Coin collecting is an engaging and potentially lucrative hobby that captures the attention of individuals all around the United States. Dimes, in particular, may seem like modest bits of metal that one might overlook, but to the devoted numismatist, they are treasures with untold historical value. It is our mission to delve into the nuances of these small, yet significant, pieces and to provide you with an understanding of their worth in the expansive landscape of coin collecting.
Coin collecting is an engaging and potentially lucrative hobby that captures the attention of individuals all around the United States. Dimes, in particular, may seem like modest bits of metal that one might overlook, but to the devoted numismatist, they are treasures with untold historical value. It is our mission to delve into the nuances of these small, yet significant, pieces and to provide you with an understanding of their worth in the expansive landscape of coin collecting.
The Legendary Dimes and Their Auction Records
At the pinnacle of collectible dimes stand several exceptional pieces, each with its own unique backstory and remarkable auction record. Let us explore these venerable coins and appreciate their status in numismatic history:
1860 O Liberty Seated Dime – A historical artifact from the New Orleans Mint, this coin saw a limited production of just 40,000 pieces. Owing to its rarity, it attracted a high auction price of $192,000.
1846 Liberty Seated Dime – With a mintage of a mere 31,300, this dime is a key rarity from its series. High-grade examples can command up to $86,250 at auction.
1859 S Liberty Seated Dime – With only 60,000 minted, this coin from the San Francisco Mint is another important piece, fetching up to $100,000 for collectors fortunate enough to find it in Mint State.
1919 D Mercury Dime – A common coin in circulated grades but elusive in Mint State, this dime can be highly valued, especially with defined Full Bands on the fasces on the reverse. Its auction record stands at $156,000.
1874 CC Liberty Seated Dime – From the Carson City Mint, with fewer than 11,000 minted, specimens sold for as much as $162,150, its rarity compounded by the possibility of many having been melted for their silver content.
1918 D Mercury Dime – A 90% silver piece, highly prized in mint condition. Circulated coins are more common, but Mint State coins with Full Bands are rare and valued at $182,125 at auction.
1872 CC Liberty Seated Dime – Despite a significant mintage for its time, this coin is rare and prized for its numismatic significance, with the highest grade known fetching $184,000 at auction.
1916 D Mercury Dime – The lowest mintage in the Mercury dime series, only 264,000 pieces were produced. It is highly sought after but beware of counterfeits due to its popularity. An impressive $207,000 was realized at auction for a high-grade example.
1873 CC Liberty Seated Dime – With just 12,000 coins struck, this is one of the rarest and most sought-after dimes. An exceptional 'No Arrows' variety sold for $1,840,000 in 2012, but even less distinguished varieties trade hands for significant sums, including an auction record of $276,000.
1871 CC Liberty Seated Dime – The pièce de résistance of many collections is this Carson City Mint coin. Its limited run of 20,100 coins and the estimated five uncirculated specimens remaining make it extraordinarily rare, evidenced by an auction record of $270,250.
These dimes are more than mere currency; they are snapshots of American history, embodying the artistry and innovation of their times. They are venerable icons within the numismatic community.
Understanding and Assessing Your Dime Collection
For those just embarking on the journey of coin collecting or seasoned veterans with an eye toward optimizing their investments, assessing the value of a dime collection is a key skill. Collector's items such as Bust Dimes, Seated Liberty Dimes, Barber Dimes, Mercury Dimes, and Roosevelt Dimes each have distinguishing features and historical contexts that can affect their value.
To assist you, we offer comprehensive price guides. These guides break down the market value of dimes based on factors such as rarity, condition, and historical significance. Our aim is to empower you with the knowledge to make the most informed decisions possible, whether you're buying, selling, or trading these miniature artifacts.
Enhancing Your Collector's Experience
To compliment your coin collecting adventures, a suite of educational resources awaits at Coin Collecting. Our experts have crafted detailed glossaries and value charts to aid in your exploration of dates and values. The blog posts aim to illuminate various facets of numismatics, and for those who relish staying on the cutting edge of the hobby, our free newsletter delivers regular updates right to your inbox.
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Coin collecting is more than a pastime; it's a passion project that melds history, art, and economics into a singular pursuit. With our resources, you can tread confidently into the diverse realm of coin valuation. Keep abreast of the latest insights and news by subscribing to our newsletter. We eagerly await the privilege of guiding you through the spellbinding narratives each coin holds. Happy collecting, and remember to stay tuned for subsequent parts of this series, where we will venture further into the absorbing world of coin collecting.
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