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Dime
The Indian Head cent is the most popular small cents coin among numismatists, next to the popular Lincoln penny. Like its Lincoln counterpart, Indian Head pennies contain no precious metal like silver or gold, therefore their value is derived from the demands of coin collectors. Because many people collect these coins, the market is quite active, and most dealers will pay a high price for quality Indian Head coins depending on their year of issue and condition. Another fun fact about the Indian Head cent is that from 1859-1864, the coin contained 88 parts copper to 12 parts nickel, which gave it a light or white color, giving this coin and coins with similar compositions the nickname “white cents.”
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.
Draped Bust Dimes
These were the first dimes to be circulated after the United States 1792 Coinage Act, with the draped bust of Liberty on the obverse and a small eagle on the reverse. In 1798, the heraldic eagle design took over, and since, this design has had several varieties.
Capped Bust Dimes
These dimes vary from their Draped Bust counterpart, featuring the bust of Liberty wearing a Freedom cap, while the reverse was designed with a bald eagle. These U.S. dimes were the first dimes minted with a coin value and have 123 varieties that were issued.
Seated Liberty Dimes
Minted from 1837-1891 and the precursor to the famous Barber dime, the obverse of this U.S. dime has an image of Liberty sitting in a dress and holding a staff, while the reverse features a simple “ONE DIME” text, much like the Barber dime. The greatest rarities of this design were the 1873 and 1874 Carson City Dimes.
Barber Dimes
Named after Charles Barber, its designer, this design was the exact same design that was used on the quarter and half-dollar as well in the years it was minted. The obverse shows the bust of Liberty wearing a cap and headband, while the reverse contains the text “ONE DIME” decorated by a wreath.
Mercury Dimes
Also known as the “Winged Liberty” dime, the obverse of this coin design shows Liberty facing left with a winged helmet like the Roman god Mercury, while the reverse depicts the image of fasces with an olive branch.
Roosevelt Dime
The design on this U.S. dime, which is the current one we have today, was chosen in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The obverse features the U.S. president, while the reverse features a torch, oak branch, and olive branch.
Buying Collectible Dimes at GovMint.com
GovMint.com is one of the top authorities with U.S. coinage, no matter the year, and has been serving the industry for over 30 years. We are one of the largest distributors of collectible coins and currency issues in the United States. As a private retailer, we are not affiliated with the U.S. government or U.S. Treasury in any way. Through our various endeavors, we have been able to provide collectors like you with leading-edge product introductions and new innovations within the collecting field.
GovMint.com is an authorized dealer for coins that are authenticated, certified, and graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). We are a resource you can trust!
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