Collecting Dimes
Compared to pennies, quarters, and U.S. silver dollars, U.S. dimes tend to not be collected on the same level, which is great news if you are looking into starting your dime collection! The dime is integral in United States commerce. It offers double the face value of a nickel and 40% of a quarter’s buying power. Currently, the dime is the smallest physical circulating coin. The dime’s design has also remained unchanged since the release of the Roosevelt dime in 1946. During that time, the only changes that have been made to the U.S. dime have been the metallic composition and the location of the mint mark if any are present.
All that said, U.S. dimes are said by some to be a “sleeper” coin series, meaning that if more people knew about them, they could offer tremendous opportunities. There are some valuable dimes that could only get more valuable if more collectors were to compete and buy them. So, if you’re looking to start collecting dimes since the competition for them generally isn’t as fierce as other U.S. coins, there is the luxury of plentiful choices and the chance to score some nice-quality coins for your collection!
Looking for ideas on what types of dime sets to build? Here are some fun ways to start collecting dimes:
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Dimes by type set
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Barber dimes (1892-1916)
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Mercury dimes (1916-1945)
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Roosevelt dimes (1946-present)
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90% silver Roosevelt dimes (1946-1964)
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Copper-nickel clad Roosevelt dimes (1965-present)
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Proof Roosevelt dimes (1950-present)
What Dimes Are Worth Collecting?
Some collectors gravitate towards collecting dimes due to their historical significance or numismatic appeal. If dimes are worth collecting really depends upon what type of collection one is trying to build and what their ultimate goals with the collection are.
When it comes to the U.S. dime, the following are considered to be some of the most valuable, depending of course, upon their year of issue and condition amongst other factors:
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Draped Bust (1796 and 1797)
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Seated Liberty (from Carson City in the 1870s)
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Barber (1894-S)
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Mercury Dime (1916-D, 1942/1 and 1942/1-D overdate)
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Roosevelt Dimes (1975-no S, 1982-no mint mark)
Types of Collectible Dimes
Based on the design and history of the specific dime, there may also be some appeal for one collector over another. From the most famous Barber dimes to Mercury dimes and the current Roosevelt design, here are some of the most iconic dimes ever issued by the United States Mint.
