Everyday pocket change can hide surprising value. A few dimes and quarters from specific years, mints, or with certain errors have sold for seven-figure amounts. This guide gives practical, step-by-step advice to check your change and know when to get a coin professionally graded or sold.
Rare Dimes and Quarters Worth Millions: What to Watch For
Not every old coin is rare, but some specific dates, mintmarks, and errors are highly sought after. Learn to spot the main indicators that a dime or quarter might be valuable.
- Key dates and mintmarks — low mintage years and coins from small mint facilities.
- Mint errors — double dies, off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and repunched mintmarks.
- Condition and grading — higher-grade examples are often worth exponentially more.
- Metal composition — early dimes and quarters contain silver which adds baseline value.
How to Identify Key Dates and Mintmarks
Check the date and small letters on the coin. On many U.S. dimes and quarters, a small letter (D, S, or no letter) near the date or reverse indicates the mint. Low production at a specific mint can mean rarity.
Use these quick checks:
- Look for worn digits in the date under strong light and a magnifier.
- Compare the mintmark (if present) to online references for rarity.
- Search auction house results for the date plus mintmark to see realized prices.
Common High-Value Dime and Quarter Types
Several series contain the most valuable pieces. For dimes, Barber dimes and certain early Mercury or Draped Bust examples are frequently prized. For quarters, Draped Bust, Capped Bust, and some early Washington issues can reach high values in top condition.
Keep an eye out for these traits: scarce date, unusual strike, or exceptional preservation (little wear, full luster).
Simple Tools and Steps to Check Your Change
You do not need professional equipment to make an initial assessment. A few inexpensive tools will let you separate routine coins from candidates worth professional attention.
- Magnifier (10x) to inspect dates, mintmarks, and doubling.
- Digital scale and calipers to check weight and diameter against known specs.
- Good light and a matte black background to view edges and relief clearly.
Follow this basic process for each suspect coin:
- Record the date and mintmark.
- Compare the coin to reference photos from PCGS, NGC, or major auction houses.
- Look for obvious errors: off-center, doubled dies, clipped planchets, or missing elements.
- If the coin looks rare, photograph it and seek a second opinion from a reputable dealer or grading service.
When to Get a Coin Graded
Grading by a professional service (PCGS or NGC) is worthwhile when the coin could be worth several hundred dollars or more. Proper grading establishes authenticity and condition for serious buyers.
Consider grading if:
- The coin is a known key date or has an obvious major error.
- It appears to be in exceptionally high condition for its date.
- Online auction results show similar coins selling for four or more figures.
Some rare dimes and quarters were struck in such small numbers that only a handful survive today. A single surviving specimen can drive prices into the seven-figure range at major auctions.
Errors and Varieties That Raise Value
Not all errors add value, but specific types do. Collectors particularly prize: double die obverse/reverse, off-center strikes over 10%, repunched mintmarks, and major die breaks that create unique appearances.
Verify suspected errors against published registers and auction catalogs. Some common error coins are plentiful and worth modest premiums, while rare varieties are highly valuable.
Examples of Valuable Varieties
- Double die — clear duplicated features on the date or lettering.
- Off-center strikes — significant portions of the design missing from the strike.
- Repunched mintmark — visible secondary mintmark impressions.
Real-World Case Study
Example: A collector found an old Barber dime in a dresser drawer. The coin was dated 1894 with an S mintmark. After photographing and comparing it to reference images, the finder contacted a reputable dealer. The dealer confirmed it as an extremely rare 1894-S Barber dime type. The coin later sold at auction for more than one million dollars.
This case shows the value of careful inspection, using references, and consulting experts before selling or tossing a suspect coin.
Where to Get Help and Sell Safely
If a coin looks valuable, do not sell impulsively to the first buyer. Get multiple opinions and documented authentication. Trusted options include major grading services, established auction houses, and experienced coin dealers.
Tips for safe selling:
- Get written appraisals from reputable sources.
- Use graded certification to reach a wide market at auction.
- Avoid private sales without references or escrow for high-value items.
Checking your change can pay off. With a magnifier, a few reference sites, and a cautious approach, you can identify coins that might be worth serious money. When in doubt, get professional grading or advice before making any sale.
Good luck — and check your change.