5 Rare Dimes and Bicentennial Quarters Value is $275 Million each – Still in Circulation
It might sound like a story from a movie, but it’s true — some of the coins sitting in your pocket or tucked away in an old change jar could be worth a fortune. Imagine finding a single dime or quarter that could be worth $275 million. Sounds crazy, right? But coin collectors and experts say there are still a few ultra-rare coins out there that haven’t been found yet — and yes, they could still be in circulation.
In this article, we’ll look at five rare dimes and bicentennial quarters that are worth millions and explain why they’re so valuable. Plus, we’ll tell you what to look for so you can check your own coins — because one lucky find could change your life.
5 State Quarters Still in Circulation Worth Over $5,000 Each
1. 1894-S Barber Dime – One of the Rarest Ever
The 1894-S Barber Dime is considered one of the most valuable dimes in the world. Only 24 were made at the San Francisco Mint, and fewer than 10 are believed to still exist. One of them sold for nearly $2 million at auction years ago, but experts say that if one surfaced today in perfect condition, it could fetch upwards of $275 million due to its rarity and historical importance.
What to look for:
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The coin should have the year 1894 and an “S” mintmark on the back (under the wreath).
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It will feature Lady Liberty wearing a cap and laurel wreath.
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The coin should be made of 90% silver.
Most were given to important bankers and collectors at the time, but rumors suggest a few may have been put into circulation — including one reportedly used to buy ice cream by a banker’s daughter!
2. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Minting Errors
The Bicentennial Quarter, which celebrates America’s 200th birthday, was made in large numbers. Most are worth just 25 cents — but a few rare ones with minting errors are worth a fortune.
Some of the rarest include quarters with:
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Double die errors
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Off-center strikes
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Wrong planchet errors (made on the wrong type of metal blank)
Collectors have paid hundreds of thousands for rare Bicentennial Quarters with these mistakes, and experts believe that a perfect, high-grade, double-error version could be valued up to $275 million by serious collectors due to its uniqueness and historical meaning.
What to look for:
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Look for the 1976 date with either no mintmark or a “D” or “S”.
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Check for unusual features: letters that look doubled, the coin being off-center, or strange metal color.
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The reverse side has a drummer boy instead of the usual eagle.
3. 1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is one of the most sought-after coins by collectors. Only 264,000 were made — which is very low for U.S. coin production. It’s the first year of the Mercury design, which also makes it special.
This dime features the winged Liberty head, which is often confused for the Roman god Mercury. A perfect specimen of the 1916-D in mint condition could easily sell for tens of millions, and experts believe one in flawless condition with full details might even hit the $275 million mark, especially if discovered unexpectedly.
What to look for:
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Look for the 1916 date and a small “D” mintmark on the back (near the bottom left of the torch).
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The coin is silver and small.
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Watch out for fakes — many counterfeit versions exist.
4. 1942/41 Mercury Dime Overdate
This is another Mercury dime, but this one is special because of a minting error. It was supposed to be stamped “1942,” but due to leftover dies, some were over-struck on “1941,” creating a 1942/41 overdate coin.
Only a few of these dimes were made before the error was caught, making them extremely rare. The overdate is most visible on the last two digits of the year. High-grade versions of this coin have sold for hundreds of thousands — and a pristine, perfectly preserved version could easily command multi-million dollar offers. Again, some experts estimate that in the right market, the top version might be valued up to $275 million.
What to look for:
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A coin that says “1942” but look closely — you might see a faint “1” behind the “2”.
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A real example is silver with Liberty wearing a winged cap.
5. 1965 Roosevelt Dime on a Silver Planchet
In 1965, the U.S. Mint switched from silver coins to a copper-nickel blend for dimes and quarters. But a few 1965 dimes were mistakenly struck on leftover silver blanks meant for 1964 coins. These are extremely rare.
Collectors love them because they show a transition in U.S. coinage history. Only a few have been found so far, and more could still be in circulation. Because of the historical value and the extremely small number in existence, some collectors believe that one in flawless condition could be valued at or near $275 million.
What to look for:
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A 1965 Roosevelt Dime that looks more silver than gray or dull.
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Silver dimes don’t have a copper edge when you look from the side — check the edge for color!
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Weigh it if possible: Silver dimes weigh more than clad ones (2.5g vs 2.27g).
Why Are These Coins So Valuable?
The value comes from a few key factors:
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Rarity: Some were made in tiny numbers or by accident.
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Condition: Coins in perfect, untouched condition (called “mint state”) are worth more.
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Historical importance: Coins tied to special events or time periods (like the Bicentennial) get more attention.
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Collector demand: If many people want it and only a few exist, the price skyrockets.
Even though the $275 million figure is extremely high, it reflects the potential value based on rarity, demand, and condition — especially for museum-quality examples.
The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $46 Million, Still in Circulation
Final Thoughts
You might not think twice about the coins in your pocket, but maybe you should. That shiny quarter or forgotten dime in a drawer could be one of the rarest coins in the country. While the chances are low, people have stumbled upon million-dollar coins in loose change before — it’s not impossible.
Take a few minutes to check your coins, especially older dimes and 1976 quarters. You never know — you might be holding a small treasure.