Most of the change in your pocket is worth exactly its face value. However, a small handful of dimes and quarters are worth thousands—or even millions—to collectors.1 Whether it’s a “No S” error from 1975 or a rare 40% silver Bicentennial quarter, these coins are the hidden treasures of the American monetary system.
Here is your updated 2025–2026 guide to spotting these rare coins.
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter: Myths vs. Reality
To celebrate America’s 200th birthday, the U.S. Mint produced quarters with a dual date (1776–1976) and a Colonial Drummer on the reverse.2 While billions were made, a few specific versions are worth a fortune.3
The 40% Silver “S” Mint Business Strike4
While most Bicentennial quarters are copper-nickel (clad), the San Francisco mint produced special 40% silver versions for collectors.5
- How to Spot: Look for an “S” mint mark on the front. Then, check the edge; a silver coin will be solid white/silver with no copper stripe.6
- The Value: In perfect “Mint State” condition ($MS68$ or $MS69$), these have sold for over $19,000.
The “Doubled Die” Denver Error7
This is one of the most famous Bicentennial errors. It occurs when the coin is struck by a die that was incorrectly made with a double image.8
- How to Spot: Use a magnifying glass on a 1976-D quarter. Look at the letters in “LIBERTY” and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” If the letters look “doubled” or have a clear shadow, you’ve found it.
- The Value: High-grade versions can reach $3,000 to $5,000.
The “Struck on a Dime Planchet” Error9
One of the rarest errors occurs when the quarter design is accidentally stamped onto a metal blank meant for a dime.10
- How to Spot: The coin will be much smaller than a normal quarter, and the edges of the design will be cut off. It will weigh roughly $2.27g$ instead of the standard $5.67g$.
- The Value: These major errors can easily fetch $4,000 to $10,000+.
Rare Dimes: The “Million Dollar” Club
Dimes are often overlooked, but the Roosevelt and Mercury series contain some of the most expensive coins in the world.
The 1975 “No S” Proof Roosevelt Dime11
This is the “Holy Grail” of modern dimes. Proof sets were supposed to include dimes with an “S” mint mark.12Two sets were accidentally released with no mint mark.
- The Hunt: It must have a mirror-like finish (Proof) but no mint mark above the date.13
- The Value: One of the two known copies sold for over $450,000, with estimates now reaching near $1 Million.
The 1894-S Barber Dime14
Only 24 of these coins were ever minted, and only 9 are known to survive today.15 It is widely considered the most valuable dime in American history.
- The Value: Auction prices for this coin have exceeded $1.8 Million.
The 1916-D Mercury Dime16
This is the “Key Date” for Mercury dime collectors. Because so few were made at the Denver mint, even a worn-out copy is valuable.
- How to Spot: Look for a tiny “D” on the back, at the bottom left of the bundle of sticks (fasces).
- The Value: Worn copies are worth $1,000, while pristine versions can reach $100,000 to $200,000.
Quick Reference: Rare Coin Value Table (2025)
| Coin Type | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
| 1975 Roosevelt Dime | No “S” Mint Mark (Proof) | $450,000 – $1M+ |
| 1976-S Quarter | 40% Silver (MS68+ Grade) | $5,000 – $19,000 |
| 1976-D Quarter | Doubled Die Obverse | $500 – $3,000 |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | Small “D” Mint Mark | $1,000 – $100,000+ |
| 1982 Roosevelt Dime | No “P” Mint Mark | $50 – $300 |
FAQ: How to Check Your Coins
Q: Where do I find the mint mark on a dime?
A: For Roosevelt dimes (1968–Present), it is located just above the date on the front. On older silver dimes (pre-1965), it is on the back at the bottom.
Q: Are all 1776-1976 quarters worth money?
A: Most are only worth 25 cents.17 You need a silver version ($S$ mint mark and no copper stripe on edge) or a major error (doubling or off-center strike) for it to be valuable.
Q: Should I clean my old coins to see the date?
A: NEVER clean a coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and can reduce a coin’s collector value by 90% instantly. Use a magnifying glass instead.
Conclusion
While finding a million-dollar dime in a vending machine is nearly impossible, finding a 1982 “No P” dime or a silver Bicentennial quarter is still very possible for the observant collector. Always check your change for missing letters, doubled dates, and silver edges.