (P, D, or S) is missing.
1976-S Bicentennial Silver Proof Quarter – Value: Up to $10,000
Some 1976 quarters were made just for collectors. These were made from 40% silver. They were not put into everyday use. If you find one in great shape, it could be worth a lot of money—up to $10,000.
What to check: The coin should have an “S” mintmark and look very shiny. It also weighs more than regular quarters. You can use a coin scale to check its weight.
Why Are These Coins So Valuable?
These coins are worth a lot because they are rare and hard to find. Some were made by mistake, and others were only made in small numbers. The better shape the coin is in, the more it is worth. Coin experts give grades to coins. Higher grades mean higher prices.
How to Check If Your Coins Are Worth Money
Here are some quick steps to find out if your coins are special:
What To Do | Why It Matters |
Check the date and mintmark | Rare years or missing marks add value |
Look for errors | Doubled letters or missing marks are rare |
Use a magnifying glass | Helps you see small details clearly |
Weigh the coin | Some rare coins have different weights |
Ask a coin expert | They can tell you if your coin is valuable |
FAQs
What is the most valuable coin mentioned?
The 1975 No-S dime, worth over $500,000.
How can I check if my coin is rare?
Look at the date, mintmark, and any unusual features.
Do rare coins need to be perfect?
Better condition means higher value, but errors matter more.
Are these coins still in circulation?
Yes, some may still be found in everyday change.
Can I sell a rare coin myself?
It’s best to get help from a coin expert or auction house.